Running backs in the NFL generally have short runs and even shorter cousins. That has made it difficult for them to get big money, long-term contracts, especially as the league has gotten heavier. On Monday, an NFL Insider shared his strategy for paying running backs.
One of those running backs, Tennessee Titans star Derrick Henry, expressed his frustration with that strategy.
ESPN’s Matt Miller tweeted an idea he’s “been saying for years.” He feels that a team should draft a running back and then play him. After that, if the running back is good, he gives him the franchise tag for one season. After that, the team should recruit another running back.
I’ve been saying it for years:
1. Write a RB
2. Play the RB…if it’s good…
3. Franchise label the RB ONE TIME
…and then…
1. Write a RB…
—Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) July 17, 2023
It’s a strategy that many teams have followed, or at least have come close to following. Naturally, it leaves brokers limited in their bargaining power.
Seeing Miller’s tweet, Henry responded, making it clear that he supports all running backs seeking a contract.
“At this point, just remove the RB position from the game. The ones who want to be great and work as hard as they can to give their all to an organization doesn’t seem to even matter. I am with all the RBs who fight to get what they deserve.
At this point, just remove the RB position from the game. The ones who want to be great and work as hard as they can to give their all to an organization doesn’t seem to even matter. I am with all the RBs who fight to get what they deserve. https://t.co/OgvBWZCKvn
— Derrick Henry (@KingHenry_2) July 17, 2023
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris naturally supported Henry’s point of view.
I agree with my NFL running brothers: history will show you need running backs to win. We set the tone in every game and we run through walls for our team and we lead in so many ways. This notion that we deserve less is a joke. . https://t.co/rWJkGIEgmW
—Najee Harris (@ohthatsNajee22) July 17, 2023
But he was not alone. Several in the NFL world and other fans also supported Henry.
Lies are not detected.
https://t.co/Cr7kF7VnFJ —Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) July 17, 2023
Derrick Henry has been CRIMINALLY underpaid to run the Titans offense.
I won’t say any names BUT.
Henry has done half as much as others in his squad. https://t.co/sYSiLqyMS5
—Robert Littal BSO (@BSO) July 17, 2023
I get the cap and the contracts and build a team…and yet I’m rooting for the RBs to get paid.
https://t.co/zADUx3RaQ7
—Jason McIntyre (@jasonrmcintyre) July 17, 2023
King Henry speaks on behalf of all runners fighting for their individual and collective courage. https://t.co/PjObaBGM5l
— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) July 17, 2023
NFL players sacrifice their bodies for our entertainment. They deserve every penny they can get. https://t.co/sGNzkzT5p0
—Michael Grant (@MichaelGrant_CJ) July 17, 2023
