In case you haven’t noticed, veteran NFL running backs have seen better days.
Perhaps the most alarming news pertains to the three franchise-tagged running backs, Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs and Tony Pollard. None received a long-term extension by Monday’s deadline as the market is still feeling the effects of three bad deals handed out to Ezekiel Elliott, Todd Gurley and Le’Veon Bell in recent years.
There’s no denying it may not be wise to pay a running back. They are uber-talented, but expendable, coupled with a short shelf life. However, with the recent uproar around the state of the running back it’s also worth noting how recent backs are turning the tide on an ugly history of veteran contracts at the position.
Here I grade the last seven veteran running backs to sign a contract worth at least $10 million annually since the Elliott deal in 2019. The grades are from the perspective of the team to give out the contract.
2021: Nick Chubb (Browns)
3 years$36.6 million$20 million guaranteed
Grade: A-
Chubb has shown no signs of slowing down in two seasons since signing his deal. He finished third in…
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