An fascinating dialog brewed on a latest episode of the Horrible Podcast. A query arose: Was Pittsburgh behind the occasions in signing a RB to a considerable second contract with their unique workforce? Willie Parker was the final occasion for the Steelers in 2006, signing a multi-year second contract with a $4.4 million APY (common per yr).
The purpose is topical, contemplating two Pittsburgh working backs, Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, may doubtlessly break this streak.
I scoured the information, seeing when the final time each NFL workforce signed a RB beneath these parameters: second contract with unique workforce, multi-year, and minimal 4-million APY. Right here’s a visible of workforce outcomes:
The notion that the 2006 Parker deal was low within the outcomes was validated. This 18-year drought is the Twenty fourth longest within the NFL. A number of groups had a number of occurrences within the span, so the argument of it being time holds advantage. On the flip aspect, eight groups had an extended streak than Pittsburgh: ARI, BUF, DET, HOU, LV, MIA, NYJ, and WAS.
In fact, a deserving participant is required on the opposite finish, which the Steelers arguably did. Since 2006, some notable names have been handed on for substantial second contracts. A few latest examples have been Le’Veon Bell (two franchise tags earlier than shifting on) and James Conner (who let his rookie deal expire). Questions of what may have been.
Will Pittsburgh pull the set off with Harris and/or Warren? Many discovered not selecting up Harris’ fifth-year possibility on his rookie deal curious on the time. He in fact has been one of the vital sturdy backs, posting his fourth-straight 1,000-yard season. Quantity is a serious a part of that, whereas effectivity, not a lot.
Warren’s position has elevated: an incredible 1B possibility and third-down again skillset (pass-catching/blocking). There’s the tender stage conundrum for Warren, the perfect case of two choices being a second-round restricted tender of $5.217 million. Or, maybe, a place to begin for a multi-year negotiation. It’s a greater match for OC Arthur Smith’s system, too.
The place is likely one of the most depreciated when it comes to contracts, so the Steelers not shelling them out left and proper is optimistic. However seeing how lengthy it’s been and the chance to finish the streak will probably be fascinating to observe.
Here’s a desk by workforce, the participant and season they signed, years of the deal (Yrs), complete worth (Tot), common per yr (APY), and assured cash (Guar):
It’s an fascinating journey down reminiscence lane. First, two qualifiers signed such contracts in 2024: NE Rhamondre Stevenson and CAR Chuba Hubbard. One prevalence in 2023, a extra notable title: IND Jonathan Taylor. No gamers in 2022. So, within the final three seasons, solely three gamers have match the parameters. These contracts are all lively.
Three gamers in 2021: Nick Chubb (CLE), Aaron Jones (GB), and Chris Carson (SEA). Chubb and Jones are set to change into free brokers, whereas Carson retired after simply 5 seasons (harm).
2020 featured probably the most signings of the examine, with six RBs. Alvin Kamara (NO), Dalvin Cook dinner (MIN), Derrick Henry (TEN), Joe Mixon (CIN), Austin Ekeler (LAC), Tarik Cohen (CHI). It is a superb group of names and outcomes for probably the most half, however most gamers have moved to different groups since, with Kamara being the exception.
Then, a couple of years of just one signing. 2019: Ezekiel Elliott (DAL). 2018: Todd Gurley (LA). 2017: Devonta Freeman (ATL). 2016 had two gamers – Doug Martin (TB) and C.J. Anderson (DEN). From 2013-2015, there was a three-year lull of no such signings. Two in 2012: LeSean McCoy (PHI) and Ray Rice (BAL). Additionally, fairly stable record on the time.
In 2011, the Giants’ final prevalence was Ahmad Bradshaw. New York followers have a fair greater motive to complain about their streak, contemplating they’d the chance with Saquon Barkley final offseason. As an alternative, he moved on to the Eagles for a Tremendous Bowl and a pair of,000-plus speeding season. Free company has been a extra fashionable avenue of late for contenders, as we additionally noticed with Henry going to Baltimore.
Kansas Metropolis’s final time was in 2010, after they re-signed Jamaal Charles. The Jaguars’ final time was with Maurice Jones-Drew in 2009. After none in 2008, the ultimate qualifier since Pittsburgh’s drought was Frank Gore in 2007 (SF).
Then, there was Pittsburgh, the lone instance in 2006 with Willie Parker.
So, we are able to see Pittsburgh has been one of the vital cautious NFL groups in delving out second RB contracts of substance. For probably the most half, groups inked offers to star gamers that largely paid off.
There are a few what-if alternatives for the Steelers, and the large query is that if Najee Harris or Jaylen Warren are seen on this mild and finished sufficient to ink such a contract. Luckily, it doesn’t appear both would “break the bank” in the event that they lastly go that route.
No matter who’s retained and/or introduced in, enhancements and consistency on the offensive line needs to be a major focus for Pittsburgh’s offense. It’s also a powerful draft class at RB that the Steelers may capitalize on in the event that they select.
One factor’s for positive: the Steelers are late on this regard on the place, with the Twenty fourth-longest drought (18 years). Najee Harris will take a look at free company, and because the examine revealed, a excessive proportion of RBs ended up with new groups on this scenario.
I’m personally hoping they ink Jaylen Warren to a brand new deal. He has a extra different skillset and matches Arthur Smith’s speeding schemes effectively. Pittsburgh’s determination on the matter can’t come quickly sufficient.
