Last month Chris Wesseling pointed out that running backs on the open market were being paid like kickers.
The proliferation of the passing game and perceived interchangeability at the running back position caused contracts signed by free-agent running backs in 2014 to dip to approximately $2.89 million annually.
The biggest running back name heading into free agency was Ben Tate. He signed a two-year contract with the Cleveland Browns worth about $6.2 million -- or as some might say: a pittance.
Tate told TheMMQB's Robert Klemko that if he had a mulligan on his career he'd have picked a different position.
"I would've been something else, for sure. I'd have been a safety," Tate said. "I had the opportunity to play it in college, but I wanted to be the guy to get the ball. I had no idea the position would be devalued, but hopefully I can break that trend."
Seeing Earl Thomas sign a four-year, $40 million contract extension with the Seattle Seahawks, we can see why Tate would long to switch jobs.
The running back conundrum is one -- as Klemko's piece examines -- that has been filtering up through youth leagues, where the best athletes now are often put at quarterback instead of running back.
With more and more young players taking Tate's advice, and moving to a position other than ball carrier, the evolution of the NFL running back position in the next decade will be a fascinating study.
The latest "Around The League Podcast" breaks out the crystal ball and predicts the potential surprises that could shake up the NFL Draft.
