When it comes to GOAT debates in football, it feels like the running back position is extremely disrespected. People will talk about quarterbacks, wide receivers, and sometimes even defensive players. However, running backs are that one position that seems to lose out on a lot of the love that they truly deserve. Well, today on FS1's Undisputed, Shannon Sharpe tried to change that as he gave his list of best running backs ever, and it's a pretty interesting one to say the least.
At number one, Sharpe put Barry Sanders, while Walter Payton is in second. In third place, we have Jim Brown while Emmitt Smith and Eric Dickerson take over the fourth and fifth spots, respectively. What made this list interesting is Sharpe's admission that had it not been for his alleged off the field transgressions, OJ Simpson would have cracked the top 5.
Interestingly enough, Skip Bayless actually agreed with a lot of what Sharpe was saying here which just goes to show how agreeable the list was. Either way, there are certainly some people out there who are going to want to debate this so if you have a differing opinion, go ahead and sound off in the comments below.
Jaguars Decline Star Running Back Leonard Fournette’s 5th-Year Option
The Jaguars appear to be moving on from running-back Leonard Fournette after declining his fifth-year contract option.
The Jacksonville Jaguars declined the fifth-year option for the 2021 season on Leonard Fournette’s contract, this week.
Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images
The move comes as no surprise. The Jags have been trying to trade Fournette for the last month, according to reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Coming off a career-year, Fournette will be paid $4.168 million by the Jags in 2020 and become a free agent immediately afterward.
In 2019, the former fourth overall pick rushed for 1,152 rushing yards and caught 76 passes. In total, he gained 1,674 yards from scrimmage, which ranked sixth in the league.
Moving on from Fournette will continue rising uncertainty in the Jaguars offense. The running-back recently suggested the team move on from quarterback Gardner Minshew and sign Cam Newton: “Cam went to the Super Bowl. He’s a great guy. I’ve been knowing Cam for a minute now. And like I told some people that talked to me, it’s no disrespect to [Gardner Minshew]. I’m just trying to get in the best position as a team as we can [to] win,” Fournette said during an appearance on ESPN’s First Take. “That’s all that was about. Just friendly competition ’cause that brings out the best in people.”
The Jaguars went 6-10 in 2019.
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Christian McCaffrey Becomes Highest-Paid Running Back Ever
Christian McCaffrey has been nothing short of dominant during his time with the Carolina Panthers.
Christian McCaffrey had a dominant 2019 campaign with the Carolina Panthers and was certainly a candidate for the MVP trophy. Had the Panthers been a playoff team, McCaffrey's MVP case would certainly have been bolstered quite a bit. Regardless, the Panthers superstar is considered by many to be the best running back in the NFL and now, he is about to be paid like it.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, McCaffrey was just signed to a four-year contract extension worth upwards of $16 million per season. This makes him the highest-paid running back in NFL history, surpassing Ezekiel Elliott who broke the record with his contract, last season.
“I’m so excited to continue my career in Carolina," McCaffrey said. "I want to thank Mr. Tepper, Marty Hurney, and Coach Rhule for the opportunity to help lead this great franchise, and to all my teammates for their help along the way."
Typically, running backs have to hold out if they want their money but McCaffrey got his right away. Clearly, the Panthers understand just how valuable he is to the franchise, especially after the departure of Cam Newton.
For now, it remains to be seen whether or not this extension pays off for the Panthers in the long term, especially with how quickly running backs hit their decline.
Melvin Gordon Signs With Team Not Named The Chargers
Melvin Gordon infamously went through a holdout with the Los Angeles Chargers last season.
Melvin Gordon has been a beacon of consistency when it comes to the running back position and has been a stud for the Los Angeles Chargers over the last few seasons. Last year, Gordon was seeking an extension from the Chargers but wasn't able to reach an agreement. For a few games, Gordon held out from playing for the team but he eventually came back when he realized that it would behoove him to do so.
Gordon was a free agent this season and was looking for some new suitors. According to the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Gordon and the Denver Broncos have agreed to a two-year, $16 million deal with $13.5 million guaranteed. As Rapoport reports, Gordon could have gotten a better deal elsewhere but wanted to stay in the same division as the Chargers.
The AFC West will certainly be an interesting division next season as Philip Rivers is no longer on the Chargers. Meanwhile, the Broncos and Raiders have some potential especially with the latter moving to Las Vegas. From there, the Kansas City Chiefs are defending champions and will be hungry to win the division, again.
