Title: Steelers GM Highlights the Complexities of the NFL Running Back Pay Debate
In a recent interview with the Courier Standard Enterprise, Steelers General Manager Omar Khan shared his thoughts on the ongoing debate surrounding running back pay in the NFL. Khan believes that the issue is not as straightforward as it seems, emphasizing the financial constraints imposed by the league’s salary cap.
Khan argues that every dollar spent on one player is a dollar that cannot be spent on another player, highlighting the delicate balance teams must maintain when allocating resources. With the pay for quarterbacks skyrocketing at a faster rate than the salary cap, teams are left with reduced spending power for other positions.
Due to the exponential increase in quarterback salaries, running backs have become a position that teams are inclined to spend less on. This trend has raised concerns among players and fans alike, who argue that the running back position is undervalued compared to the importance it holds in NFL offenses.
While Khan acknowledges that each franchise has the freedom to build their roster differently, he underscores that the surging salaries of quarterbacks will inevitably impact other positions. As the financial landscape of the league continues to evolve, teams must make tough decisions on allocating their resources.
To illustrate this point, Khan highlights the Steelers’ recent draft picks. The team selected running back Najee Harris in the first round of the 2021 draft, followed by quarterback Kenny Pickett in the first round of the 2022 draft. If both players live up to their potential and perform at the level expected, extending Pickett’s contract will become a higher priority for the team.
As the Steelers strive to maintain a competitive roster while managing financial limitations, Khan’s insights shed light on the intricacies of the running back pay debate in the NFL. This ongoing discussion is likely to continue as teams grapple with resource allocation in a league dominated by the rising salaries of quarterbacks.