Fox News Flash top headlines for August 3
Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.
Running back or run it back?
NFL teams continue to give big extensions to star running backs despite a history of returns on investment that mostly warrant a do-over wish.
The Giants likely will follow suit next offseason when Saquon Barkley first becomes eligible for a new contract, showing faith he is an Adrian Peterson-like exception to the rule. Here’s a look at some of the big deals that were done — or not done — in recent years:
SIGNED AN EXTENSION
Derrick Henry, Titans
Contract: 4 years, $50 million, including $25.5 million guaranteed
Signed: July 16, entering age-26 season
Extension with two fully guaranteed years replaced a temporary franchise tag for NFL’s leader in rushing attempts, yards and touchdowns in 2019.
Christian McCaffrey, Panthers
Contract: 4 years, $64 million, including $38.1 million guaranteed
Signed: April 13, entering age-24 season
Third player in NFL history with 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 receiving in the same season was also the first 2017 draft pick to cash in — despite changes at general manager and head coach.
Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys
Contract: 6 years, $90 million, including $50 million guaranteed
Signed: Sept. 3, 2019, entering age-24 season
Held out until four days before the 2019 season opener, jumping Amari Cooper and Dak Prescott in the extension line. Numbers slipped just a tick in 2019 but he still was a top-five back.
David Johnson, Cardinals
Contract: 3 years, $39 million, including $31.8 million guaranteed
Signed: Sept. 8, 2018, entering age-27 season
Risky move paying for 2016 production backfired. Dislocated wrist in 2017 season opener was precursor of injury problems, prompting trade to Texans.
Todd Gurley, Rams
Contract: 4 years, $57 million, including $45 million guaranteed
Signed: July 24, 2018, entering age-24 season
Cautionary tale was released at a $20.1 million dead cap hit without ever playing a down on his extension. Earned $34.5 million for 2018-19 seasons, about triple what he would have if Rams forced year-to-year deals. Signed by Falcons.
Devonta Freeman, Falcons
Contract: 5 years, $41 million, including $22 million guaranteed
Signed: Aug. 9, 2017, entering age-25 season
Signed after back-to-back 1,500-yard seasons and Pro Bowl selections — production never duplicated. Cut with three years remaining and remains a free agent.
LeSean McCoy, Eagles
Contract: 5 years, $45 million, including $20.7 million guaranteed
Signed: May 17, 2012, entering age-24 season
Rare back who got a second big pay day after he was strangely cut in 2014. Signed for five years and $40 million, including $18.2 guaranteed at signing, by Bills.
Adrian Peterson, Vikings
Contract: 6 years, $86 million, including $36 million guaranteed
Signed: Sept. 10, 2011, entering age-26 season
Only non-quarterback to win NFL MVP (2012) in the last 13 seasons. Played five seasons on the extension before Vikings turned down an $18 million team option in 2017, leading him to Saints and Redskins.
Chris Johnson, Titans
Contract: 4 years, $53.9 million, including $30 million guaranteed ($13 million at signing)
Signed: Sept. 1, 2011, entering age-26 season
Only Peterson had more rushing yards from 2008-13. Titans couldn’t trade Johnson after a career-low 3.9 yards per carry in 2013, so they cut him with three years remaining.
DID NOT SIGN AN EXTENSION
Le’Veon Bell, Steelers
Played on the franchise tag ($12.1 million) for the Steelers in 2017, then sat out rather than doing it again in 2018. Signed a four-year, $52.5 million free-agent contract with Jets, but had his least productive full season in 2019.
Melvin Gordon, Chargers
Misplayed his hand by turning down an extension worth $10 million per year and ultimately played 2019 on the franchise tag, after a four-game holdout. Settled for less from Broncos in free agency.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.