Are running backs under paid?

[DixieFlatline]

For those that like podcasts, you might want to check this one out from Freakonomics. It can be downloaded from where ever you listen to podcasts. https://freakonomics.com/podcast/why-dont-running-backs-get-paid-anymore/

They explore the history of the running back, their importance to the team over the years, and how they've changed to being one of the most highly paid positions to middle of the pack now. They interview LeSean McCoy, Robert Smith, a data analyst, and an agent for their perspectives. McCoy obviously thinks they are underpaid and underappreciated. The points made include the RB is instrumental in every play either by running, blocking, or being a receiver. I think McCoy said at one point, a RB can go out and get 2,000 yards one year and then the team will be like.....hmmm, he just got 2,000 yards and beat himself up.....does he have anything left in the tank?

The analyst mostly talks about value in terms of yardage per play and with the change in rules over the years, how the NFL is much more of a passing league. I think he said last year about 45% of the plays were run plays which was up from the previous year. But then Robert Smith points it could be because there are more running QBs now which would make RBs less valued now. There's more discussion on other things that contribute to a RB's success including the OL which tend to make the teams do a RB by committee.

 

[HOF44]

I think they are underpaid, but not by a lot. Look at Barkley. As great as he is the Giants still sucked when he was there. JD comes on to a team depleted of talent and the go to the NFCCG. A QB can change the course of a franchise, a RB can’t. But I do think they are currently undervalued for what 5hey can bring, but they are not a QB, WR, or top Edge guy.

 

[SkinsNumberOne]

I think they are underpaid, but not by a lot. Look at Barkley. As great as he is the Giants still sucked when he was there. JD comes on to a team depleted of talent and the go to the NFCCG. A QB can change the course of a franchise, a RB can’t. But I do think they are currently undervalued for what 5hey can bring, but they are not a QB, WR, or top Edge guy.

A QB can change the course of a franchise, but no he cannot do it alone just like a RB cannot. The QB always needs other pieces to be competent at least for him to succeed.

In fact, the Commanders had something like 60% roster turnover I believe the number was. Every bit as important was having GM and HC changed, along with Owner. So it's really a gross oversimplification to somehow say JD is the change that got them to the NFCCG. The narrative that the NFL likes to push is like that; it's a lot easier to market, and it makes for better storytelling, branding, and eventually $$$$ which is the main goal at the end of the day.

Barkley was injured quite a bit on NYG. Also, as good as Barkley is, he is no Barry Sanders. That dude DID carry his team to the playoffs.

 

[SkinsFTW]

The top RB's still get paid pretty well but are probably worth more on a team that is going to the playoffs anyway. The rest of the RB's just aren't worth that much.

 

[burgold]

Heh. No, professional athlete in a major league is underpaid. I suspect almost every single one of us would trade salaries.

 

[DixieFlatline]

The top RB's still get paid pretty well but are probably worth more on a team that is going to the playoffs anyway. The rest of the RB's just aren't worth that much.

I tend to agree with today's landscape. Some of the discussion in the podcast discussed the OL and how a good one should get your 3-4 yards. It was one of the arguments for paying OL line and make the RBs interchangeable. I think you see that with Barkley. He was good on a bad team, but has an amazing year once he gets a good OL. The previous two seasons the Chiefs were using a RB selected in the seventh round.

 

[SkinsFTW]

I mean, Barkley is getting 12M. He's definitely worth more than average safety or average OL pay.

 

[DixieFlatline]

I'm sure there a other websites out there, but according to this site, Barkley is the 14th highest paid player on the Eagles this year. https://thewoksoflife.com/braised-mushrooms/

The podcast pointed out how teams have turned their focus away from paying RBs. In the 1990s, I think they said RBs were in the top 5 by position, but now they are somewhere around 17th. The average salary for RBs have grown 11% over the last 20 years, but for all other offensive positions it's been 90%.

I think it's just a function of what they think they can get by with. In 1990 they said 12 RBs were drafted in the first round. Last year there was one. For anyone that has been in fantasy football, you can see the value has gone down over time as teams have moved to more of a RB by committee approach.

 

[HOF44]

I don’t think it’s really that no one values RB’s, it’s just the injury rate is so high and shelf life is usually so short it’s not worth a high dollar long term contract.

 

[SkinsFTW]

It's just that there aren't that many special RBs. Then the ones who are actually going to dominate are dragged down in value by the prevailing belief that RBs don't make a difference anymore.

Henry and Barkley are both worth more than their paycheck but who else is on that level besides McCaffrey who is once again injured?