In today’s NFL, the running back position has been one that is devalued. Giving running backs a second contract, especially a contract that breaks the bank is unheard of in this climate. The latest to sign a big deal was the Dallas Cowboys’ Ezekiel Elliott.
Prior to him it was Los Angeles Rams’ Todd Gurley who cashed in on a huge deal, however Gurley is now a free agent after being released.
22 running backs were taken in the 2015 NFL Draft.
After Todd Gurley was released by the Rams today, not a single one of them is still with the team that selected them. pic.twitter.com/VkfR8Z945P
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 19, 2020
For the “running backs don’t matter” crowd, this isn’t news to them. However, the 2015 NFL Draft was just six years ago and now each running back selected are no longer with their original team. The question now becomes when does this happen to the 2016 class that was headed by Elliott.
In a passing league, the days of the running back are becoming much like the fullback. Forgotten.
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