The running back market is a very polarizing and complicated market, as the Pittsburgh Steelers are well aware of. Los Angeles Chargers star running back, Austin Ekeler is also learning about how hard it can be to get another contract for his position. While appearing as a guest on The Rich Eisen Show, he talked about the market for his position and took exception to how the position is treated. One of his arguments about how other positions get paid, with a new Steelers' player falling directly into the category that he was talking about.
Wesley Hitt
Chargers' Running Back Austin Ekeler
Ekeler was asked about the pain of the running back market and how they can potentially get more value. He talked about another group of players that get paid more than other running backs do, including himself.
"Let's see what the real value added to a team is. If I'm looking at some of the backup receivers out here that are still making more than me, that's gonna piss me off...You're telling me the #3 receiver is gonna make more than me and I'm the starter? I get more carries, I touch the ball more, I have more of an impact. It causes us to question it."
On paper, it makes a lot of sense. Why should running backs have to settle for less when players that get the ball fewer times get paid more? However, there are many more levels to it than just the surface numbers, especially since it's a passing league and the run game is seen as less of a focal point and more of a complement. No team necessarily needs an elite runner to make the offense work well.
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Former Steelers OL Coach, Mike Munchack, works with the Broncos' O-Line to protect their QB and RBs.
In a twist of irony, Ekeler originally benefitted from running backs being undervalued, as he was the backup to Melvin Gordon. Like Ekeler, Gordon was fighting for an extension. Gordon's attempts failed and he hit the free agent market, leaving the door wide open for Ekeler to get his opportunity to start, and he took full advantage of it. Ekeler is now in Gordon's shoes: watching other positions get blank checks while he has no clue if he'll get a quality offer from any team, especially his current employer.
Which Steelers Player Fits Ekeler's Problem?
When Ekeler talks about backup receivers getting paid a lot, he's likely referring to guys like Allen Robinson, who was given a three-year contract worth $46.5 million in 2022, despite having the worst full season of his career the season prior. Even though the Steelers are eating very little cap thanks to the trade with the Los Angeles Rams, he will still receive an eight-figure salary in 2023 and 2024 as long as he doesn't get cut before the 2024 season.
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Steelers veteran wide receiver, Allen Robinson running through drills during Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in Pittsburgh, PA.
After having a new career-worst season with the Rams, he was traded to the Steelers for a seventh-round pick swap along with the Rams paying Robinson $10.25 million to play for the Steelers. At best, Robinson will be a WR3 with the Steelers (barring injury) providing some veteran leadership to a young group of players. In 2024, if he doesn't get cut, he would be getting paid $10 million by the Steelers to be a rotational piece.
That is where Ekeler comes in. He will be paid $6.25 million in 2023 to play for the Chargers while Robinson will be making over $5 million more than him combined between the Rams and Steelers' salaries. Meanwhile, Ekeler just came off of a career season and is having to fight for every penny that he believes he is worth. Robinson isn't the only one that Ekeler is upset about, and he never named anyone, but it's easy to see how willing teams are to throw money at receivers while being hesitant to give anything to running backs.
What do you think of Ekeler's comments, as well as Allen Robinson being paid more than many running backs despite being a rotational receiver for the Steelers? Let us know down in the comments.
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