Stay tuned for even more NFL free agency updates as we will be sure to bring them to you.
Todd Gurley’s New Team Revealed Following Rams Release
Todd Gurley was released by the Rams but it didn't take him long to find a new team.
Todd Gurley was one of the best running backs in the entire NFL just a couple of years ago. Unfortunately, knee problems have kept his production at a minimum and yesterday, the Los Angeles Rams decided to release him after attempting a trade. This put Gurley on the free-agent market and needless to say, numerous teams were interested in his services.
Today, it was announced that Gurley would be signing with the Atlanta Falcons which means he is on his way home. The running back is 25 years old and is getting a 1-year deal for an unspecified amount. This is huge news for Falcons fans who haven't had a lot to cheer about over the past few years (28-3). The Falcons announced the deal with a funny meme that references all of the fans who were demanding for Gurley to get signed.
It remains to be seen whether or not this move will actually help the Falcons. It's also up for debate whether or not Gurley can get his knee problems in order. The consensus is that Gurley has degenerative damage in his knee which won't go away anytime soon. With this in mind, it's clear the Falcons are taking a short-term risk. If Gurley gets back to his old ways, we could see a longer contract come his way in the future.
How do you feel about this signing? Let us know in the comments below.
Todd Gurley Released By Rams Following Trade Exploration
The Los Angeles Rams were trying to trade Gurley but they were never able to come to a deal.
A couple of years ago, Todd Gurley was considered to be one of the best running backs in the entire league and he was starting to get paid like it. In 2018, he signed a $60 million deal with the team and that same season, he helped lead the Rams to the Super Bowl. During that same postseason, he suffered an injury to his knee which severely affected his production. This past season, Gurley was a shell of his former self and it was becoming clear that his injury woes were hurting the Rams.
Today, we reported that the Rams were exploring a trade for Gurley. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Rams were unable to find a deal and decided to release Gurley, thus making him a free agent. The Rams made this move today because it means they don't have to pay him the $10.5 million he was owed.
In total, Gurley only made $26 million from his $60 million deal which just goes to show how tough it is to be a running back these days. There is certainly a team that could use him right now but he is well outside of his prime right now.
The Rams recently put out a video in which they thanked the running back for his time with the team.
Le’Veon Bell Divulges On Jets Status And His Talks With Adam Gase
It’s been a rocky relationship at times.
Le’Veon Bell was signed by the New York Jets last season in what was considered to be a great move in terms of bolstering their offense. Despite Bell’s best efforts, the Jets were unable to get much done as their head coach Adam Gase looked downright incompetent at times. Regardless, Gase is back for another season and so is Bell. Just a couple of months ago, there was believed to be some tension between the two as Gase seemed dismissive when asked about Bell’s return.
Recently, TMZ caught up with the star running back and asked him about his situation with the Jets. As he explains in the video below, everything is good with his head coach and the two have talked things out. For now, Bell is excited to get back on the field in green and white.
“Me and coach Gase had our exit meeting,” Bell said. “It was fine, so we straight. Yeah, we good.” Bell and the Jets are a team with potential and if quarterback Sam Darnold improves, they could certainly become a contender in the AFC East, especially if Tom Brady leaves the Patriots.
Hopefully, for Bell’s sake, the Jets can improve their offense so he can go back to shining like he did in Pittsburgh.
Derrick Henry Delivers Expensive Gift To Titans O-Line After Huge Win
Henry is a great teammate.
Derrick Henry had one of the best individual running back performances in recent memory. The Tennessee Titans star tore up the New England Patriots defense last Saturday and helped propel his team to a huge 20-13 upset victory. Henry’s performance was great but he couldn’t have pulled it off without a stout offensive line. Henry is well-aware of that fact and made sure to provide his O-line with some gifts ahead of their Divisional Round match against the Baltimore Ravens.
According to TMZ, Henry hooked up the entire offensive line with expensive Rolex’s. This isn’t the first time a high-profile player has done something similar for his offensive line. After breaking the quarterback rushing record, Lamar Jackson gave his whole O-line some Rolex’s, as well.
Henry will have a huge test ahead of him as he takes on the Ravens. The Ravens are the league’s best team and are expected to make it all the way to the Super Bowl. The Titans have proven to be a formidable foe and if Henry can repeat his heroics from last weekend, the Titans will have a real chance at pulling off a second straight upset.
With these Rolex’s in mind, we’re sure the offensive line will be extra motivated come Saturday night.
