Title: Running Back Market Shakes: Free-agent signings leave franchise-tagged backs in limbo
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As the NFL offseason continues, an unexpected turn of events has left fans and players alike in a state of anticipation. No new long-term contracts were announced for franchise-tagged running backs Josh Jacobs, Saquon Barkley, and Tony Pollard, leaving their futures uncertain.
One of the most significant moves just before the franchise tag deadline was made by the Jacksonville Jaguars who secured tight end Evan Engram with a lucrative three-year, $41.25 million contract. This unexpected signing has left fans and analysts speculating about the implications for the remaining franchise-tagged running backs.
The losers in this situation are undoubtedly Jacobs, Barkley, Pollard, and other running backs across the league who were unable to secure the long-term deals they had hoped for. It appears that the running back market is being devalued, with players like Aaron Jones, Austin Ekeler, and Joe Mixon restructuring their contracts to make themselves more financially viable for their respective teams.
However, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones emerges as a winner in this unfolding scenario. Having learned from the high price paid for running back Ezekiel Elliott, Jones can now negotiate a re-signing of Pollard at a more reasonable rate next offseason, ensuring financial flexibility for the team.
In New York, quarterback Daniel Jones could potentially suffer without Barkley on the field. His performance has consistently been significantly better with Barkley’s support, and the absence of their star running back will undoubtedly challenge the Giants’ offensive strategy.
On the other hand, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ quarterback Trevor Lawrence and head coach Doug Pederson can breathe a sigh of relief as their team successfully secured a long-term deal with Engram, their third-best pass catcher. This move provides stability and reassurance for Lawrence’s development in his rookie season.
Unfortunately, fans of Jacobs, Barkley, and Pollard must come to terms with the fact that their favorite players have yet to secure the long-term contracts they were hoping for. Instead, some backup running backs and rookies on teams such as the Raiders and Giants, including Abdullah, White, Breida, and Gray, have a chance to step up and showcase their talent in the absence of these star runners.
Additionally, the lack of a substantial contract for Pollard may lead to other players on the Dallas Cowboys, such as Trevon Diggs and CeeDee Lamb, receiving contract extensions in order to maintain a balanced salary structure within the team.
As the running back market continues to fluctuate, fans and players eagerly await further developments that could significantly impact the 2021 NFL season.
Stay tuned to ‘Jala News’ for the latest updates on the NFL and all things football.
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