The more time goes on, the more it might be the truth:
NFL running backs are probably too good for their own good. At least when it comes to getting paid the money they’re worth and that they’ve earned. (As our Christian D’Andrea succinctly broke down.)
Over the weekend, Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb took to the microphone to discuss the current contract struggles facing NFL star backfield players. The four-time Pro Bowler (with ridiculous squat strength, mind you) said he was part of a recently publicized Zoom call between some of the league’s difference-making tailbacks.
When asked to sum up the conversation and his personal thoughts on the situation, Chubb didn’t mince any words in a video from ESPN’s Jake Trotter.
Running backs dig deeper every time they break off a big run into the open field.
Browns RB Nick Chubb confirms he was on a video call Saturday with several of the league’s prominent RBs.”We’re in a tough situation…” pic.twitter.com/ZkIL6vUiE6
— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) July 23, 2023
As someone who will have their own likely contentious contract situation come up in a few years, Chubb seems to see the forest for the trees. (Though, notably, Chubb did sign a lucrative extension in 2021.) Despite playing well, Chubb knows he’ll probably face down the same non-existent negotiating table that is currently plaguing stars like Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs.
Chubb is up next, and he certainly won’t be the last. With the collective bargaining agreement in place until 2030, there’s no easy solution here. But none of this seems sustainable for anyone who actually wants to play running back in the NFL.