The question of whether NFL running backs are “really back” is one that’s been gaining traction in recent years as the NFL evolves. The running back position has faced challenges in terms of its overall value, especially in comparison to the more pass-heavy roles of quarterbacks and wide receivers. Let’s take a look at the current landscape and whether running backs are reclaiming their importance.
The Decline in Running Back Value
Over the past decade, the running back position has seen a significant drop in value in the NFL. Teams have increasingly turned to pass-first offenses, with quarterbacks and wide receivers taking center stage. The league has shifted toward a pass-heavy game with spread offenses and the influence of analytics, which emphasize passing efficiency and playmaking on the perimeter.
Running backs have also been affected by the league’s decision to adopt a more committee-based approach to the position. Teams have moved away from relying on a single feature back and have turned to multi-back systems, often using running backs in specific roles like third downs or short-yardage situations. The rise of dual-threat quarterbacks who can both pass and run the ball has also taken away from the traditional role of a running back.
The Shift in Running Back Pay
In terms of contracts, running backs have also seen a devaluation. Teams are reluctant to invest heavily in a running back through long-term, big-money contracts. The nature of the position means that running backs typically experience a significant drop in productivity after a few seasons, making it harder for them to secure lucrative deals. Many teams prefer to draft or sign lower-cost running backs, utilizing them in a rotational or short-term role, rather than paying top dollar for a workhorse back.
In 2023, this became more apparent when Saquon Barkley (New York Giants), Josh Jacobs (Las Vegas Raiders), and Tony Pollard (Dallas Cowboys), among others, had to play under franchise tags, which limited their earning potential.
Why Running Backs Might Be Coming Back
Despite these challenges, there are signs that running backs could be finding their way back into the spotlight. There are a few reasons for this potential resurgence:
1. The Return of the Workhorse Back
While many teams still use a committee approach, there has been a return to relying on a singular workhorse running back, especially when that player has elite talent. Derrick Henry of the Tennessee Titans is the prime example of a back who continues to dominate and be central to his team’s success. His sheer physicality and ability to dominate games are a reminder of why a top-tier running back can still make a difference.
Similarly, players like Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco 49ers) and Dalvin Cook (Minnesota Vikings) are being used as do-it-all players who can catch passes, run the ball, and even block, showing that elite running backs still have a significant role to play.
2. Running Backs in the Passing Game
One reason why running backs may be “back” is their increasingly versatile role in the passing game. Modern offenses use running backs not just for their ability to run between the tackles, but as key contributors in the passing attack. Players like McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara (New Orleans Saints), and Austin Ekeler (Los Angeles Chargers) have become essential weapons in the passing game, not just as ball carriers but as receivers who can stretch the field.
The passing game has become an integral part of the running back’s role, allowing them to remain relevant and valuable in offensive schemes, even in a pass-heavy league.
3. Young and Dynamic Talent
A new wave of young, talented running backs has emerged, with players like Breece Hall (New York Jets), Kenneth Gainwell (Philadelphia Eagles), Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons), and Jahmyr Gibbs (Detroit Lions) showing impressive potential. These younger backs bring explosiveness, vision, and versatility that could reignite the importance of the position.
The league has also seen a resurgence of running backs who are not just strong between the tackles but possess the ability to break away for long gains, especially in open space. The athleticism and dual-threat capability of these players make them valuable assets for their teams.
4. Offensive Line Play
Another aspect contributing to the potential for running backs’ resurgence is the improved play of offensive lines. Teams are increasingly prioritizing big, dominant offensive lines that can open up running lanes and protect the quarterback. This allows running backs to thrive in systems where they can find consistent running room.
5. Evolution of Offensive Systems
Teams are gradually starting to incorporate more creative offensive schemes that feature the running back position. Shanahan-style offenses, like those employed by the 49ers, have seen significant success by relying on a mixture of run-pass options, wide-zone running schemes, and utilizing the running back in multiple roles. This has helped revitalize the role of the running back, especially in offenses that look to create mismatches in space.
Is the Resurgence Sustainable?
Despite the flashes of success, it’s still unclear whether the resurgence of running backs is sustainable in the long run. The NFL remains a pass-first league, and while there’s room for running backs to thrive, the position’s long-term value still faces challenges. The development of more dual-threat quarterbacks, along with the growing use of analytics to assess player value, will continue to affect how teams utilize running backs.
Moreover, as teams continue to rely on passing attacks and offensive schemes that favor speed and agility over power running, the traditional workhorse running back may remain a rarity.
Conclusion
While the running back position has seen some shifts in recent years, and there are flashes of resurgence from elite talents, the overall trend in the NFL still leans toward passing. However, the combination of dynamic young talent, more versatile roles for running backs in the passing game, and a few standouts continuing to dominate on the ground suggests that running backs could be “back” in a more diverse and strategic sense. The position is evolving, and while it may not return to the dominant force it once was, it’s clear that running backs still have an important role in the league’s landscape.
