Have you noticed a common theme this NFL season? Teams that let their star running backs walk in free agency are struggling, and in return, the teams that went out and got those same running backs are having success. In the offseason, the New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, and Las Vegas Raiders all made drastic decisions to move on from their respective star running backs: Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, and Josh Jacobs.
You can fast forward, and the results speak for themselves.
Entering Week 13, the top three rushing yards leaders are Barkley with 1,392 yards, Henry with 1,325 yards, and Jacobs with 944 yards. All are on new teams in new offense schemes under new coaches, yet somehow still prevailing. The Eagles, Ravens, and Packers are all playoff contenders. Meanwhile, the Giants, Titans, and Raiders have a combined record of 7-26. Coincidence?
Overcoming the Loss of Star Running Backs: Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, and Josh Jacobs
Giants: Not the Same Without Saquon Barkley
When Barkley signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, a divisional rival, the Giants’ offense took a step in the wrong direction. Despite drafting Malik Nabers sixth overall, finding a hidden gem in late fifth-round pick Tyrone Tracey Jr., and adding depth to the offensive line, the Giants badly miss Barkley’s ability to make big plays.
With an inconsistent passing game last season, having Barkley made the offense more functional and dynamic. This being the Giant’s first season without Barkley, there have been fewer chunk plays and difficulty in moving the ball and sustaining drives. This has made the offense more predictable. Although the Giants signed some free-agent names like Brian Burns and built a solid defense around drafting promising rookie defensive pieces, more is still needed.
Barkley, along with Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith, adds another dimension to an already dominant offense, making the transition seamless for both sides. Through the first 11 games, Barkley has run for 1,396 yards and scored 12 touchdowns, keeping the Eagles’ offense among the best in the league. Barkley’s dual-threat ability as a runner and receiving back has created nightmares for opposing defenses.
Titans: Missing Derrick Henry’s Power
A gaping hole has been left in the Titan’s offense since Henry’s new arrival in Baltimore—the focal point of the Titan’s offensive attack for almost a decade. Even later in his career, the former Alabama powerback is a force to be reckoned with. His absence has been felt this year in Tennessee, leaving behind a limited rushing attack and an inconsistent passing game with quarterback Will Levis.
The Baltimore Ravens found a perfect fit for Henry in an already dominant offense with Lamar Jackson. After failing to trade for him at the 2023 deadline, Baltimore finally got Henry in free agency on a two-year, $16 million deal this year. And it’s paying off. Henry has rejuvenated the Ravens’ ground attack, fitting perfectly with Lamar Jackson to create one of the most fearsome rushing offenses in football. With the season more than halfway through, Henry has run for 1,325 yards and 13 touchdowns, setting up Baltimore for another deep playoff run. He could be the piece to get the Ravens through to the Super Bowl.
Raiders: Josh Jacobs and the New Direction of Green Bay
One constant variable in a Raiders offense that had little to lean on last season after leading the NFL in rushing yards, they did nothing to retain him, choosing another route instead. Jacobs found his way to the Green Bay Packers through a bold move, signing to a four-year $48 million deal.
The Packers hoped to add a physical running back to relieve pressure on quarterback Jordan Love. Jacobs has been everything the Raiders could’ve hoped for. He provides big plays in the passing game and grinds out tough yards as an all-around back. Eleven games into the season, Jacobs has over 1,100 yards from scrimmage while adding seven touchdowns. Adding Jacobs has kept the Packers in the hunt for an NFC playoff berth with an 8-3 record.
Since losing Jacobs, the Raiders’ offense has had its ups and downs. They need consistency on the ground, as their passing game has yet to develop. This season, the Raiders’ 2-9 record describes how noteworthy Jacobs was to their offense.
The Running Back Position Matters
Passing trends and college-style offenses have consumed the NFL the past few seasons, making it easy for some to argue that running backs are less valuable than in years past. Teams have opted out of paying large contracts to running backs rather than other positions like the quarterback position. However, this season has proved that workhorse running backs like Barkley, Henry, and Jacobs hold immense value. They provide balance, create opportunities to incorporate play action into the offense, and contribute to the passing game.
The Eagles, Ravens, and Packers have invested in upgrading their running back rooms this season. Meanwhile, the Giants, Titans, and Raiders did not and must work much harder to keep pace in a competitive league. This NFL season has shown running backs are relevant, and when they perform well, they should be able to have contracts that match their performance. The elite running backs are still relevant, arguably now more than ever.
What Will Happen Next?
It will be interesting to see if this current trend continues, not only with the current teams involved in the running back conversation but also with what teams decide to do with their running backs in similar situations in the future.
Do the Giants, Titans, and Raiders continue to suffer, or do they find ways to adjust their offenses to account for their losses? One thing for sure is that the teams that retained or signed an elite back gained a big advantage this season. Cutting ties with a star running back sometimes seems like a short-term financial victory, yet it proves to be devastating on the field in the long run.
If nothing else, this season can teach us a lesson: running backs matter in the NFL.
Main Image: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
