The situation is dire for those carrying the rock: Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, and Tony Pollard have not been extended long-term by the deadline to do so. These were three of the best rushers in the league last season, and it shows a recurring and prolonged trend: Running backs in the NFL aren't getting paid. Their average salary has gone down in a rapidly rising salary cap. They're being paid less on average than many positions (including kickers).
Why is this the case? All you have to do is scrape the surface of the data and you'll find all the answers you'll need. It's cruel, but it's strictly business.
