The relationship between the NFL and NFLPA has always been a little messy.
Former NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith, who was replaced by Lloyd Howell this summer, never exactly got along with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. As Smith concluded his tenure, new debate around the value of running backs dominated training camp headlines.
From holdouts involving the Giants’ Saquon Barkley and Raiders standout Josh Jacobs to the odd situation in Indianapolis involving Jonathan Taylor and Colts owner Jim Irsay, a consensus was never reached on how much running backs should be paid.
Now, the NFL has accused the NFLPA of telling running backs to “consider feigning or exaggerating injuries” to help contract negotiations, according to a new grievance filed. An arbitrator will review the claim, but it’s unclear what consequences could come next.
Running Backs Top Of Mind
Concerns around the value of running backs also got the attention of players at another position that at times feels undervalued. Top NFL tight ends expressed their own concerns to Front Office Sports.
The Chiefs’ Travis Kelce said contracts should “transition into the production of things, and until that happens, we’re going to see kind of the horror stories of what’s going on with the running backs and everybody holding out.”
Giants tight end Darren Waller said, “Front offices have to take that into [consideration] because if you put that much value into that player — and they might not be there because they’re taking a beating — it puts them in a tough bind.”
Amid the NFL’s accusations, Barkley, who signed a one-year, $11 million contract, suffered an ankle injury in Week 2 that could keep him sidelined for several weeks. That’s significant as New York (1-1) looks to keep pace in an NFC East race where Dallas, Philadelphia, and Washington are all off to 2-0 starts.
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