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Jennifer Stewart/Associated Press
The running back position has changed in recent years, as most of the NFL s top ball-carriers can also catch passes. Typically, those players sign for bigger contracts than their one-dimensional counterparts.
Tennessee Titans star Derrick Henry stands out as the exception among the position s highest-paid players. He hasn t reached 20 receptions in any of his five seasons, but the two-time rushing champion carries a heavy load.
Most running backs who are set to test free agency when the league year starts in March will sign one- or two-year deals because a majority of clubs feature multiple ball-carriers, which puts a cap on potential earnings.
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Rich Schultz/Associated Press
When the Philadelphia Eagles decided to move on from head coach Doug Pederson, it left the NFL with seven head coaching vacancies. A few have already been filled. The Jacksonville Jaguars hired Urban Meyer, the Atlanta Falcons hired Arthur Smith, the New York Jets hired Robert Saleh and the Los Angeles Chargers hired Brandon Staley.
The Detroit Lions are also expected to hire Dan Campbell, according to ESPN s Adam Schefter.
However, it s still worth taking a few moments to analyze how all seven jobs stack up heading into the offseason, and that s exactly what we re going to do here.
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John Munson/Associated Press
This offseason, NFL teams will need to maneuver around a lower-than-expected salary cap with the loss of ticket revenue because of COVID-19 restrictions at stadiums. Still, general managers must find a way to pay their top playmakers.
Generally, quarterbacks, pass-rushers and offensive tackles command the most lucrative salaries.
Last offseason, quarterback Patrick Mahomes signed the largest deal in sports history, inking a 10-year extension worth up to $503 million with the Kansas City Chiefs. Edge-rushers Myles Garrett and Joey Bosa signed with the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Chargers, respectively, for deals that will net them $25-plus million annually. During the 2020 campaign, the Green Bay Packers made tackle David Bakhtiari the league s highest-paid offensive lineman with a four-year, $92 million contract.
What s been the matter with Mike McGlinchey? 49ers right tackle explains
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Mike McGlinchey’s head held game plans and self-defeating thoughts at the same time.Jennifer Stewart / Associated PressShow MoreShow Less
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GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 26: Quarterback C.J. Beathard #3 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with Mike McGlinchey #69after throwing a touchdown pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the fourth quarter of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium on December 26, 2020 in Glendale, Arizona. The 49ers defeated the Cardinals 20-12. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)Christian Petersen / Getty ImagesShow MoreShow Less
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It was worry.
That’s the self-assessment of the 49ers’ mildly embattled right tackle, who spoke from the heart Thursday about self-defeating thoughts that have swum in his head this season.
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Lon Horwedel/Associated Press
In a matter of days, the majority of the NFL s 32 teams will enter offseason mode. Within weeks, the rest of the league will follow.
And when that happens, one of the first thoughts that will cross the minds of fans, returning players, coaches, executives and local media surrounding each team will pertain to which difference-making players might be acquirable via free agency, the trade market or the draft.
But we have to be realistic, too. Everybody would jump at the chance to trade for Patrick Mahomes this offseason, but the Kansas City Chiefs aren t exactly likely to make the reigning Super Bowl MVP available.