[pepsi_junkie]

Here's the issue. Running backs are considered replaceable. You can get one in the draft that will make an immediate impact and most teams aren't trying to pound the rock anymore so they just need a 'good enough' running back. But the Rams and Cowboys paid Todd Gurley and Zeke Elliott a kings ransom and set the market for top tier RBs astronomically high. So when a very good RB is up for renewal he wants that sort of money and teams say 'nah, I think I'll just draft a guy in the 4th round'. Fournette will be wanting a gigantic contract moving forward and the jags are essentially rebuilding so they won't pay him but nobody else wants to pick that problem up either.

Basically this is a terrible time to be a very good but not elite RB looking for his first contract after his rookie one ends.

[Bishop_Malachi]

Yeah...it doesn’t help that modern football is glorified Arena-Football.

The game is too QB-centric now. Gone are the days when you could put a great RB behind a terrific group of team-blockers and create a dynasty-level offense.

[Richard Kimball]

Running backs have a short shelf life, and aren't protected by the rules like quarterbacks are.

Guys like Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton, who played 10+ seasons, are rare. Most RBs have a shelf life of around 5 years. They also don't get better. If they haven't figured it out by their second year, they're not going to figure it out. Running backs live off power and speed. Neither of those get better as you age.