The decline of running back value in the NFL: A closer look at Jonathan Taylor

David Rudnicki | Writer

August 30, 2023

In the modern National Football League (NFL), player roles and positional values have evolved over the years. One prominent position that has experienced a shift in value is the running back. Once considered the backbone of an offense, the running back position has gradually lost its significance in the NFL. This article explores the reasons behind this decline and delves into the case of Jonathan Taylor, a talented and young running back whose contract situation exemplifies this shift in value. 

In an era where passing plays have become more complex and quarterbacks hold a central role, the traditional image of a running back bulldozing through defenses is slowly fading. The NFL’s offensive landscape has shifted dramatically, favoring pass-heavy attacks. Teams are investing heavily in developing quarterbacks and acquiring star wide receivers, prioritizing their passing games over traditional ground-and-pound strategies. Consequently, the running back’s role has been marginalized, leading to a decreased demand for their services. In turn, teams have begun only paying running backs throughout their rookie contracts, and then finding new, younger talent when those contracts expire. 

The growing prevalence of a running back committee approach is another factor contributing to the declining need to pay big bucks to franchise running backs. In contrast to the past, where a star running back would carry the majority of the workload, teams are now utilizing multiple running backs to share carries. This strategy not only reduces the wear and tear on individual players but also allows teams to capitalize on different skill sets. Teams like the 2022 Buffalo Bills who utilized Devin Singletary, James Cook, and Zack Moss are a prime example of this strategy. A staggering 13-3 record proves the success of this method and why other teams should apply it to their own game plans. Senior Braydn Fox, a hardcore Bills fan, agreed that “an RBBC offense is the future of the NFL.” He claimed “It keeps contracts in reasonable price ranges and allows the Bills to adapt to various defensive schemes and maintain a fresh backfield throughout the game.” This approach further diminishes the value of any single running back, as no single player becomes the focal point of the offense.

Although this strategy may seem like a major success, it takes a devastating toll on the salaries and values given to

running backs. In just this recent offseason, all-NFL running backs like Ezekiel Elliot and Dalvin Cook struggled, and I mean struggled, to scratch any sort of contract extension. However, an ever more pertinent example of the declining value of running backs can be observed in the situation of Jonathan Taylor. Taylor, a standout running back from the University of Wisconsin, entered the league with high expectations. Football superfan, senior Tyler Walker, revealed how he “believed Taylor would quickly become the face of the NFL.” In his first two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, he displayed exceptional talent and potential, accumulating over 2,000 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns.  Just five years ago, stats like these compare to star running back Todd Gurley who earned a 4 year, $57,000,000 contract with the Los Angeles Rams, including a $21,000,000 signing bonus. Taylor’s contract situation highlights the evolving perception of running back value. Unlike quarterbacks or wide receivers who often secure lucrative long-term contracts, Taylor’s negotiations for a substantial contract extension have been slower and less generous.

Taylor’s situation is emblematic of the larger trend in the NFL, where pass-centric offenses are becoming the norm. As teams prioritize quarterbacks and wide receivers, running backs like Taylor face challenges in attaining the same financial recognition as players in other positions. Despite their undeniable talent and impact on the field, running backs are no longer guaranteed the hefty contracts they once commanded. As the NFL continues to evolve, it is evident that the traditional role of the running back is undergoing a significant transformation, marking a new era in the league’s history.