Getty Image
By Lucas Kochevar The NFL new year is upon us, which means teams can officially announce their signings. A number of the signings being announced will be running backs. Some of the league's most prominent backs are finding new homes and it might seem like an overpay, but I’m not so sure. The salary cap is seeing a $31 million spike and that big of a jump is something that many general managers are taking advantage of. Essentially, the running backs will take up the same percentage of cap space, but it'll look like more with the increase. The running backs moving around include Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, Derrick Henry and Austin Ekeler. Those are just the big names too, not mentioning guys like Aaron Jones, D’Andre Swift, Tony Pollard or Gus Edwards. Barkley is the biggest winner of the guys as he secured a 3-year, $37 million deal with the Eagles. It’s a huge upgrade for Barkley as he goes from the Giants subpar offensive line to the Eagles line, which could be considered the best. Barkley should continue the Eagles trend of having one of the best rushing attacks in the league. Although I think the price is a bit steep for a guy that's had multiple ACL injuries, he should be a fun weapon for the Eagles. Jacobs heading to Green Bay was a surprise to me. With Aaron Jones, the Packers didn’t have a need for running back, but saw Jacobs as a clear upgrade. I like Jacobs as a player, but this move has me scratching my head. Jordan Love seems like the real deal and the Packers can lean on him. So why pay a running back on his second contract? Still, the Packers could be a contender in the NFC North alongside the Lions. Derrick Henry was the next big domino to fall as he signed on with the Ravens. This move should be terrifying for opposing linebackers as Henry is one of the most violent runners in the sport. He won’t be at his MVP level, but Henry will still be a handful to bring down. He still managed to run for over 1,000 yards and double digit touchdowns. Henry and Lamar combine for one of the best rushing attacks in the league. Now, here’s my one sentence thoughts on many other running backs signing around the league. Aaron Jones being released was shocking, but Minnesota definitely improves their running game with him. I don’t know how much Austin Ekeler has left in the tank but the combination of him and Brian Robinson could provide some relief to whoever plays quarterback there. I liked what the Bears had internally, but Swift could help their offense in his prime. Gus Edwards and Jim Harbaugh are a match made in heaven. Tony Pollard is a weird replacement in Tennessee, but he could play the Joe Mixon role for Brian Callahan’s offense. Speaking of Joe Mixon, he’s a solid replacement for Devin Singletary in Houston. Most of the main guys have signed already, but guys like Ezekiel Elliot, Kareem Hunt and JK Dobbins remain in free agency. In a relatively weak running back draft, teams will look more at the remaining scraps.
2 Comments
Checkmate King Two This White Rook
3/13/2024 05:49:18 pm
Hey LKSports… nice article… it’s about time the running backs get their due….!!!
Reply
BK Style
3/17/2024 07:04:32 am
Hi LKSports… wow the Bears really got taken and out foxed in the the market for Justin Fields,, only a Six Rounder in return and maybe some phony conditional pick also… crazy days…GMs scrambling with salary cap issues too… wild days… interesting to see on draft day what happens..
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Lucas KochevarI love sports and I'm a local fan of the Falcons, Hawks, and Braves. You can find my quick thoughts and more on my twitter @lucaswkochevar |