5 running backs who are massively overpaid

As a rule, smart NFL teams don’t pay running backs big money. The following five guys are stealing cash from their respective franchises.

The day of NFL teams routinely handing out massive contracts to franchise running backs are over. These days it usually requires an exceptional talent to earn big money at the position. That doesn’t mean that every GM understands how to value the position in the modern game.

Some running backs have still managed to garner big contracts even though they aren’t actually elite. Not surprisingly, players who manage to achieve this feat typically find themselves on bad teams.

This piece will identify the five highets paid running backs in the NFL for the 2020 season. The agents involved with these contracts deserve a lot of credit, but the GMs who signed t  he deals should be looking for other jobs.

5. Kenyan Drake

Drake showed signs of life after arriving in Arizona last year, but any time the Dolphins give up on a player it should sound serious alarm bells. The fact that the Cardinals still felt comfortable paying him just a shade under $8.5 million this season shows a clear understanding of modern salary cap management.

For the record, Drake isn’t a bad player. It’s very possible he will be a productive back for the Cardinals in 2020. The fact that he averaged 5.2 yards per carry for them down the stretch in 2019 is certainly cause for optimism.

The argue against his current contract is that he just isn’t a special running back. The Cardinasl would have been better served to draft a rookie who could provide them 80 percent of the production at 20 percent of the price.

In the end, Drake should enjoy the premium compensation he’s receiving this season. It’s very unlikely he’ll find a team willing to match it when he hits free agency in the future. His best bet will be to accept a discount salary to stay in Arizona for the long haul.