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Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, and Josh Jacobs currently stand as the leading rushers in the NFL. Each of these players was available during the offseason for teams looking to bolster their rosters.
Henry, Barkley, and Jacobs changed teams in free agency, joining several other starting running backs who are actively contributing to their squads. Notable mentions include J.K. Dobbins, Tony Pollard, Aaron Jones, and De’Andre Swift. Joe Mixon also switched teams, but his transition came in the form of a trade.
Last year, a number of running backs voiced their concerns about being undervalued in the league, expressing their disappointments publicly. However, this season has seen improved pay for many, though they still fall significantly short compared to the financial packages awarded to quarterbacks and wide receivers.
The impressive performance of Henry, Barkley, and others could influence the landscape of the running back position moving forward, potentially nudging teams to consider more lucrative contracts for top-tier talent.
Henry inked a two-year, $16 million agreement with the Baltimore Ravens, amassing a remarkable total of 1,185 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns so far. Barkley secured a three-year contract worth $37.5 million, with $26 million guaranteed from the Philadelphia Eagles. He leads the NFL with 1,347 total scrimmage yards, including 1,137 rushing yards, along with eight rushing touchdowns and two coming through the air.
Mixon finalized a three-year, $25.5 million contract with the Houston Texans after his trade from Cincinnati, accumulating 764 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, three of which he scored during a recent game.
Currently, Christian McCaffrey holds the title of highest-paid running back with an average annual salary of $19 million. In comparison, 23 wide receivers earn at least $20 million per season, six of whom exceed $30 million. This success of Henry, Barkley, and Mixon presents value for playoff-contending teams aiming for the Super Bowl, possibly setting a precedent for future compensation for running backs.
In other news, Mike Tomlin is just one win away from achieving his 18th consecutive winning season as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, a feat that could be regarded as one of his most impressive yet. The Steelers currently hold an 8-2 record and recently took control of the AFC North after narrowly defeating the Baltimore Ravens 18-16. Initially underestimated at the season’s start, the team has emerged as a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
The decision to switch quarterbacks from Russell Wilson back to Justin Fields, who filled in while Wilson was injured, faced significant scrutiny. However, Tomlin has been vindicated as the team remains undefeated since Wilson’s return from injury. Support for Tomlin’s coaching decisions, especially from Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy, has helped bolster his position amidst criticism.
Despite his ongoing achievements, Tomlin has yet to win the Associated Press Coach of the Year award, a fact he continues to build a strong case to change through the season’s first eleven weeks.
In contrasting situations, the New Orleans Saints (4-7) have reignited their momentum by securing two victories under interim coach Darren Rizzi, following the firing of Dennis Allen. On the flip side, the New York Jets (3-8) have struggled since the promotion of Jeff Ulbrich to interim coach, managing only one win in their last six games. The Jets’ defense has faltered, allowing significant last-minute scoring drives in crucial moments, leaving quarterback Aaron Rodgers facing a daunting challenge to steer the team to six straight victories to avoid a losing season.
Moreover, the Jets’ unsatisfactory performance has led to the dismissal of general manager Joe Douglas.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys faced an unexpected setback when part of the roof at AT&T Stadium collapsed just hours before their 34-10 defeat to Houston. With Dak Prescott sidelined, the Cowboys struggled, registering a 3-5 record that has since worsened, being outscored 68-16 in their last two games.
Team owner Jerry Jones is now confronted with tough decisions regarding the future direction of the team, particularly concerning the coaching situation, as a return for Mike McCarthy appears unlikely. Unfortunately for fans, the Cowboys will be featured in prime-time games during the upcoming Thanksgiving and December 9 broadcasts.