The Running Back position in the NFL is a tough position to demand top dollar, when the longevity of playing time is quite low compared to other top offensive positions. Colts RB, Jonathan Taylor opened a few eyes a couple of weeks ago when he voiced some frustration about the current situation with running backs. When asked if running backs are “fighting to be recognized for their value”, JT immediately responded with “definitely”. 

June 14, 2023 | Jonathan Taylor Media Availability

RB, Dalvin Cook was nothing short of consistent the last four seasons in Minnesota, mounting 1,100+ yards each year. However, Cook is a free agent right now all in part to his steep price tag. Giants RB, Saquon Barkley is coming off of an impressive bounce back 2022 season, with 1,312 rushing yards and 10 TDs. Barkley is not a free agent, though, he is looking for a contract extension and it remains to be seen if the Giants are willing to give him what he believes he is owed. 

Before diving into what the Indianapolis Colts should do with their RB situation, let first look into various contract situation with other top tier RBs.

49ers RB, Christian McCaffrey signed a 4-year, $64M contract in 2020 with the Panthers and according to Spotrac, the 49ers, who picked him up mid-season in 2022, are expected to owe McCaffrey $36M over the next three seasons. In his first 11 games with the 49ers, McCaffrey posted 1,210 total yards and 10 total TDs, so it would appear that players who get paid continue to produce.

Tennessee Titans RB, Derrick Henry – the epitome of consistency and vitality to a team, signed a 4-year, $50M contract in 2020 and since that signing, he has had a 2,000 rushing yard season and a 1,500 rushing yard season.

Kind of on the flip side of those contacts, Browns RB Nick Chubb signed a 3-year, only $36M contract in 2021. Since signing that deal, he has recorded 1,200 or more yards in the last two seasons and has been a key contributor to a fairly solid Browns team that is looking to compete in the AFC. 

The Dallas Cowboys made arguably one of the worst contract decisions at least within the last couple of decades. Now free agent, RB Ezekiel Elliott signed a 6-year, $90M contract in 2019, making him the highest paid RB in the league that year. Unfortunately, for the Cowboys, after a good 2019 season, Zeke would only average around 950 rushing yards the next three seasons.

Going into the 2018 season, Rams RB Todd Gurley signed a 4-year extension through 2023 with $45M guaranteed. (The contract would ultimately be worth up to $60M). Gurley, similar to Ezekiel Elliott, had a good start with the new contract, but in 2019, Gurley only posted 857 rushing yards and after being released in 2020, he struggled in Atlanta and did not even play in 2021. In October of 2022, he would retire from football altogether.

The overarching point to these statistics is that good RBs who get paid, earn their money. So, this has to be the main question – How does a team know if a RB is actually good for the long haul and not just for a couple of seasons? For the Indianapolis Colts, they should not be looking at making Taylor the highest paid RB or even the future of their running back franchise (as the Cowboys did with Zeke). The Colts will get a deal done as some point, but within that deal, Taylor needs to feel appreciated and rewarded for what he has done for the team so far. But also keeping in mind that it is abnormal for RBs to play at a high level into their 30s and that the inconsistencies with this position is a considerable problem.

So, are running backs appreciated enough in the NFL? It would appear that they are, but there needs to be caution going into these contracts.

Regardless though, the Colts will get a deal done. JT is not leaving Indy any time soon.