NFL running backs generally have short careers and even shorter primes. That’s made it hard for them to get big money, long-term contracts, especially as the league has become more pass-heavy. On Monday, one NFL Insider shared his strategy for paying running backs.
One of those running backs, Tennessee Titans star Derrick Henry, voiced his frustration with that strategy.
ESPN’s Matt Miller tweeted out an idea that he’s “been saying for years.” He feels that a team should draft a running back, then play him. After that, if the running back is good, give him the franchise tag for one season. After that, the team should draft another running back.
It’s a strategy that a lot of teams have followed, or at least come close to following. Naturally, it leaves the running backs limited in their bargaining power.
Seeing Miller’s tweet, Henry responded, making it clear that he stands with every running back looking for a contract.
“At this point, just take the RB position out the game then. The ones that want to be great & work as hard as they can to give their all to an organizations, just seems like it don’t even matter. I’m with every RB that’s fighting to get what they deserve.”
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris naturally supported Henry’s viewpoint.
But he was not alone. Several in the NFL world and other fans also stood with Henry.