There is a constant debate in the world over who the best running back in the NFL is.
The easy answers are Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey but the hot topic right now is between Christian McCaffrey and Ezekiel Elliott and who the better RB is between the two. They’re the two highest paid running backs in the league! Another debate is over whether it was the right decision to give McCaffrey the contract he was given.
McCaffrey Contract – 4 years, $64,063,500. Averages out to $16,015,875 annually.
Elliott- 6 years, $90,000,000. Averages out to $15,000,000 annually.
I’m not saying that Ezekiel Elliott is a poor running back because he isn’t. He’s an incredible athlete. He does great things for the Cowboys because Lord knows they need great things to happen to them. I just believe that McCaffrey is a better all around football player.
Lets compare their makeups.
McCaffrey
Zeke
Zeke is bigger, he’s a year older, and he’s much more of a contact player. McCaffrey’s smaller but has the upper leg in speed. Christian finds a whole and runs for his life, jukes like no other, and hurdles like Saquon. (Uhm throwback to his mid-air flip touchdown against the Jaguars which you should go watch if you haven’t seen it) Keeping these points in mind, McCaffrey can be a contact player as well with great blocking skills. These aspects of his game and his makeup as a player give him SO much value.
Let’s look at stats.
McCaffrey obviously did better this past season but many of their stats are very close. McCaffrey also had 303 receptions over 3 seasons, 1,005 receiving yards, and 4 touchdown receptions in 2019. He also had the most receptions for a running back and some of the most int he NFL along with other receivers. (Michael Thomas (378), DeAndre Hopkins (315), Keenan Allen (303), and Julio Jones (300)). The key word is receivers. He’s in the same conversation as wide receivers!
McCaffrey holds even more value because:
I agree with comments that are out there saying that this is an insane amount of money. I see people saying that it’s crazy to pay a running back this money and I understand that take but when it comes to the Panthers he should be paid more than any of their receivers. Why? He’s not just a running back. He is an all-purpose player. Not to mention he has
McCaffrey has a great attitude. He takes care of his body. He is reliable and he doesn’t have to threaten his team. He’s in a great situation. I’m interested in seeing what happens with Saquon. A big contract is definitely coming his way. As I stated, McCaffrey’s contract is an insane amount of money but if it is going to be put out there, right now, it should be going to him.
McCaffrey was the best RB in the league this past season, but this coming year is a whole other story because you have to keep in mind the situation that Saquon was in. He was injured and the Giants were bouncing back and forth between their quarterbacks with him having less targets.
McCaffrey carrying the team was always a possibility and I’m extremely excited to see him and Bridgewater play together as well as seeing Matt Rhule as head coach!
Let me know your thoughts on who’s the better RB in the comments below or on any of my social media platforms 🙂 I hope everyone is staying safe, healthy and home!
