Since football began, running the ball has been a fundamental role in winning championships. Even with the passing game becoming dominant since the 1980s, running the ball is still crucial for long-term success. The issue presents itself is how much a running back is worth. Some of the best athletes are running backs. They have to run, catch, and block. Some have special team duties as well. Because of the versatility of the position, this leads to shorter careers compared to every other position.
In the 2000s, many teams found success using a running back-by-committee. A committee allows fresh legs to be on the field at all times. Right now most teams carry a running back-by-committee, and the ones that do not are searching for a nice backup to complement their starter. Teams would rather pay little for three solid runners who will be healthy and rotating than pay one great runner top money. Changes will not happen unless a generational talent comes in. With most of the best athletes going to other positions, running backs have not become a priority when you can pay top money to your offensive line to block for a committee.
Rookie Bijan Robinson, who has yet to take a snap in the NFL, is set to make $13,719,844, more than anyone else at the position. The next player after that is Christian McCaffrey with $12 million. McCaffrey, compared to other offensive positions, is making less than half of what Jimmy Garoppolo makes and the same amount as Mike Williams, Allen Lazard, and Brandin Cooks. CMC has a strong case for the best back in the league, while Jimmy G is a fringe starter who plays an important position, and each of the receivers is arguably the second-best receiver on their team. Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, Tony Pollard, Dalvin Cook, Kareem Hunt, Leonard Fournette, and Ezekiel Elliott are some of the most recent running backs who have done enough to get paid. Jonathan Taylor looks to be the next running back to get a big deal but will he?
Here’s my offer to pro football, college, high school, and semi-pro running backs…switch positions. If you are someone like Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara, or Saquon Barkley, consider switching to Wide Receiver. You would be paid more and have better job security. If you have average arm talent then maybe consider going to Quarterback. Take a look at some athletic QBs taken in the first round, like Lamar Jackson or Anthony Richardson. They do not necessarily have the best arm, but their athletic ability will always give them a shot. This is why Richardson is praised. Look at some Pro Bowl Quarterbacks in the last decade. You do not need to be a top-10 Quarterback to get paid a lot of money and secure your job. If you do not have a good arm or do not have good receiving abilities, then look to the defensive side.
Even if players switch positions, this will lead to the same issue for another position. All the talent will go to other positions, like Wide Receiver, and then that position will go through this same issue years from now. Good luck to all the runners who need to get paid but maybe consider a change of position for better job security and more financial gain.
-Jordan Burden