If you are old enough, you remember a time when NFL teams built their offense around the run game. The idea of a franchise running back really meant something. But this isn’t the case in today’s NFL despite running backs being more physically gifted and talented than ever before.
The economics of the league has turned away from the running back position just as they have the dependency on the position and this has created an uncomfortable position for teams and backs. Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Omar Khan spoke to the media and when he was asked about the running back situation, offered up an interesting explanation.
“Look, you don’t have to be a mathematician to figure it out,” Khan said. “When quarterback salaries start increasing at the rate that they’re increasing, at some point, it’s going to have a residual effect on somewhere on the roster.”
The Steelers will soon be at a crossroads when it comes to the quarterback and running back salaries. Pittsburgh spent first-round picks on running back Najee Harris and quarterback Kenny Pickett in back-to-back seasons. Harris will be up for an extension ahead of Pickett but this could seriously impact how much the front office is willing to spend.
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