The state of the running back position in the NFL is a complete mess at the moment.
For some reason, it seems like we’ve universally convinced ourselves that anybody could do what the truly elite ball carriers are capable of.
There was a point where it was a very valid argument, especially because the best of the best were still getting their hefty second contracts regardless, but we’ve now reached a point where it’s practically impossible for any running back to get what they realistically deserve.
In fact, you have very talented backs like Aaron Jones and Joe Mixon, who essentially took pay cuts just to stick around.
Earlier today, we got a reality check of just how dismal the running back market truly is. Giants running back Saquon Barkley and Raiders running back Josh Jacobs failed to reach a long-term extension with their respective teams despite coming off fantastic seasons individually.
The two of them will now be forced to play on the franchise tag or sit out completely in hopes that drastic measures will eventually force some type of resolution for the undeniable problem at hand.
Whatever the top running backs across the league inevitably attempt to do, it appears as if they have Derrick Henry’s support.
After Matt Miller of ESPN released a tweet practically declaring that no running back deserves a second contract, King Henry responded by stating that he is “with every RB that’s fighting for what they deserve.”
At this point , just take the RB position out the game then . The ones that want to be great & work as hard as they can to give their all to an organization , just seems like it don’t even matter . I’m with every RB that’s fighting to get what they deserve . https://t.co/OgvBWZCKvn
— Derrick Henry (@KingHenry_2) July 17, 2023
Henry, in all likelihood, knows the writing is on the wall for him next offseason when it’s his turn to negotiate a new deal for himself. Whether he’s franchise tagged or not, it’s going to be hard to convince any team to pay a running back his age what he’s worth regardless of how incredible he may be.
Obviously, Titans fans don’t need to worry about this problem right now, but we should all be paying attention to see how this continues to play out over the coming months.
