Debate rages on around the NFL regarding the appropriate salary range for running backs. Over the past few years, the position has fallen out of favor for premium long-term contracts due to supply and demand, injury risks, and most teams preferring to get younger each season.
The franchise tag stories of Saquan Barkley, Josh Jacobs, and Tony Pollard have pushed the discussion further in recent weeks. Each player is a vital part of the team’s offense, but they haven’t been compensated long-term.
Barkley and Jacobs are threatening to hold out as training camps open around the league this week. A similar conversation has been sparked over the last few seasons regarding tight ends not being paid to the level of receivers, most notably Kansas City Chiefs All-Pro Travis Kelce.
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons chimed in on the pay discussion via Twitter, citing Kelce as an example.
Facts i think Travis kelce should be paid as a reciever!! He has had more production than 75% of the receivers ahead of him! So many more players I can think of!! I don’t think a players value should be looked upon by position but by what they bring to a team! Including RB’s!! https://t.co/5sbFB9RKXM
— Micah Parsons (@MicahhParsons11) July 18, 2023
“Facts, i think Travis kelce should be paid as a receiver!! He has had more production than 75% of the receivers ahead of him! So many more players I can think of!! I don’t think a player’s value should be looked upon by position but by what they bring to a team! Including RBs!!” – Micah Parsons
Kelce is earning a top-tier average per year salary among NFL tight ends, but his contract wouldn’t make the top 10 wide receiver contracts. His production, however, is commensurate with that of a top wide receiver. The Chiefs star finished the 2022 season with 110 catches for 1,338 yards and 12 touchdowns, top three in each receiving category. Since 2015, no NFL player has more receiving yards than Kelce.
It all begs the question of whether pay and value should continue to be attached to a player’s position in the NFL.
