The NFL offseason had its fair share of drama this time around and it revolved around the depressed running back market.
Saquon Barkley, Tony Pollard, and Josh Jacobs all were involved in contract negotiations with the New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, and Las Vegas Raiders, respectively, but none of them were able to land the long-term deal they were hoping for.
Each of the running backs was extended the franchise tag, though it was only Pollard who wound up signing it.
Barkley and Jacobs were publicly displeased with how things went down, though the two eventually signed one-year deals with their teams and reported right before the start of the 2023 season.
Despite each player agreeing to terms, current and former players were upset with how the running back position was treated by teams in free agency.
Mark Ingram kept his eye on the situation over the offseason and he explained why running backs were so offended about what transpired via I AM ATHLETE podcast.
“As a running back, it’s offensive when you produce, and you don’t get compensated for your production,” Ingram said.
”As a running back, it’s offensive when you produce, and you don’t get compensated for your production.” – @markingramII
Saquon, Josh Jacobs, Austin Ekeler … RBs DESERVE BETTER 🗣️
Watch the full #PaperRoute convo 📰 → https://t.co/ntYjkYKSus pic.twitter.com/2F52eLKzZq
— I AM ATHLETE (@IAMATHLETEpod) September 6, 2023
The running back position is widely considered to be the most expendable skill position on a team, so franchises have been even more hesitant to hand out lucrative deals.
Ingram must have felt for his fellow backs as they were some of the best players in the league last season but weren’t rewarded for their efforts.
Unfortunately, this trend of lowballing running backs might not be over as the next wave of free agents may find themselves in similar positions.
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