Top NFL running backs plan Zoom call to address DEPRESSED market led by Chargers RB Austin Ekeler

Ekeler will be joined by Josh Jacobs and Saquon Barkley.

Top NFL running backs plan Zoom call to address DEPRESSED market led by Chargers RB Austin Ekeler

(L) Josh Jacobs (M) Austin Ekeler (R) Saquon Barkley (Image via Around the NFL/ML Football)

The past week, the NFL world was rocked by the news that running backs were not being paid for what they were worth. As time has progressed, several notable faces have come forward to voice their opinions on the matter, none more so than the Los Angeles Chargers man Austin Ekeler. He even set up a private group for the running backs where they could share their grievances openly.

According to NBC Pro Football Talks Mike Florio, Ekeler created a Zoom meeting on Saturday and invited several key running backs, including Josh Jacobs and Saquon Barkley. Moreover, Florio also confirmed that the NFL players’ union will have involvement “in some capacity.”

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Similar to Jacobs and Barkley, Dallas Cowboys tailback Tony Pollard did not receive an extension from Jerry Jones. But unlike the two, Pollard has decided to play under the franchise tag for one season.

FS Video

The grieving duo released statements saying that they wouldn’t be attending the training sessions. Previously, neither of them took part in their respective teams’ OTAs or minicamps.

When news broke of running backs failing to reach an agreement about their contracts, Austin Ekeler was among the first to voice his opinion. “This is the kind of trash that devalued one of the most important positions (running back) in football,” Ekeler told FOX. He too faced difficulties in the offseason with his contract. “Everyone knows it’s tough to win without a top RB, but they act like we are discardable.”

While a private group chat might not show light at the end of the tunnel, it may generate enough heat to push the NFL and the franchises to change their approach.

Related: “Would be shocked if he..,”Jets coach Robert Saleh shows high optimism about Aaron Rodgers’ long-term stay at Big Apple

Why aren’t running backs like Austin Ekeler being paid enough?

Top NFL running backs planning Zoom call to address DEPRESSED market led by Chargers RB Austin Ekeler
Austin Ekeler (Image credit: NFL)

Mike Florio surmises that while an NFLPA representative will be present on the Zoom call, they have a conflict of interest in the situation. From the committee’s perspective, every dollar that goes to one position takes away more from another. This means there will be disparity, whether the players like it or not.

Understandably, the running back’s salary has plummeted. The dreaded franchise tag that earns them around $10 million is the league average for the last five years. Moreover, the tag dropped by $2 million in the last six years. The running backs don’t fall in the same bracket compared to the quarterback spot, which has an average income of $32.4 million.

Currently, the San Francisco 49ers Christian McCaffrey is the highest-earning running back in the NFL, earning $16 million each year. He is followed by Saints Alvin Kamara with $15 million and Titans Derrick Henry.

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