‘Stay Strong Saquon!’ Commanders RB Supporting Barkley

At first blush it would appear the Washington Commanders won’t be impacted by the lack of running back contracts awarded this week. 

As the deadline to extend franchise tagged players in the NFL expired the Commanders may have actually won in the short-term with New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley not getting his deal that he threatened to holdout to get.

And with two of Washington’s top three running backs, Antonio Gibson and Jonathan Williams, playing on expiring contracts this season the fallout could certainly find it’s way to D.C.

The news of what’s happening certainly already has as evidenced by Williams tweeting Monday night, “Stay strong Josh Jacobs and Saquon!”

In Barkley’s case he has yet to sign his tender and is considered a threat to holdout all or part of training camp in an effort to get the guaranteed money he’s seeking. 

Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs is also thought to be a holdout candidate after not getting a new deal done leaving him to play on his franchise tag, or holdout. 

The immediate lack of contracts isn’t what should bother clubs outside the negotiations, however, it’s the noise those failures are bringing with them. 

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey tweeted just hours after the deadline passed, “This is Criminal. Three of the best PLAYERS in the entire league, regardless of position.”

The third player referred to is Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard, who was also not extended in time to avoid playing this year on his franchise tag.

Shortly before that Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry quote tweeted a post justifying the lack of extensions saying, “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.”

Indianapolis Colts star Jonathan Taylor also spoke out in support of his position mates. As did Najee Harris of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and others.

Antonio Gibson didn’t send out a tweet of solidarity, but you can believe he’s paying attention. 

Every running back in the NFL is paying attention in fact, to what is happening in terms of the value placed on their position. One that everyone knows suffers some of the worst football has to offer in terms of career longevity. 

And that’s what this has really been about. Money is nice, security is better, and running backs who help secure the fates of teams in Washington and elsewhere want it - and feel they deserve it. 

When the Commanders get their chance to take care of their running backs or take advantage of them, all eyes will turn to what they do, and the results will either help alleviate some of the stress caused this week or add to it.