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Running backs play one of the sport’s most physically punishing positions and the ball is in their hands a lot compared to all but one other spot. Nevertheless, running backs are devalued in today’s game. What happens to Panthers backup Mike Davis in the coming weeks and how much he can earn as a free agent will be a good indication of where things are.
The standard at running back these days is set by Christian McCaffrey, who is earning over $16 million per year on average. McCaffrey missed most of the 2020 season due to injuries, though. In his place Davis had a sensational year, totaling over 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns from scrimmage. Davis thrived in several advanced stats too, especially broken tackles. If he played nearly any other position and showed a similar improvement in his production, Davis would likely sign a massive contract in free agency.
Davis proved he’s a capable starter in this league and deserves true RB1 kind of money. However, the projections for his next deal aren’t what you’d expect for one. Pro Football Focus is projecting that Davis will only get two years and $8.5 million with just $5 million guaranteed despite posting the same WAR (0.13) as Packers RB Aaron Jones, who is predicted to get $25 million guaranteed on a four-year, $46 million deal.
Davis definitely won’t get an Aaron Jones-type contract, but it certainly seems like he’s worth more than that PFF figure. The market will decide.
There’s always a chance Davis prefers to return to the Panthers rather than sign with another team, though. For one, he’s from Georgia but played his college football at South Carolina. Davis also seems to like the idea of building up a “deadly” running back combo with McCaffrey, similar to what the Saints have going with Alvin Kamara and Latavius Murray.
That combo wit kamara and Murray is deadly. I’m just sayin it’s possible but I ain’t gone say too much
— IG MikeDavisRB (@MikeDavisRB) February 9, 2021
Wherever he plays, Davis is one of the NFL’s most underrated backs. Hopefully he gets an opportunity to shine and the money he deserves.
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