State of the RB position: Coaches, former stars weigh in as QBs, WRs grab spotlight

Ben Arthur

AFC South Reporter

LeSean McCoy grew excited watching the 2023 NFL Draft. 

In the two running backs taken early in the first round — Bijan Robinson to the Atlanta Falcons at No. 8, Jahymr Gibbs to the Detroit Lions at No. 12 — the former Pro Bowler saw more than just running backs. He saw special offensive weapons. He saw a perfect blend of speed, agility and elusiveness. 

He was particularly high on Robinson, who starred at Texas. McCoy was convinced that Robinson would one day “change the game” for running backs. 

“Them dudes are going to set the market back on fire,” the SPEAK co-host said.  

The running back market has been a hot topic in recent years, as the NFL has evolved into a pass-first league. 

The value of the position in the modern game has been discussed ad nauseam by league observers. We saw the top running backs last offseason grow frustrated over the depressed market. This offseason, several backs secured the big-money deals they couldn’t in 2023, though their contracts still pale in comparison to other non-quarterback skill positions. This offseason, the wide receiver market has exploded, with one pass-catcher after another resetting the market.

Reigning AP Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey, whom many consider the league’s premier running back and one of the best overall players, secured an extension with the San Francisco 49ers last week worth $19 million per year — an average annual value surpassed by 22 receivers, according to SpoTrac.  

The way McCoy sees it, the elite running backs who’ve just been paid have to play well to continue to push the envelope financially for the position, to show teams their impact on winning. 

After a stagnant 2023 offseason, the running back market started to move with Jonathan Taylor’s three-year, $42 million extension with the Indianapolis Colts in October. The 2021 rushing triple crown winner, Taylor missed seven games due…

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Publish date : 2024-06-13 16:58:02

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