Indianapolis Colts Owner Jim Irsay has made it clear that he is not interested in rethinking the NFL’s approach to handling running backs, despite recent protests from elite players at the position over their contract negotiations.
Irsay’s remarks come after a recent videoconference where top running backs discussed potential solutions to compensation challenges in their position.
“We have negotiated a CBA, that took years of effort and hard work and compromise in good faith by both sides,” Irsay wrote on Twitter. “To say now that a specific player category wants another negotiation after the fact, is inappropriate. Some agents are selling ‘bad faith.'”
NFL Running Back situation- We have negotiated a CBA,that took years of effort and hard work and compromise in good faith by both sides..to say now that a specific Player category wants another negotiation after the fact,is inappropriate. Some Agents are selling ‘bad faith’..
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) July 26, 2023
The issue at hand revolves around the franchise tag, which assigns a one-year salary to players based on their positions. Running backs who receive the franchise tag are slotted for a one-year salary of $10.091 million, significantly lower than players in other positions.
Quarterbacks, cornerbacks, wide receivers, offensive and defensive linemen, and linebackers all receive franchise numbers in excess of $18 million.
The recent videoconference saw Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris and other top running backs discuss using franchise tag numbers that are not assigned by position, potentially leveling the playing field in terms of compensation.
However, Irsay, who is on the NFL’s finance committee, is staunchly opposed to such changes, citing the advantage the franchise tag offers NFL clubs.
The economic situation for running backs has been a contentious topic in recent times, with several players facing contract standoffs with their teams. Notably, Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants and Josh Jacobs of the Las Vegas Raiders have been embroiled in disputes over their contracts (with Barkley’s situation finally reaching a resolution).
Even Irsay’s star running back, Jonathan Taylor, has been seeking a new contract to no avail. Taylor expressed his displeasure last month, and despite his on-field success, his request remains unfulfilled.
Taylor was placed on the physically unable to perform list and cannot practice until he is activated.
In response to Irsay’s dismissal of new contract talks, Malki Kawa, Taylor’s agent, stated: “Bad faith is not paying your top offensive player.”
Colts General Manager, Chris Ballard, hinted that an extension for Taylor is not imminent, emphasizing the team’s focus on making decisions in due time.
Are you on team-Irsay/owners or team-running backs?
It’s very unfortunate that the position has become so undervalued, but the market is what the market is.