The offseason talk around the NFL has centered mainly on the contract expectations of running backs in recent weeks. The position has been severely devalued in the modern pass-first league, and many of the league’s top rushers were placed on franchise tags ahead of the 2023 season.
Kansas City Chiefs running back Jerick McKinnon is a veteran who has seen the change in how offenses utilize players at his position. He spoke with reporters after Tuesday’s practice to share his thoughts on the lack of financial accommodations for running backs.
“[It is] very tough, you know, the running back position… there is a lot of demand on that position,” He explained. “As far as you know, running the ball in between tackles… taking that beating. Nowadays, [you are] basically turning to a receiver out the backfield, pass blocking on protections. So, definitely in that aspect the position [has], along the way, been devalued because it’s such a passing league.
“When you step back and look at it, it’s definitely something that should be more valued than what it is. And as far as the contract situations, I guess it’s kind of based on the market. So it’s kind of hard to really say how that happens. Every position every year fluctuates. You [have] got a guy who gets paid this much he sets the market, everybody kind of gets the contract [based] off of that guy.”
Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants recently ended his holdout after agreeing to the one-year deal following his franchise tag designation.
“This year, it’s been kind of difficult with top running backs on the franchise tag,” McKinnon continued. “So, when the top guys get the franchise tag, you know, that’s the ceiling. So everybody else falls under that. As far as the guys getting franchise tagged, I feel them on that side, you know, they put in the work to pay their dues. I they are looking for a payday long term, guarantees, which is one of those things that, you know, it’s kind of bittersweet about the game and the business part, when it comes down to that.”
For his part, McKinnon decided to return to Kansas City on a one-year deal worth just over $1 million after testing the market as a free agent in the offseason. His return was a welcome development for the Chiefs and their fans after his contributions proved crucial to the team’s playoff run last season that culminated in a Super Bowl LVII victory back in February.
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