Derrick Henry -- RBs 'as valuable as any other position' - ESPN

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry joined the chorus in making it clear that he isn't happy with the way his position is being treated and floated the idea of a running back summit similar to the annual one organized by NFL tight ends.

«It's tough right now,» Henry said Friday. «We're just trying to show that we are as valuable as any other position. They use us in commercials and all over the place. We just want our share.»

Henry's comments regarded the $10.1 million franchise tag that was placed on Saquon Barkley, Tony Pollard and Josh Jacobs, with none of the three running backs able to reach a long-term contract.

Barkley signed an amended franchise tag with the New York Giants that included an additional $1 million in available incentives and a $2 million up-front signing bonus, and Pollard signed the franchise tender placed on him by the Dallas Cowboys. Jacobs, who led the NFL with 1,653 rushing yards last season, is not in Las Vegas Raiders training camp after refusing to sign the franchise tag.

Many NFL players who perform at a high level are rewarded accordingly with big contracts. Henry feels that is not the case when it comes to running backs.

«We want the same thing,» Henry said. «It seems like even if we are productive, when it comes to negotiating, it's kind of like used against us at that point.»

After Barkley, Pollard and Jacobs failed to reach long-term deals before the July 17 deadline, multiple running backs took to social media to voice their displeasure. Henry was one of them, and he started a group text message with others he considered to be the top running backs in the league. That eventually led to a Zoom call that was set up by Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin