(07-28-2023, 04:38 PM)flgatorsandjags Wrote: (07-28-2023, 03:06 PM)Mikey Wrote: So stay healthy, play at a high level and the reward is having no guarantee of future earning, unlike the rest of the players at other positions around the league. Why are teams not willing to commit to a "high-level" player at the position, when they are perfectly willing to do the same at every other position on the field? Heck, even PUNTERS are given multi-year deals, and they are probably as replaceable as any RB.
You're right. I'm getting it. Crystal frickin' clear. Owners do not hold the RB position to any long-term value. churn and burn.
Do you think teams value punters more because the good ones good long term deals? Or how about its rare one gets injured and they can play at a high level into their lat 30's? RBs will contiued to get drafted in the high rounds if they are talented enough though because of what they can bring to a team. If they are asking for to much money just tag them twice and then sign them to short term deals or find another very good one in the draft being their play will usually start to decline around that time or short after. What owners do you speak of? GMs dont want to give them long term contracts because it is the position where the player declines the fastest and the position that the player could most likely get injured. Why not play it smart and tag them when you have that option? The player is still getting paid he just has to earn it each year.
The point is exactly that - every other position on the team are getting long term deals with bonuses and guarantees, and the RBs are left to either play on a one year deal or make a fraction of everyone around them. Longevity is an issue, but how many teams are bringing in secondary RB to supplement their current RB or extend their career? They aren't. They are getting the young kid, burning through his leg while he's cheap, and repeating that cycle.
It's moneyball. The owners/GMs see that the position is easily replaceable, and as such they aren't investing in it long-term. If punters wanted to make 10M a year, they'd also be kicked to the curb in favor of a younger, cheaper replacement. The RB position is shafted.
Mind you, if I had the talent I would love the opportunity to make high six figures for a few seasons and walk away. It's unfortunate for RBs, but I'm hardly going to start a charity in their honor.
I think we'll see the RB position become more fluid - more guys like Ekeler and McCaffery that are just as dangerous running a route as they are taking a handoff. No more bruisers that seek out contact. If that's your game, you're not going to stick around long, no matter how good you are, unless you are willing to accept the lower pay while also risking injury and lack of permanence.
