Jonathan Stewart Echoes Frustration with Value of the RB Market

The Panthers' all-time leading rusher isn't happy.

Paying running backs or lack thereof has been the main topic of discussion around the NFL over the last 24 hours with Saquon Barkley of the Giants, Josh Jacobs (Raiders), and Tony Pollard (Cowboys) not reaching agreements on a contract extension with their respective teams.

Running backs all over the league took exception to that lack of disrespect of their position-mates and stood up for them on social media. Christian McCaffrey, Jonathan Taylor, Najee Harris, Austin Ekeler, Derrick Henry and many others voiced their frustration with how front offices value the running back position.

This is Criminal. Three of the best PLAYERS in the entire league, regardless of position. https://t.co/zDXRS5cGdu

— Christian McCaffrey (@CMC_22) July 17, 2023

I agree with my running back brothers around the NFL- history will show that you need running backs to win- we set the tone every game and run trough walls for our team and lead in many ways- this notion that we deserve less is a joke. https://t.co/rWJkGIEgmW

— Najee Harris (@ohthatsNajee22) July 17, 2023

1. If you’re good enough, they’ll find you.

2. If you work hard enough, you’ll succeed.

…If you succeed…

3. You boost the Organization

…and then…

Doesn’t matter, you’re a RB https://t.co/mG6In1ATGg

— Jonathan Taylor (@JayT23) July 17, 2023

This is the kind of trash that has artificially devalued one of the most important positions in the game. Everyone knows it’s tough to win without a top RB and yet they act like we are discardable widgets. I support any RB doing whatever it takes to get his bag. https://t.co/sRYfAKwrpQ

— Austin Ekeler (@AustinEkeler) July 17, 2023

At this point , just take the RB position out the game then . The ones that want to be great & work as hard as they can to give their all to an organization , just seems like it don’t even matter . I’m with every RB that’s fighting to get what they deserve . https://t.co/OgvBWZCKvn

— Derrick Henry  (@KingHenry_2) July 17, 2023

In our season premiere of Bleav in Panthers, former Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart had to air out his frustration with the running back market, where he made several good points. 

"If I told you that a player had 295 carries, 1,300 yards, ten touchdowns for the New York Giants...probably the most rushing yards since Tiki Barber...and you told me that you didn't want to pay this guy? Come on man. What are we doing? It's not just him. You got guys at the top of their position not getting paid, not getting worked out. Obviously I played running back and I understand what it takes to play that position and what your body goes through and how hard it is to stay on the field. I mean, these guys have been banged up, but they have also produced. When you have a healthy Josh Jacobs and you have a healthy Saquon Barkley on your team, you're automatically better. 

"If you have one of the best ball-carriers on the field, you need to make sure he's paid. Period. I'm tired of this whole narrative of you can just keep him for his rookie contract and then get rid of him. When you think about top players in the NFL all-time, running backs come up. So let's treat these running backs like they should be treated and pay them."

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