THAT was zine worthy

BTW, before I respond one of the most fascinating listens about the Tag and free agency was on Sirius NFL some time back. with a former GM
The advent of FA had this tag offset. It has evolved over time.

So, your take absolutely rings the bell loud and strong.
The gripe by RBs is valid
Worse, your profile of the manipulation by clubs to avoid a proper jackpot for the RBs is troubling
Lowering the number of contractual years might be a good solution

Some clubs could warrant that their development of RB corps takes time and they will lose credible work just when a player is maturing. I could suggest that any RB in the top tier of stats could void their final year. Sounded good, but teams might find a way to avoid giving credible snaps to a guy who is on the cusp. Add that some teams that are going to playoffs, or cellar dwellers might sit their keys.

The suggestion that the franchise tag should be disbanded is a superb threat for the running back position. Language in the NFLPA to void any use of the tag by the RB group may be a rather easy solution. Without a recalculation of a higher top tier terms for the position group year over year, the tag could be "Non-Use." Essentially springing free a host of hot properties.

The short road of an NFL career, especially a RBs, can't be devalued by the institiution that makes startling amounts of revenue.