The Average Salary of Running Back in the NFL Has Everyone Wondering

By | Bullscore 19 Jul, 2023

Yesterday was the tag deadline for the franchise in NFL and believe it or not but it was a harsh reminder for all the players in the running back position.

According to the graphics shared by former NFL wide receiver Dez Bryant, the salary a running back receives in NFL is even less than that of a kicker. This was a hard trial for everyone in the NFL world who didn’t know about this.

“Can someone please explain this?” Bryant asked, with many people obliging him.

“There are 32 NFL kickers vs. 100-125 running backs,” explained Yahoo’s Charles Robinson.

There are 32 NFL kickers vs. 100-125 running backs. https://t.co/2jPLXdZ0NI
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) July 18, 2023

“I understand why running backs are upset with their salary and value … but using misleading graphics like this do not help,” added former NFL offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz. “Half the starting backs (after Barkley and Jacobs sign tags) make the same or more as Tucker per year. This avg number includes all backs on a roster.”

I understand why running backs are upset with their salary and value … but using misleading graphics like this do not help. Half the starting backs (after Barkley and Jacobs sign tags) make the same or more as Tucker per year. This avg number includes all backs on a roster. https://t.co/VVAuUytllu
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) July 18, 2023

“What’s even crazier is if you exclude to the top 5 RB pay, the number would probably be closer to league minimum,” added current running back Mark Ingram.

What’s even crazier is if you exclude to the top 5 RB pay, the number would probably be closer to league minimum. https://t.co/YgLX7odoJZ
— Mark Ingram II (@markingramII) July 18, 2023

“An NFL running back is easily replaceable unless they’re truly elite. There have been a lot of one-hit-wonder running backs. The offensive scheme makes most running backs. Outside of quarterbacks, kickers have the most individualized pressure put on them,” a fan chimed in.

An NFL running back is easily replaceable unless they're truly elite. There have been a lot of one-hit wonder running backs. The offensive scheme makes most running backs.

Outside of quarterbacks, kickers have the most individualized pressure put on them. https://t.co/uzBgAcBs2L
— Comrade Stump (@GranTorinoDSA) July 18, 2023

“I’m flabbergasted,” said another.

Well, it’s not inexplainable why a running back’s salary is low. Compared to a high-end player, the running backs and the backups work are much less.

Many other players are also suffering. For example, players like Josh Jacobs, Saquon Barkley, and Tony Pollard will be playing in 2023 as tags, as they didn’t manage to sign a long term deal with any teams.