Dalvin Cook and Ezekiel Elliott were released, Saquon Barkley is playing under the franchise tag instead of signing a well-paid contract. “It’s eye-opening,” Pittsburgh Steelers’ Najee Harris frets about the diminished value of running backs in the NFL.

Running with the ball, catching the ball, setting blocks and taking pressure off the quarterback: the duties of a running back are many.

Without a doubt, running backs are among the most important players on a football team, but they rarely get any appreciation for it anymore.

Running backs are drafted later in the draft, earning significantly less than players at other positions. In recent years, more emphasis has been placed on passing in the NFL, which has lowered the value of ball carriers.

In addition, players at arguably no other position have to take as much punishment, which is why the careers of running backs are often short. Often, running backs’ stats start to decline in their mid-twenties, which is why NFL teams are hesitant to offer them long-term contracts.

Cook and Elliott were released

Even stars are feeling the diminished appreciation for the NFL’s “work horses.” This offseason, Dalvin Cook and Ezekiel Elliott, two top running backs, were both released.

With Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs and Tony Pollard, more stars were franchise tagged instead of signing well-paying, long-term contracts.

This development also worries Najee Harris of the Pittsburgh Steelers. “When you see guys like that get released, especially at my position, it makes you wonder, ‘Damn, what did they do?” the running back said on “ESPN. “

Harris: “It’s eye-opening “

“Is it because of their age? “Harris continued to puzzle. “Dalvin Cook has had multiple 1,000-yard seasons. What’s the reason for that? I don’t know. Is it because teams have to pay somebody? I don’t know. But it’s definitely eye-opening.”

For him, playing running back is an art, said Harris, who was drafted 24th overall by the Steelers two years ago and has since rushed for 2,234 yards, caught 115 passes and scored 20 touchdowns.

Impressive numbers, no doubt, but Harris shouldn’t expect a mega-contract, such as wide receivers might hope for with comparable performances.

“That’s kind of crazy,” the running back was annoyed.