(07-31-2023, 09:49 AM)Mikey Wrote:

(07-28-2023, 07:59 PM)flgatorsandjags Wrote: LOL.. It's not devalued It's just playing it smart.  If the position was devalued RBs wouldn't of just got drafted in the top 12 picks and they wouldn't be getting tagged. Henry, Chubb, McCaffrey, Jones etc wouldn't  of gotten those big deals.  We wouldn't of just drafted one in the 3rd after taking one in the 1st 2 years ago and him just going for 1500 yards. The teams still want those backs they just want to cover their own [BLEEP] so if you have the tag option why not use it?  LOL

OK, we'll play your game.

Bijan Robinson, having played not one down in the league, is currently the 14th highest paid RB in the league.
Etienne is 23rd.

Let's say Etienne continues to tear it up, and two years from now he wants top 5, top 10 money.

Why would you bother paying him if you could replace him with 5 year younger legs and end up paying less than if you tagged or extended your own guy? If you're Etienne, what's your prospect? You bounce around on one year deals trying to keep from getting injured, relearning offenses and having no long-term security that this gig will take care of you like your teammates enjoy. Or, you tuck your tail between your legs, and take way less to stick with the team that picked you, still fearing that one day they'll strike gold on some kid in the third or fourth round, and you're still gonna be looking for a new place to play.