Steelers GM Omar Khan explains RB salary dilemma

Omar Khan, the Steelers general manager, has a reasonable explanation for why running backs are getting the short end of the salary stick.

Some experts believe it’s more about analytics determining running backs aren’t worth the extra cash. But Khan thinks it’s because teams are spending far more on quarterbacks. And in order to pay the NFL‘s biggest names, teams have to save more elsewhere. Unfortunately for tailbacks, the cost-cutting is coming at their expense.

“You don’t have to be a mathematician to figure it out,” Khan told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. “But when quarterbacks’ salaries start increasing at the rate that they’re increasing, at some point, it’s going to have a residual effect somewhere on the roster.”

The plight of the running back has been the story of July as teams kick off preseason training camps. Saquon Barkley finally accepted an offer from the Giants, although sides couldn’t agree on a long-term deal. Josh Jacobs, who led the NFL in rushing last year, was a no-show at Raiders training camp. He didn’t accept the franchise tag offer of $10.1 million.

Meanwhile, Dalvin Cook still is looking for a home after the Vikings released him for financial reasons back in early June. Cook has rushed for at least 1,000 yards in each of the past four seasons. If all goes well this weekend, he probably will sign with the Jets. And the Jets found some more money only after reworking Aaron Rodgers contract. (see Khan’s comment).

“Every franchise is going to handle things differently,” says the Steelers GM. “It’s up to every franchise to decide how to build their roster, but eventually, that’s going to have an effect when the quarterback salaries are growing at a rate higher than what the cap is. I get it. There are ways to get around whatever the cap number is, but it’s just going to be a natural effect.”

And quarterback contracts truly are escalating. The Chargers just made Justin Herbert, who has yet to win a playoff game, the highest-paid player in the NFL. He’ll earn $52.5 million per year. Joe Burrow‘s anticipated deal should be even bigger. Earlier this year, Eagles QB Jalen Hurts became the highest-paid player at $51 million a year. Then Lamar Jackson took over the top spot at $52 million annually.

This time last summer, Russell Wilson, Kyler Murray and Deshaun Watson reset the QB contracts, with deals giving them annual salaries between $46 and $49 million. Poor Patrick Mahomes. He’s won two Super Bowls and makes only $45 million a year on a deal he negotiated in 2020. But Mahomes said he doesn’t mind making less money if it means paying his other teammates.

Some top running backs met via Zoom last Saturday night. Cook said Derrick Henry of the Titans thought of the idea and Austin Ekeler organized the gathering. Najee Harris of the Steelers has been critical of what’s happening with the league’s best backs. Pittsburgh selected the former Alabama star in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft. And the Steelers will have another season to decide if they should pick up his option.

Harris said he loves playing for the Steelers. Plus, Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback is Kenny Pickett, who is entering his second season. So his average salary is a very low $3.5 million. Defensive star TJ Watt is the highest-paid Steeler at $30 million annually.

Harris directed his hire at NFL front offices.

“You know what you’re trying to do,’” he said. “‘You’re trying to utilize us as much as you can get, as much as you can out of us for cheap.’ And then, they’ll get another (younger) back and try to do the same thing again. That’s the trend that is happening right now.”