These 3 superstar NFL running backs lost their value in 2022
There are three superstar NFL running backs who have lost their role on the offense of their respective team heading into the 2022 NFL season.
The 2022 NFL season features many running backs who established themselves as genuine threats to opposing defenses, but there are also some superstars who fell from grace and simply aren’t living up to their expectations salary or performance-wise.
In this list, we’re looking at those three superstar backs who lost their value in the 2022 NFL season.
There is no position in any major sport that has a shorter career lifespan than running back. From the intense workload these guys face, the gruesome hits they take from colossal giants on the defense to insurmountable high expectations, playing this position simply isn’t sustainable for the long haul.
There’s a reason why it’s the most easily replaceable spot in the depth chart and it’s because the average lifespan for a halfback is just 3-5 years.
The ones that surpass this mark, they’re some of the all-time greats like Frank Gore, Adrian Peterson, Emmitt Smith, Walter Payton, and so on.
Without further delay, let’s take a look at the three superstar running backs who lost their value in the 2022 NFL season.
3 superstar RBs that have lost their value in the 2022 NFL season
No. 3 – Saquon Barkley (New York Giants)
Taken 2nd overall in the 2018 NFL Draft out of Penn State, Saquon Barkley has yet to finish a full season since his rookie year.
When the prototypical back was taken just after Baker Mayfield, everyone thought we were going to see the next Barry Sanders as “Saquads” had the once-in-a-lifetime blend of power, speed, athleticism, and patience.
Despite his freakishly large frame of 5’11”, 233 pounds, Barkley is able to make cuts on a dime and run with incredibly downhill speed. As if it wasn’t hard enough to stop him as is, he’s a viable pass option with reliable hands and quick decision-making out of the backfield making him a potent two-way threat.
Unfortunately, due to a porous offensive line and misuse of his talents, the New York Giants have left their superstar running back vulnerable to injury, and over the last few seasons, they’ve taken a toll on the young buck.
While the Giants are working towards improving their line now, it may be too little too late for Barkley as he’s already headed into year five of his NFL career.
Big Blue would be making a horrible mistake if they were to sign Saquon to a massive contract extension this season due to the injuries he’s suffered as of late.
The talent and potential were there, but drafting a running back at No. 2 overall in the draft, regardless of the talent, is a tough sell when you have one of the worst offensive lines to protect him.
The Giants have to bite the bullet and move on from Saquon while he still has value.