Cleveland Browns superstar Nick Chubb used to be one in all a number of NFL working backs to participate in a Zoom name on Saturday night time to talk about the present pattern of the placement being underpaid and devalued via some groups.
Chubb is underneath contract via subsequent season, however mentioned he has already pondered his long term in a marketplace changing into more and more much less pleasant to working backs.
Chubb mentioned he used to be at the name with Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants, Derrick Henry of the Tennessee Titans and Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers. ProFootballTalk.com mentioned the assembly used to be arranged via LA Chargers working again Austin Ekeler.
Barkley has threatened to take a seat out coaching camp in protest after he may no longer come to phrases on a long-term contract closing week. The Giants signed him to the $10m franchise comfortable for working backs.
“There’s really nothing we can do,” Chubb mentioned on Sunday following apply. “We’re kind of handcuffed with the situation. Our production hurts us the most. If we go out there and run for 2,000 yards with so many carries, the next year they’re going to say you’re probably worn down.
“That’s the biggest thing that I took from it. It’s just tough. It hurts us just to go out there and do good. It hurts us at the end of the day. Chubb rushed for a career-high 1,525 yards last season with 12 touchdowns.
Chubb said he understands the business of football, but that doesn’t make it any easier for him to see other running backs suffer.
“I got another year [under contract],” mentioned Chubb, who would be the Browns’ Tenth-highest paid participant this yr. “So I imply it is simple for me to mention it is not a large deal, however subsequent yr it might be me in the similar state of affairs. But for at the moment, I’ve were given another yr. I’m right here. I’m all in. I’m able to paintings with my guys.”
NFL rules have changed over the past two decades to enhance scoring, and place more importance on the passing game. QBs have more protection. Wide receivers have more freedom to roam the field. Defensive players have to be concerned about getting penalized for illegal hits.
The outcome has been staggering offensive numbers for quarterbacks, broad receivers and tight ends. Meanwhile, working backs – regardless of their versatility and tasks – have turn into much less treasured, one thing mirrored of their contracts.