Austin Ekeler has been an outspoken advocate for NFL running backs amid the position’s current financial market.
Running backs are one of the least compensated NFL position groups in terms of average salary. According to Spotrac, running backs across the NFL average $1,794,500 per year in salary, which is even less than kickers, who have an average salary of $2,166,357.
The Los Angeles Chargers running back recently organized a Zoom call with several of the league’s top running backs to discuss the economic state of the position, and he plans to have more.
“We wanted to get on that call because we wanted to hear everyone’s story,” Ekeler told USA TODAY Sports in an exclusive interview. “It’s not just a one-time call. We are gonna have more of those and continue to get more people on. We just had that to kind of break the ice and bring awareness. There are gonna be more calls and more education on what’s going on, and how we can combat it and decide if it’s worth combatting in the future. …It’s educating right now. That is the next step in my eyes.”
There’s no simple answer for NFL running backs. The NFL and NFLPA agreed on a collective bargaining agreement in 2020. The current CBA doesn’t expire until 2030, which restricts players from revising financial matters, such as rookie contracts and franchise tag tenders.
Ekeler went through his own contract struggles this offseason, which led to a trade request. He later rescinded his trade ask when the Chargers added incentives to his contract. However, Ekeler remains disgruntled with what he and his running back peers have endured; in addition to the lower average salary compared to other NFL position groups, running backs seem to be one of the top recipients of the franchise tag.
“It’s frustrating for us as running backs. Just because we know the value that we bring to the team. I’m not saying that every running back is a top-value guy that should be getting paid, but especially the guys who just got franchise tagged — Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs and Tony Pollard. The impact that those guys have on their team is immense,” Ekeler said. “That’s why we are frustrated. You want us to be this pivotal point in your organization however you’re not gonna compensate us for that. You’re gonna come out and franchise tag us.”
‘I want to attack’ the franchise tag
The NFL introduced the franchise tag in 1993. Six players were hit with the tag this year, including Barkley, Jacobs and Pollard. They were the only three players who did not agree to long-term deals before the July 17 deadline for franchise-tagged players to do so.
Ekeler hopes the franchise tag is abolished one day.
“I want to attack it. I think it’s detrimental to us as players. You can look at any of the statistics. Our average career is three years. If you are fortunate enough to be in a position to have success, and now you’re able to be locked in for more on one year, one year, one year and not have to share any of that risk with the organization than it’s just not a great situation,” Ekeler said. “It’s very one-sided.”
But Ekeler understands there’s a long road ahead before any tangible change is made for running backs. Although, he hopes that players, regardless of position, can unify together in efforts to implement substantial changes.
“You’re starting to piss people off and these guys are the superstars of the league. Look at these guys, they are the face. Other than the quarterback and maybe your star receiver and your star running back. We have the guys that make an influence, have been making an influence and have actual say in the locker room, in the media and in the fanbase,” Ekeler said. “For us, it’s continue to come together and continue to find situations where we can put ourselves in a place to do better for all. That’s what the next step is.”
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on Twitter @TheTylerDragon.
