The running back position is devalued in the NFL. However, a running game is still a necessity. Just ask the New York Giants, Washington Redskins, Denver Broncos, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. These teams had offenses lacking a solid running back/game and it cost them on the field. Thus, they went out and drafted running backs high in the 2018 NFL Draft. Saquon Barkley, Derrius Guice, Royce Freeman, and Ronald Jones were all selections in the first three rounds.
There is another player, who recently did not receive on a big contract because his team did not see his value. While Le’Veon Bell lists as a running back, he carries a higher value. If not for Bell, the Pittsburgh Steelers become a one-dimensional team. Ben Roethlisberger may become a sitting duck.
Eli Manning, Kirk Cousins, Trevor Siemian, and Jameis Winston can attest to the lack of a running game as well. It is the reason why these franchises listed above selected these players so high. Without a formidable run game, defenses can tee off on you and make you one-dimensional.
This is where my case for paying players and not positions comes in to play. While a player may play a certain position does mean he does not add value to your team somewhere else. Giving a player a salary based on his position is just not valid. I understand that it may be a starting point, but if you value that player for the completion of your franchise, it may be worth giving him a bit more.
This is why I feel that when these four RBs finish their rookie deals, they will receive a large payday. In the same light, I feel that in 2019 free agency Le’Veon Bell will receive that large payday too. In addition, this payday will not be a running back value. His payday will come as a valued player, not a less than valued position.
How do you feel about playing the player and not the position? Leave a comment below.
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