How Expendable Is An Elite Running Back?
With today’s contract carousel, it’s hard to keep track of who’s the highest-paid at every position. There’s one position, however, that’s struggling to get paid at all. “The three-down running back is a dying breed.” That’s what the money says. Last year it was Le’Veon Bell (sat out last year with the Steelers and signed with the Jets this offseason) and this year Zeke Elliott and Melvin Gordon find themselves in similar spots.
“Gimme The Loot”
Last week it was reported that both sides had come closer to a number and to expect a contract done by the end of the weekend. Still no contract. I don’t think there’s any denying Zeke’s ability. He can do it all at the RB position, and in a time in the NFL where that’s the ONLY way to get paid while playing running back, he should get paid. Right? Not in Dallas. With Zeke dominating since he set foot on an NFL field, many people are questioning how much of that dominance is due to a well-built offensive line. I think there is some truth to that but Zeke is still a great running back if he’s in another offense, behind another line, with another Qb and even in a different scheme. He’s that good. If Dallas chooses to continue to play chicken, this could get ugly. Someone would love to pay Zeke, it just doesn’t seem like that’s Jerry Jones.
Gordon Never Playing For Chargers Again?
Gordon is in a different spot than Elliott, his team doesn’t even acknowledge the game of chicken. The Chargers have said if and when Gordon returns, he WILL play under his current contract and they will revisit contract talks in the offseason. His response says a lot:
For a player who didn’t score a TD in his first NFL season after being a first-round pick, he has less of a leg to stand on when it comes to consistency. Gordon played very well last year accounting for 1,375 total yds and 14 total tds. He only played 12 games… Gordon is a top 10 RB but this is getting to be more like a Le’Veon Bell situation than a Zeke situation.
“Shelf Life”
When you talk about longevity in the NFL, the window is considerably smaller for running backs. If you have 4+ years of Pro Bowl play, consider yourself lucky. The average “shelf life” for an NFL running back is 2 1/2 years and with first round draft picks coming with 4 year contracts and a fifth-year team option, you’re looking at not getting paid big until you’re likely out of your prime. That’s tough. I think as the NFL evolves, the RB position with regain its relevance. These guys are affecting the game more than ever out of the backfield, but if teams aren’t required to pay these guys big money until after they play through their prime, why would they?
Stay tuned for more contract updates…
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