That time of the year again. Players on the NFL asking for new contracts. For running backs, it's wanting deals that can net them a lot of pay. Their own teams either pull all the stops to keep them, or it could be something to where someone leaves.
An example of a holdout for this year is Melvin Gordon. He wants something that is on the level of a Le'Veon Bell or a Todd Gurley. The problem with Gordon is his health. He has missed games at points in all but one season of his four year career. That being said, the Chargers need him. They struggled in the years after Ladainian Tomlinson left. Who do you go to if Gordon doesn't show up? It's not like the Bell situation where a backup emerges quickly.
Then there is Ezekiel Elliott. He had a good bounce back year following a forgettable 2017 season that was mired in controversy and the question on whether he was putting effort in at times. While Dallas may want him back, he wants to get paid like a top back. Last time they had a back that put an effort, DeMarco Murray signed a big contract with Philadelphia. The issue with Elliott is the costs related to him, Dak Prescott, and Amari Cooper. Could it work? I think it could. I have a feeling he will have a deal done and he will stay in Dallas for a longer period of time.
Todd Gurley did a lot last year and the Rams did well with giving him an extension. With health being a factor for this 2019 season, the expectations of the contract could come back to bite him. And the Jets having Le'Veon Bell will be nice, but is he ready for a full season of hits following last year's season of him sitting out? And the question in a few years will be about Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey.
Even with the average career span of a back being the lowest, we have a big era of them dominating the gridiron coming.
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