Numerous teams in the league have a tendency to convey to their ideal running backs that they are interchangeable during contract negotiations. This often leads to franchise tags being placed on these athletes, resulting in one-year deals. However, the reality is that these teams continue to utilize these talented backs as if they are easily replaceable, which raises questions about the value placed on their contributions.
I can understand the logic behind the notion that running backs may not be as valuable due to their tendency to sustain injuries and the belief that the next best option may be 80% as effective at a fraction of the cost. Nevertheless, it often seems that these elite running backs are the very players teams depend on when they face critical moments in games, showcasing their undeniable importance.
Saquon Barkley was one of the top-tier running backs who faced the challenges of free agency last season. Instead of securing a multi-year contract that reflects his talent, he was assigned a franchise tag in March. This decision delayed his contract situation, ultimately leading him to sign in July, leaving many to question the long-term strategy regarding elite players like him.
During a recent game that was arguably one of the least entertaining in history, the Giants struggled to grasp the complexities of the forward pass, leading them to rely heavily on Barkley, handing him the ball 36 times against the Jets. Interestingly, this strategy partially worked; despite the predictability of the play, the Giants managed to keep the game competitive, demonstrating that sometimes, leaning on a star player can yield unexpected results.
Despite the struggles, the Giants found themselves in a position to win. ESPN’s gamecast indicated a remarkable 99.9% chance of victory after the Jets called their second timeout with just 1:19 left in the fourth quarter. However, the team faltered in crucial moments, missing a 35-yard field goal that could have shifted the momentum and allowed the Jets to march down the field for a tying score, which ultimately forced the game into overtime.
In overtime, the Giants received the ball first but quickly faced challenges as quarterback Tommy DeVito attempted to target Barkley on four consecutive passing plays—only one of which was considered a legitimate attempt due to an offensive holding penalty. This inability to diversify their offensive strategy allowed the Jets to capitalize, ultimately leading to their winning field goal.
Barkley was undoubtedly the focal point of the Giants’ offense during that game, consistently being the player they turned to when the stakes were high. Yet, despite his performance, he was still regarded as unworthy of a significant long-term contract simply because he plays the running back position. If it is indeed true that the next best running back is generally as effective, then why not distribute the workload among multiple players to mitigate injury risk and extend their careers?
However, this could merely be an exception. The Giants were forced to run the ball frequently due to fielding backup quarterbacks during that game. In contrast, when Daniel Jones is at the helm, it seems like the team’s strategy shifts dramatically, allowing Barkley to take a backseat and watch the play unfold.
Josh Jacobs is another top running back who sought a significant contract this past offseason. The Raiders initially placed a franchise tag on him but later opted for a one-year deal, which has raised eyebrows regarding their commitment to him as a key player moving forward.
Given that Jacobs wasn’t deemed worthy of a long-term contract and is nearing the end of his rookie deal, the Raiders have spent this season exploring their options by distributing carries to other backs on rookie contracts. This strategy is designed to evaluate their potential for the upcoming year, yet it seems more complex than merely resting Jacobs.
However, the reality is more nuanced. Jacobs currently ranks third in the league with 161 touches, averaging over 20 touches per game. He accounts for 74% of the team’s carries. If we exclude quarterback runs by Jimmy Garoppolo, Brian Hoyer, and Aiden O’Connell, Jacobs still commands an impressive 86% of the remaining touches. Additionally, he ranks third on the team in receptions, all while three other running backs occupy the roster.
Admittedly, Jacobs has not been particularly efficient this season, averaging just 3.1 yards per carry. However, this is largely due to defenses focusing their efforts on him, similar to Barkley’s situation last weekend, where his predictability made it difficult to find success.
In their week 2 matchup against the Bills, the Raiders’ leading rusher turned out to be Tre Tucker, a rookie wide receiver, who gained all 34 of his yards on a single jet sweep early in the game. After that, he went silent until week 5. This raises a crucial question: would Jacobs benefit if defenses had to account for a more diverse offensive strategy involving other players? Tucker showcased his potential with 50 yards on just two touches, but it took over a month for him to see that level of involvement.
NFL teams seem to insist on running their premier running backs into the ground, often neglecting to give second- or third-string backs opportunities. Yet, when contract negotiations arise, they argue that these players are all essentially the same in value. This contradictory approach raises important questions about player management and the future of the running back position in the league.
