Photo: Joe Sargent
NFL running backs were a huge focus this offseason with multiple players involved in contract issues while the value of the position was hotly debated. We are only 2 weeks through the season, and it appears that those arguing that they aren’t worth those big contracts may have a point. High paid guys like Nick Chubb and Saquon Barkley are out with injuries while career backups like Raheem Mostert are putting up gaudy numbers.
Dan Patrick: “After week 2 of the regular season, there’s cause for concern that the running back position is exactly what we thought it was going to be. Saquon Barkley, he fought tooth and nail to get that 1-year, $10M contract. He’s played well, injured his ankle, probably going to be out for 3 weeks. Josh Jacobs, similar position, he wanted to get paid; got paid. He had -2 yards rushing this last weekend. And then last night Nick Chubb carted off the field after that scary knee injury. Meanwhile you have a career-long backup in Raheem Mostert, he had over 120 yards and 2 touchdowns for the Dolphins on Sunday against the Patriots, and Mostert is paid $1.2M this season. So, while the running back position may seem appealing, this season’s results are certainly a cautionary tale for the NFL’s front office.”