Typically, the running back is one of the most important players on an NFL offense. With nimble movements, he carries the football down the field, scoring numerous yards and touchdowns. Despite this, many prominent stars are currently out of work – but why is that?
Dalvin Cook, Melvin Gordon, Ezekiel Elliot, Saquon Barkley. Just a selection of the big names currently on the market. All four delivered to their teams for years and were among the strongest attacking players in the league. So far, however, they have not received a new contract – much to the annoyance of the stars.
“It’s so hard for running backs right now. There’s so many of us out there and we’re not getting love. Our position is really the worst in the NFL right now. It really sucks,” said former Chargers star Gordon.
And the 30-year-old is probably right about that. The position is one of the lowest paid in the US league. On top of that. In terms of the average career length, the speedsters are even eliminated with the lowest average. As a rule, a career only lasts for two and a half years!
NFL: Why are running backs of limited value?
But why do many teams only value their guaranteed points to a limited extent? A big problem is the risk that comes with the way you play. Running backs thrive on their speed and agility. To stop this, long defenders often hit hard. Dangerous injuries are unfortunately inevitable – and a successful career can end quickly.
Another problem: many teams prefer to sign rookies. The talents are cheaper and at best deliver a similar output. As soon as the first payday for a new working paper arrives, the big musing starts: pay or let it go?
The stars mentioned should also be accommodated by teams again, their talent is too great for that. But the salary should be a lot cheaper than the offensive influence would suggest. Reason enough not to be too excited…