• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
DEADLINE EXTENDED: The Best Employers in Sports survey is now open through Nov. 13 Learn More

Will Running Backs Ever Get Paid Big Money Again?

  • Compensation has dramatically fallen for former cornerstone position
  • Injury risks, emphasis on passing key reasons for change in approach
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Editor’s Note: This story was updated

Once a cornerstone of NFL offenses — not to mention fantasy leagues — running backs are facing perhaps their greatest struggle for a fair piece of the league’s expanding economic pie.

Saquon Barkley agreed early Tuesday to a one-year deal worth up to $11 million after a bitter negotiation with the New York Giants, and previously receiving the 2023 running back franchise tag for $10.091 million — as did the Dallas Cowboys’ Tony Pollard and Las Vegas Raiders’ Josh Jacobs, who is now holding out on training camp. 

No free-agent running back was able to hit $7 million in annual salary this past offseason, and the number of backs earning at least $12 million has been halved from eight in 2022 to four now.

The depressed market prompted a Zoom meeting Saturday among top players at the position to discuss the issue, attended by Barkley, Jacobs, Cleveland’s Nick Chubb, and several others.

“We’re the only position where our production hurts us the most,” Chubb said to ESPN. “If we run for 2,000 yards, the next year they’re going to say, ‘You’re probably worn down.’ It’s tough.”

The NFL’s salary cap rose 7.9% this year to $224.8 million and is set for bigger increases in future years. But running backs haven’t been able to fully benefit as the league continues its conspicuous shift to a pass-first mentality.

“This all has to do with injuries. This is a high-impact, collision position,” former Atlanta Falcons scout and former NFL offensive lineman Russ Bolinger told Front Office Sports. “Running backs are more susceptible to injuries than ever, and the cap guys have figured out this is a high-risk position.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NBA’s Declining Viewership Gets Steph Curry Bump

Last Wednesday’s Warriors-Celtics game averaged 2.14 million viewers.

Bears Revisiting Another Lakefront Location for New Stadium

The site is about 2.5 miles south of Soldier Field.

Chiefs-Bills Clash Could Set Ratings High, and CBS Is Going Big

CBS is set to broadcast “The NFL Today” on-site from Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y.
Nov 10, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders kicker Zane Gonzales (47) kicks a field goal against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Northwest Stadium.

RFK Stadium Bill Could Clear Congress in Lame-Duck Session

The legislation would grant D.C. a 99-year lease for the land.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Can the NBA Cup Help Revive Lagging Viewership?

0:00

Featured Today

Former President Donald Trump waves to the crowd as he exits the putting green with his aide Walt Nauta, left, during the final round of the LIV Golf Bedminster golf tournament at Trump National Bedminster on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023.
opinion

Trump Win Puts Sports Back in the White House

With Trump back in the White House, sports get more political again.
Members of the NY Giants run onto the field to start the game between the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.
November 8, 2024

The NFL Is Becoming the League With No Borders

Where will the NFL go next? International expansion will only get bigger.
November 5, 2024

NFL Center Connor McGovern Is the Heir to a Potato Empire

The NFL vet’s family provides potatoes for McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and others.
Vanderbilt Commodores fans head to the south end zone as the goal post is taken down by exuberant fans after beating No. 1 Alabama 40-35 at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
opinion
November 2, 2024

Something New in College Football This Year: Parity

Upsets, surprises. CFB is more fun on the field than the NFL.

NBA In-Season Tournament Returns: New Name, Fresh Look, Bigger Payout

The league’s in-season tournament is back with a new name and a slightly raised top prize.
November 10, 2024

Goodell: NFL Eyeing 8 International Games In 6 Countries Next Season

The Giants-Panthers game in Germany concludes the NFL’s five-game 2024 international slate
November 11, 2024

The Caitlin Clark Show Is Hitting the LPGA Tour in a Big..

The WNBA star is playing in an LPGA pro-am this week.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
November 7, 2024

F1 Revenue Dips As Q3 Race Count Slips, but Big Changes Ahead

F1’s Q3 revenue dips slightly, but billion-dollar LVMH deal fuels optimism.
November 7, 2024

NASCAR Season Wraps Up With Major Momentum for 2025

Cup Series races this year have averaged 2.89 million viewers.
May 19, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A detailed view of the chain and jersey of Atlanta Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia (11) against the San Diego Padres in the seventh inning at Truist Park.
November 6, 2024

Braves Report Strong Quarter, but Still Face Media Uncertainty

Revenue rises for the high-performing MLB club as it awaits the outcome of Diamond Sports Group’s bankruptcy.
November 6, 2024

McIlroy: Trump Could Help PGA Tour–LIV Golf Deal Discussions

The star golfer said Tuesday’s election results may benefit the fractured sport.