20 July 2023 , 20:12
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San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey is the highest-paid running back in the NFL yet finds himself earning less than 19 wide receivers.
For several years now, franchises have opted not to extend running backs on lucrative contracts due to the nature of the position as players are more susceptible to injury. Ever since the Los Angeles Rams and Dallas Cowboys rewarded Toddy Gurley and Ezekiel Elliott for their output with blockbuster contracts a few years ago, teams have moved away from the model in favour of acquiring young cheap backs in the draft or in free agency.
It has left running backs around the league feeling undervalued and underpaid, and it came to a head after the franchise tag deadline on Monday. Saquon Barkley and 2022 rushing leader Josh Jacobs were tagged by the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders respectively, yet failed to agree to long-term extensions. The deadline passed, meaning the pair must play under the tag in 2023.
Both men insisted if they were franchise-tagged then they wanted to be rewarded with a long-term deal. Last season, Barkley had the best season of his career with 1,312 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, while Jacobs led the league in rushing with 1,653 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground.
Amid the pay crisis for running backs, a number of high-profile stars have been particularly vocal in their support. McCaffrey took to social media to say: “This is criminal. Three of the best PLAYERS in the entire league, regardless of position.”
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McCaffrey is an intriguing example of the running back position being undervalued. He earns an average salary of $16 million a year - the most in the NFL - and yet 19 receivers are set to earn more than the 27-year-old in 2023.
Tennessee Titans star Derrick Henry and Christian McCaffrey have both spoken out in support of running backs around the NFLThis is particularly remarkable given McCaffrey’s versatility; he tallied 1,880 scrimmage yards in 2022 - more than any wide receiver - while he scored passing, rushing and receiving touchdowns in the 49ers’ win the Los Angeles Rams last season. Here is a list of 19 receivers set to earn more than McCaffrey:
- Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins: $30 million
- Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders: $28 million
- Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams: $26.7 million
- A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles: $25 million
- Stefon Diggs, Buffalo Bills: $24 million
- D.K. Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks: $24 million
- Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers: $23.85 million
- Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders: $22.79 million
- D.J. Moore, Chicago Bears: $20.63 million
- Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers: $20.03 million
- Amari Cooper, Cleveland Browns: $20 million
- Mike Williams, Los Angeles Chargers: $20 million
- Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $20 million
- Brandin Cooks, Dallas Cowboys: $19.88 million
- Diontae Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers: $18.35 million
- Christian Kirk, Jacksonville Jaguars: $18 million
- Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks: $17.25 million
- Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $16.5 million
- Hunter Renfrow, Las Vegas Raiders: $16.16 million
It is an interesting debate unfolding. McCaffrey had 329 touches to reach his scrimmage yards total, whereas Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson touched the ball 132 times and generated 1,833 yards, highlighting why front offices are more inclined to pay receivers over running backs.
With Barkley, Jacobs and Dallas Cowboys back Tony Pollard set to play under the franchise tag in 2023, this is a narrative that is going to linger throughout the upcoming season.