Derrick Henry slams treatment of running backs in the NFL after deadline snubs

18 July 2023 , 10:07

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Saquon Barkley has already broken his silence on not being paid

The case that NFL running backs continue to be undervalued grew hugely on Monday night, when the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders chose not to extend their star players Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs.

Both Barkley and Jacobs made their stances very clear - they wanted to be given a long-term deal to stay with their teams - but the feeling clearly wasn't mutual. This means that both players will play on a one-year deal of less than what they're believed to be worth - and will become a free agent again next off-season.

That's been an ongoing issue in the league for multiple years now, with teams tending not to extend running backs - due to the nature of the position and players being more susceptible to injury.

Barkley and Jacobs both voiced their displeasure of not being extended, with Derrick Henry and other players at the position voicing their opinion of the treatment from NFL front offices.

Tennessee Titans superstar Henry tweeted: "At this point, just take the RB position out the game then. The ones that want to be great & work as hard as they can to give their all to an organization, just seems like it don’t even matter. I’m with every RB that’s fighting to get what they deserve."

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Fellow superstar running back, San Francisco 49ers Christian McCaffrey tweeted: "This is criminal. Three of the best PLAYERS in the entire league, regardless of position."

Los Angeles Chargers star Austin Ekeler has been very vocal on the topic all off-season, after wanting a new deal while being one of the better offensive players in the league.

Ekeler was the leader in all-purpose yards for the past two seasons, but will make less than a number of wide receivers who will likely sit on the bench this season.

Derrick Henry has criticised the NFL general managers for their treatment of running backs

Speaking on The Rich Eisen Show, he said: "Let's compare, let's see what the real value-add to a team is. If I'm looking at some of the backup receivers out here that are still making more than me, and that's going to p*** me off. I'm like, OK, wait a minute. So, you're telling me… the No. 3 receiver is going to make more than me, and I'm the starter?

"I get more carries; I touch the ball more. I have more of an impact. It causes us to question, right? We're going to fight for that. We're going to fight for, 'Hey, I'm bringing more value to the team than this person. I think I should be compensated for that.'"

Barkley and Jacobs must now play on the one-year deal, or will be forced to sit out the entire season and cost themselves $10 million (£7.7m).

Charlie Wilson