The Giants’ star player, Saquon Barkley, and the Raiders’ standout, Josh Jacobs, have chosen not to sign their franchise tags. As a result, both players are expected to skip the beginning of training camp. This comes after failed attempts to secure long-term deals by the Monday deadline. Let’s take a look at the past instances where running backs skipped training camp for contract reasons:
1. Alvin Kamara (2020, Saints):
Kamara’s absence, without excuse, lasted for four days during late training camp. In response, the Saints offered him a lucrative five-year contract extension worth $75 million to avoid any complications in the final year of his rookie deal. Kamara proved his worth by achieving career highs in both yards from scrimmage (1,668) and touchdowns (21).
2. Melvin Gordon (2019, Chargers):
Gordon’s holdout for the fifth-year rookie option dragged on for four games, resulting in a 2-2 start for the Chargers. Eventually, he became a free agent after a season with 612 rushing yards. Gordon accepted a two-year, $16 million deal from the Broncos, despite previously rejecting a four-year, $40 million extension from the Chargers.
3. Ezekiel Elliott (2019, Cowboys):
Elliott made the bold decision to hold out throughout the entire training camp, despite having two more years of team control remaining in his contract. His gamble paid off with a six-year, $90 million extension. Although he made the Pro Bowl that season, his role diminished over the next three seasons as Tony Pollard emerged as a threat.
4. Le’Veon Bell (2018, Steelers):
After playing under the franchise tag, Bell refused to do so again and sat out the entire season. Subsequently, he signed a four-year, $52.5 million contract with the Jets. Unfortunately, Bell’s performance declined significantly, averaging a mere 3.3 yards per carry with nine total touchdowns in his final three seasons.
5. Maurice Jones-Drew (2012, Jaguars):
Following a season where he led the league in rushing, Jones-Drew staged a 38-day holdout during training camp as he attempted to renegotiate his contract with two years remaining. However, the Jaguars stood firm, and Jones-Drew played a mere six games due to injuries before reaching free agency in 2014.
6. Chris Johnson (2011, Titans):
Johnson’s holdout extended into September due to his dissatisfaction with a mere $1.065 million salary, despite leading the NFL in rushing over the previous three years. Eventually, he signed a six-year, $56 million contract. Johnson enjoyed three more 1,000-yard seasons but struggled with heavy workloads towards the end of his career.
7. Steven Jackson (2008, Rams):
Jackson’s 27-day holdout led to a lucrative six-year, $44 million contract. However, he promptly missed four games in the first half of the season due to various issues. Nevertheless, Jackson went on to have several outstanding seasons after signing the deal.
8. Larry Johnson (2007, Chiefs):
After an exceptional season of setting an NFL record with 416 carries, Johnson chose not to attend training camp. His absence resulted in a five-year, $43.2 million extension, but unfortunately, he was plagued by injuries and failed to reach 200 carries, 900 rushing yards, or 13 starts in any subsequent season.
9. Emmitt Smith (1993, Cowboys):
Smith’s holdout lasted through the first two games, contributing to the Cowboys’ 0-2 start. Eventually, he let go of his demand for quarterback-level compensation. In response, the Cowboys made him the highest-paid running back, surpassing Thurman Thomas. Smith proved his worth by winning both the NFL MVP and Super Bowl MVP honors later that season.
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