A group chat has been initiated by several experienced NFL running backs in order to address the disappearing market for their position and devise strategies for improvement. According to reports, Austin Ekeler of the Los Angeles Chargers has organized a Zoom call to discuss the decline in salaries and demand among running backs. The NFL players union will also be involved in some capacity during the call. it is noteworthy that three key running backs, namely Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, and Tony Pollard, did not receive contract extensions before the deadline on Monday, leading to concerns among backs across the league. Austin Ekeler, who went through his own contract drama during the offseason, expressed his frustration over the situation, stating that it devalues one of the most important positions in the game. He emphasized that winning without a top running back is difficult, yet they are treated as replaceable. Derrick Henry of the Tennessee Titans echoed this sentiment, highlighting the dedication and hard work of running backs and their deserving of fair treatment. It is not just Barkley, Jacobs, and Pollard who are facing payment challenges, as Dalvin Cook, Ezekiel Elliott, and Leonard Fournette also remain unsigned despite the imminent start of training camps. The devaluation of the running back market can be attributed to teams finding success with rookie contract draft picks. Examples include Isiah Pacheco, a seventh-round rookie who started in the Super Bowl for the Kansas City Chiefs last season, and Dameon Pierce, a fourth-round pick who impressed the Houston Texans as a rookie and is expected to start in 2023. The running back market has seen a lack of significant contracts, with the last one exceeding $10 million per season being Nick Chubb’s three-year, $36.6 million deal with the Cleveland Browns in 2021.
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