It’s been quite the offseason for running backs.
Several of the league’s best bell cows, including Saquon Barkley, Jonathan Taylor, and Josh Jacobs all remain without long-term contracts, which has triggered a movement across the league of running backs banding together to get the money they feel they deserve. This included a Zoom call led by Chargers running back Austin Ekeler, who himself is playing on the final year of his rookie deal, and at one point this offseason requested a trade out of Los Angeles.
While Barkley has been the loudest of the running backs proclaiming their frustrations, he signed a one-year contract worth just over $10 million with several incentives. Those incentives include an additional $303,000 if Barkley rushes for 1,350 yards and the Giants make the playoffs, 11 total touchdowns and a playoff berth, and 65 receptions and a playoff berth. If all incentives are met, Barkley can make a maximum of $11 million.
This, more than anything, is a grim look at where the future of running back contracts is heading- short-term, incentive-filled deals.