Amid the debate over the ongoing undervaluation of the running back position, 19 wide receivers are set to earn more than San Francisco 49ers superstar Christian McCaffrey in 2023
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.