• Loading stock data...
Thursday, September 18, 2025

NFL’s Running Back Pay Debate Heats Up, Could Spark Big Changes

  • Issue now rising to NFLPA leadership
  • Colts owner Irsay denounces potential changes to franchise tag system
Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

The growing conflict regarding compensation for NFL running backs is only intensifying — and could ultimately need formal talks to settle.

After a series of bitter contract negotiations involving several top backs sparked outcry among numerous players, the issue has now reached the NFL Players Association, which has discussed potentially pursuing a new franchise tag system without position assignments.

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay recently said such a move — and the broader unrest among running backs — is unwarranted.

“We have negotiated a CBA that took years of effort and hard work and good faith by both sides,” Irsay tweeted on Wednesday. “To say now that a specific player category wants another negotiation after the fact is inappropriate. Some agents are selling ‘bad faith.’”

The comments prompted immediate pushback from Malki Kawa, agent for Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor, who tweeted back, “Bad faith is not paying your top offensive player.”

Irsay is one of the league’s most outspoken and influential owners whose comments presaged the ultimate departure of former Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder. That influence will square up against newly appointed NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell, who also has separate issues involving his prior employer, consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton.

Howell has been involved in the conversation among running backs as salaries soar to unprecedented levels for quarterbacks.

“There’s a ton that we can do,” said the Los Angeles Chargers’ Austin Ekeler. “One is controlling the narrative. We’re starting to put out this narrative that’s kind of combatant against what’s been out there so far.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

ESPN Draws Highest ‘MNF’ Doubleheader Audience Since 2015

Buccaneers–Texans and Chargers–Raiders averaged 13.5 million viewers.
Brian Flores

Brian Flores Says NFL Arbitrator Is Stalling in Discrimination Case

A new filing says the arbitrator has done nothing for a year.
Tush Push

Why Fox’s Dean Blandino Is ‘Done’ With the Tush Push

The NFL rules analyst outlines why the play should be banned.

$3.8 Billion Commanders Stadium Deal Approved Despite Late Drama

A decisive final vote on the stadium followed some last-minute snags.

Featured Today

Adriunna Brown

Business Is Booming for WNBA’s Top Beauty Pros

A network of stylists is shaping how players look, feel, and perform.
Premier Lacrosse League
September 14, 2025

‘The Circus Is Coming to Town’: Why Upstart Leagues Start on Tour

In their ambitious plans, a traveling schedule is only temporary.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
September 13, 2025

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.

Ryder Cup: Secret Service Key to Smooth Trump Attendance

Trump’s attendance at the US Open delayed the men’s final.
September 16, 2025

Adam Silver Walks Back Claim He’d Never Heard of Aspiration

Adam Silver spoke at the Front Office Sports Tuned In summit.
Marina Mabrey
September 17, 2025

Adam Silver Defends WNBA Involvement in Sun Sale

Silver discussed the deal at Tuned In.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
Sep 14, 2025; Bridgeview, Illinois, USA; Portland Thorns FC midfielder Olivia Moultrie (13) kicks the ball past Chicago Stars FC defender Sam Staab (3) during the second half of a match at SeatGeek Stadium.
September 16, 2025

NWSL Beefs Up Media Deal With More CBS, ESPN, Adds Victory+

The NWSL has been locked into its existing deal since last year.
Sep 14, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Jewell Loyd (24) gestures to a teammate after scoring against the Seattle Storm in the first quarter during game one of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena.
September 15, 2025

Aces Surge From Collapse to Contention With Dynasty at Stake

The turnaround started after a 53-point loss to the Minnesota Lynx.
September 15, 2025

Tush Push Debate Heats Up in Eagles Win, Ex-NFL Rules Chief Sounds..

The Eagles are continuing to run the quarterback-sneak play.
September 14, 2025

Most NFL Home Teams Opt to Honor Charlie Kirk Before Games

Several NFL teams playing at home on Sunday recognized the late activist. Some did not.