He first got hurt following his most used year, and was hurt and missed most of 2 years post his contract extension. Why? Cause the Panthers over used him and did not have sufficient back up. Yeah SF is paying him woo friggen hoo, they also have 2 other backs that can take carries from him, net he won't ever be the RB stud he was.
2 back to back years of 200 carries. Never yet has rushed for over 1000 yards a season. Yes 12 TDs and then 13 TDs - but that wasn't all Ekeler, and by the way, he is SSSSSOOOOOO loved they signed him to a big extension....whooops. Nope, he was up for trade. See the pattern yet?
All hail the King - but the King's crown is starting to tarnish
Do you read the news? He was this close to being cut, and I don't think its a lock yet he stays. He is on his last year and he will NOT be a Bengal next year. Perine was a shock, the team never thought someone would sign him to that big a deal. Mixon is gone sir, next year and his numbers show why, as does his off field issues.
Chubb is the man, I don't ever dismiss his talent, nor what he could have been. Please note they also were paying Hunt. Why? To take load off of Chubb. That is great management by the Browns. That being said - I don't see a new contract, don't see big money. Wonder why?
Again, I don't deny Cook has been solid for Minnesota. I would first blame the OL. That being said, his production has started to wain, and simply put he can be replaced. You are missing my point. I am not saying these RBs are not solid, but the model has been proven time and time again that RBs can be replaced and money spent where most are paying now which is QB, LOT, Pass Rush end and top CB. Those are the key money spots.
Zeke was wasted money. Period. He was NEVER what he was after signing that new deal. He is at best now a short yardage back, redzone back which isn't bad. But it ain't worth signing. Do I need to go list of players more that Dallas lost due to overpaying Zeke and Dak? Come on man you are better than this
No they couldn't. Know why? Cause they are already in cap hell, AND Cooper wanted more money. They made a choice and it was the wrong one. They even had Zeke's replacement in place and still blew the money. Give Zeke credit, he forced Jerry to be stupid, but it was wasted money and cost them Cooper and more.
And I can tell you don't follow the NFL, cause the NFL tells you differently. Don't let bias get you, teams are NOT paying RBs. Why? Cause the value isn't there. As you point out RBs take the most beating and they have a limited life span. You can't handle the ball that much and not get beat down, its simple physics. Right now Rbs are rinse and repeat. There have been a handful in recent history that have been paid on second deals and it paid out, but only a handful. Henry is an incredible example. But he was being shopped this off season also, Why? His deal is up next year and Tennessee isn't going to pay him. Cause its not solid money to spend.