Running backs Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs will be playing under the franchise tag this NFL season after failing to reach long-term deals with their respective teams. The deadline for signing a new contract passed on Monday, leaving both players with the option of holding out for training camp or the start of the season. The absence of extensions for these two talented running backs highlights a troubling trend in the NFL, where the position is increasingly devalued, and long-term investments are rare.

In contrast, Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard has chosen to sign his franchise tender and will play this season without an extension. However, for Barkley and Jacobs, the uncertainty of their future looms large. They now face the same predicament that Le’Veon Bell experienced in 2018, which ultimately led to the end of his tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The lack of long-term deals for running backs has caught the attention of some of the league’s best, including Derrick Henry, Christian McCaffrey, and Austin Ekeler. Henry, who recently secured a four-year, $50 million extension, expressed his support for running backs fighting for what they deserve. McCaffrey, who is in the second year of a four-year, $64 million contract, called the situation “criminal.” Ekeler, who is playing on a less lucrative contract with the Los Angeles Chargers, criticized the devaluation of the position and offered his support to fellow running backs.

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, the reigning NFL rushing champion, also responded to the news, pointing out that a player’s talent and hard work should speak for itself, regardless of their position. He noted that being a running back should not diminish a player’s value to the organization.

The solidarity among running backs in the face of these contract negotiations reflects the unique position they find themselves in. The upcoming season will be closely watched to see how Barkley and Jacobs navigate their circumstances without long-term deals. Will they hold out or continue to play without adequate financial security? Their decisions will have ripple effects throughout the league and may further shape the future of running back contracts.

As the NFL continues to devalue the running back position, it remains to be seen whether players will be able to secure the financial compensation they believe they deserve. The lack of long-term investments in running backs raises questions about the league’s priorities and the value placed on these talented athletes. The ongoing contract negotiations involving Barkley and Jacobs highlight the challenges and uncertainties faced by running backs as they advocate for fair compensation in an evolving league.