All-Pro running back Saquon Barkley had an incredible 2024 campaign, he rushed for over 2,000 yards and helped the Eagles hoist the Lombardi Trophy. He was rewarded for his efforts with a new contract and is the Madden 26 cover athlete. Some sports analysts believe Barkley helped bring value back to the running back position.
Despite Barkley’s season, the running back position has always had value because teams in the NFL want to run the ball. The Baltimore Ravens have always had a strong running game, even before acquiring Derrick Henry. Teams like the San Francisco 49ers, Cleveland Browns, and Green Bay Packers emphasize running the ball on offense.
Barkley was a man on a mission in 2024. He proved his value to the Eagles after publicly not being re-signed by the New York Giants on Hard Knocks. The Penn State alumnus provided a spark for the Eagles offense by cutting on a dime, hurdling defenders, and showcasing his catching skills.
Henry found another gear after joining the Baltimore Ravens. The 31-year-old runner known as King Henry finished second in the league in rushing, recording 1,921 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. He meshed well with Lamar Jackson and was a perfect fit for the Ravens offense.
Josh Jacobs, the 2022 rushing champion, revived his career with the Green Bay Packers, who moved on from Aaron Jones. Jacobs fit in well and helped the Packers’ running game. He finished sixth in rushing, recording 1,329 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns.
Value is the keyword when examining the running back position and what has happened. NFL teams will run the ball during the season to help their offense. The difference lies in the quality of the teams.
Barkley was always a special running back, especially with his former team. He had made two Pro Bowls and was Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2018. Additionally, he made plays and showed why he was the second overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft.
Barkley was stuck on a poor Giants team that couldn’t compete, failed to find a stable quarterback, and was stuck in the park. The Eagles provided a better place for him to showcase his skills and play for a better organization. If Barkley stayed with the Giants, he would’ve had a strong season, just not as good as his 2024 campaign.
Don’t forget that Henry has been a force at the running back position since entering the league in 2016. King Henry was the Titans’ best offensive player for years until AJ Brown emerged. Tennessee made the AFC Championship game in January 2020, riding on the back of Henry. He also helped revive Ryan Tannehill’s career when Tennessee leaned on the running game and play-action passing.
The former Alabama Crimson Tide had a 2,000-yard season in 2020. Despite Henry’s production, the Titans eventually fell off when A.J. Brown was traded to Philadelphia and Mike Vrabel was let go. Henry chose to join a great franchise in Baltimore and was able to play in meaningful games.
Running backs on better teams have more value because of how they can help the overall offense. A change of scenery is essential. Former 1,000 rusher and 1,000 receiver Christian McCaffrey enjoyed more overall team success after joining the San Francisco 49ers.
Running backs are super important pieces of an offense. Quarterbacks can rely on and lean on a running game if they don’t want to pass the ball all the time. Some NFL teams choose to run the ball more than others. It all depends on how a team values the running game.
I am a fan of running backs like Barkley, Henry, McCaffrey, and Jacobs. I don’t think teams need a bellcow type of running back as the committee approach is effective. Speaking of running backs, J.K. Dobbins recently signed with the Denver Broncos.
Read More NFL News From Stadium Rant Here: NFL News
If you love sports, download Stadium Rant from the Apple App Store and join one of the fastest-growing social sports communities. Be sure to follow us on socials too — you can find all our profiles on our Linktree.
