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JimYoungblood53
Analytics show that the difference between an elite back and an average back is less than any other back suggesting that they are fungible...
The CBA does not allow the RBs to get paid what they are worth when they are at their peak.
Putting all your other (reasonable) points aside, these two statements seem contradictory. If analytics (or management or just basic market reality) have assessed that the running back position is less important than it once was, then how can it be said that they are not getting what they are worth?
Historically, RBs have been idolized, put up on a pedestal, receiving as much glory as any position aside from QB. They score a lot and then celebrate the score with (sometimes) over the top antics. Because RBs have historically received tons of glory and even worship from the fans, there's a whole lot of ego, chest-pounding and self-importance associated with that position, and probably an entitlement mentality that comes with that.
Guards are important in the NFL game, but they have almost never been viewed as a top-tier position and, thus, have typically been on the lower end of the pay scale. But they're not speaking out and demanding more. Why not? Because it's always been that way for that position. This new situation for RBs is just not something they're accustomed to and perhaps they're simply not ready to face the new reality.
Not sure it would make sense to try to artificially inflate the value of a position that the market has determined is otherwise. If you go down that road, it would probably open up a can of worms that could get really ugly.
