The NFL running back market has become a hot topic, with several star players struggling to secure long-term contracts this offseason. Saquon Barkley, Tony Pollard, and Josh Jacobs are all playing under the franchise tag as training camps commence, while Dalvin Cook and Kareem Hunt remain free agents. This situation has prompted NFL Players Association President JC Tretter to offer some unconventional advice to the disgruntled running backs.

In a recent interview on the "Ross Tucker Football Podcast," Tretter hinted that running backs might consider strategically reporting less than perfect health to gain leverage in negotiations. While stopping short of explicitly recommending faking injuries, he emphasized the importance of maximizing leverage in situations where the franchise tag restricts player movement. Tretter suggested that players explore "creative ways" to improve their negotiating position, pointing to past instances where players' injuries, though not necessarily fabricated, conveniently coincided with their desire to move teams.

He stated, "You need to try to create as much leverage as you possibly can… I think each player needs to find a way to build up leverage to try to get a fair deal." This advice comes as several running backs have publicly voiced their concerns about the declining running back market. Chargers running back Austin Ekeler, for instance, has been a vocal advocate for better contracts for his peers and has expressed dissatisfaction with his own deal. Ekeler's situation with the Chargers escalated earlier this year when he requested a trade, though a temporary resolution was reached with the addition of incentives to his 2023 contract.

Whether Tretter's suggestion will prove beneficial to players like Barkley, Pollard, or Jacobs remains to be seen. However, the possibility of running backs holding out of training camp, regardless of their physical condition, looms large.