Stephen Dubner

So if carve outs and holdouts aren't the answer, how about a good old fashioned running back Zoom call?

In 2023, Austin Eckler, now with the Washington Commanders, organized a Zoom with other top running backs, including Barkley, Jacobs, Christian McCaffrey and Nick Chubb, to discuss the state of their position.

Right now, there's really nothing we can do, Chubb said afterward.

We're kind of handcuffed with the situation.

We are the only position that our production hurts us.

If we go out there and run 2000 yards the next year, they're going to say you're probably worn down.

But last year, the Eagles made it to the Super Bowl and won the Super Bowl thanks to the huge contributions of running back Saquon Barkley.

So will that lead the NFL to fall back in love with the running back?

Let's say you have a relative or a family friend who's 11, 12 years old, great athlete.

What would you tell that kid if they're hoping for a long career in the NFL?

Do you say, get the heck out of the running back position?

I tell them to become a long snapper.

We once made an episode about the economics of the long snapper position.

It's called Why Does the Most Monotonous Job in the World Pay $1 Million?

Episode 493, if you want to listen.

As for running backs, LaShawn McCoy, the six-time pro bowler, was more optimistic about their future.

Here he is again talking with Roland Fryer.

There is some evidence to back up McCoy's optimism.

In recent years, the running game has recovered a bit.

In 2016, only 40.6% of the plays from scrimmage were run plays.