The game has been shifting to a pass-first approach in the last couple of years. It has always been about the quarterbacks, but the running backs usually had meaningful roles in the offenses. However, that hasnāt transferred to the contracts.
There shouldnāt be big names available in free agency at this point of the offseason, but stars such as Dalvin Cook or Ezekiel Elliott remain unsigned. Other playmakers like Saquon Barkley or Josh Jacobs havenāt been able to sign long-term deals despite being anchors of their teams.
see also
Dak Prescott finds Ezekiel Elliott"s replacement
Despite now being removed from his prime, Melvin Gordon is a veteran that can still contribute in a backup role. However, he hasnāt found a team yet following a bad year with the underperforming Denver Broncos.
Melvin Gordon says being a running back āsucksā
With the cap space growing every year, the salaries also increase. The quarterbacks have had unbelievable rises in their contracts and that happened with other positions too. For example, wide receiver. But there is one position that went the other way.
Another case of an underappreciated player is Austin Ekeler, who couldnāt get an extension even though he is the best offensive weapon of the Los Angeles Chargers. Thatās why Gordon made a huge statement about being a running back in the present.
āItās just so tough for running backs right now, man. You have a lot of running backs thatās out there and we just donāt get no love. Itās literally the worst position to play in the NFL right now. It literally sucksā, Gordon said in an interview with Jim Rome on CBS Sports Radio.
