David Montgomery: 'It's Unfortunate How We're Valued'
Prior to the start of the NFL preseason, the running back position has been quite the hot-button issue that has been debated by pundits and players, whom feel the position is being undervalued by the 32 teams in the league.
"At this point, just take the RB position out of the game then," Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry recently expressed. "The ones that want to be great and work as hard as they can to give their all to an organization, just seems like it don’t even matter. I’m with every RB that’s fighting to get what they deserve."
Recent struggles of veteran running backs, including Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants, to secure long-term, financially- rewarding contracts has made a large contingent of players quite upset and left feeling undervalued.
Chargers running back Austin Ekeler has been organizing discussions with other running backs, Zoom meetings have been scheduled and the NFLPA is reportedly invested in trying to change how running backs have been compensated as of late.
Detroit features a young running back in Jahymr Gibbs, plus David Montgomery, a veteran back who secured a free-agent contract in the offseason.
Speaking with All Lions after practice, Montgomery acknowledged the duo has discussed how teams have been treating running backs. But, the focus still remains on putting in the work all throughout training camp this summer.
The former Chicago Bears running back noted, "It's a topic all around the league. It's unfortunate how we're valued, just knowing what we're capable of and what we can bring to the table for our team. Just being able to, we take a lot of beatings.
"So, I definitely think the top guys should get compensated for that, and your value is what your value is," Montgomery continued. "So, yeah, we talked about it briefly, but our main focus isn't that right now. Our main focus is just being the best version, the best room that we can be so that we can take this thing over."
When asked, Montgomery indicated he was not on the invite list for the running backs Zoom meeting.
For young running backs, the ability to diversify their skill set will keep their place on active rosters safe.
"The best ability is availability," Montgomery said. "So, you want to just be available in every way that you can. Try not to limit yourself and what you're capable of doing. Just try to be sure that you can do multitudes of things. So, you know, catching the ball, getting out of the backfield and being available is one thing.”
