In the past few months we have been witnesses to multiple big time running backs holding out for long term contracts or general adjustments to their contracts. These running backs are among the best in the game with the likes of Austin Ekeler, Saquon Barkley, Jonathan Taylor, and the leagues leading rusher, Josh Jacobs voicing displeasure with their current contract. Time and time again we see the teams refuse to meet the running back’s demands, and either finding a compromise, or allowing the contract situation linger late into the offseason with no resolution in sight.
Does that mean the running back position is obsolete? One would be hard pressed to argue that given multiple backs were selected in the top half of the 2023 draft, including Bijan Robinson going eight overall to the Falcons. You also see teams shelling out large trade packages in order to secure the services of Christian McCaffrey. Though you could certainly argue that Robinson and McCaffrey are much more valuable than just pure running backs, as they are both capable receiver who could line up at any of the receiver positions if asked, and can be used in a variety of ways.
