Star running backs in the NFL are no longer valued the way they once were, with players at the position struggling to secure second contracts after being successful on their rookie deals.
There are few situations like this in the league right now during the NFL offseason, with Josh Jacobs of the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants star Saquon Barkley struggling to get paid what they want on their next deal.
Although both players are among the elite at their position in the NFL and coming off Pro Bowl seasons, a lucrative extension has been hard to come by, which has led to missed minicamps and tension between the players and their respective teams.
On Wednesday, an update on Barkley’s contract talks surfaced, with things not looking good for the 26-year-old, according to Dianna Russini of ESPN via NFL on ESPN.
The Giants’ negotiations with Saquon Barkley have not come close to a deal 😯
“Right now where it stands … the New York Giants aren’t moving.” —@diannaESPN pic.twitter.com/BhvKt3Yy7G
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) June 21, 2023
Despite being a two-time Pro Bowler and arguably the Giants’ best offensive weapon, New York seems adamant about standing pat and getting Barkley to sign his franchise tag, which would pay him over $10 million for the upcoming season.
Barkley, much like Jacobs and other running backs, isn’t jumping at the opportunity to play under a franchise tag and be in the same situation next offseason, and it’s hard to blame them, considering the physical toll playing the running back position can take through a season.
These star running backs only want some long-term security, but the league has changed, and teams are more willing to go with rookie backs or veteran backs ready to play on short-term deals.
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