The former NFL legend shared his opinion on the state of the running back position in the NFL. In a video message, OJ Simpson lamented the low value and respect that running backs receive in today’s league, compared to the glory days of his era. Simpson shared his insights and expressed deep concerns regarding the trend of underpaying running backs.
Simpson said that running backs are the workhorses of the offense, and they should be paid accordingly. He cited the examples of the Raiders and Giants, whose RBs are among the best in their position, but have not been rewarded with lucrative contract extensions by their teams.
Simpson addresses worrisome issues in the NFL
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OJ Simpson, the former NFL star, has taken to social media to voice his displeasure with how the Raiders and Giants are handling their top running backs, Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs.
In a video posted on Twitter, Simpson argued that both Barkley and Jacobs deserved to be paid as much as Alvin Kamara and Christian McCaffrey, who are earning around $15 to $16 million per year.
Running backs deserve better. pic.twitter.com/Gv4xOSkMnR
— O.J. Simpson (@TheRealOJ32) July 17, 2023
Simpson on some troubling issues in the NFL, providing a concise four-word reality check, wrote, “Running backs deserve better.”
He pointed out that some running backs, like Jacobs, are catching as many passes as the highly-paid receivers, and yet they are not getting the same respect or compensation. Simpson called it unfair and unjust if the Raiders and Giants had not offered their running backs contracts in the same ballpark, at least $15-16 million per year.
All hopes finally died for running backs on 17 July
The NFL teams have let down their star running backs, as none of them were able to sign long-term contract extensions before the deadline. Josh Jacobs, Saquon Barkley, and Tony Pollard, who are all Pro Bowl players and among the best in their position, were left hanging by their teams.
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They will have to play under the franchise tag, which will pay them $10.1 million each for the 2023 season, far below their market value. Or not play at all.
READ MORE – Giants WR’s Controversial Analogy Puts Spotlight on the Saquon Barkley Contract Situation
Barkley vented his frustration on Twitter, saying: “It is what it is.” The running backs across the league were all losers in this process, as they were denied the security and recognition they deserved.
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On the other hand, for a relief sign: Jaguars signed Evan Engram, a tight end, to a three-year contract worth $41.25 million. The deal includes $24 million guaranteed and was finalized a few hours before the deadline, with terms agreed upon the day before.
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