NFL Weekly Roundup: Big Contracts, QB Battles, and a Legend’s Legacy (August 24, 2026)

By Jarrett Bell, USA TODAY Sports Columnist

The Big Story: Running Backs Are Getting Paid—But Still Not Enough?

What Happened?

Jahmyr Gibbs, the 24-year-old star running back for the Detroit Lions, just signed the biggest contract ever for a running back:

3 years, $67.5 million
$22.5 million per year on average

Important Point: Gibbs is now the highest-paid running back in NFL history—edging out Bijan Robinson (Falcons) and Jonathan Taylor (Colts), who also got huge deals this summer.

The Catch: Running Backs Still Earn Way Less Than Other Stars

Even with these record deals, running backs make much less than top wide receivers.

There are 24 wide receivers who earn more per year than Gibbs.
Top receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seahawks) averages $42.15 million/year—almost double what Gibbs makes.

Why Does This Happen? (ELI5 Explanation)

Think of the NFL like a pizza shop:

Quarterbacks = The head chef (most important, paid the most)
Wide Receivers = The delivery drivers who bring the pizza to customers (very visible, paid well)
Running Backs = The kitchen staff who chop veggies, knead dough, AND sometimes deliver (do lots of jobs, but seen as "replaceable")

Teams think: "Running backs get hurt fast. Their careers are short (3–4 years). So we shouldn’t pay them like quarterbacks or receivers."

But the numbers say otherwise:	Player	Touchdowns
Jahmyr Gibbs	18 (2nd in NFL)	1,839 (5th)
Jonathan Taylor	20 (1st)	1,963 (3rd)
Bijan Robinson	—	2,298 (1st!)
Christian McCaffrey	17 (3rd)	2,126 (2nd)

These guys catch passes, block, AND run—they’re "offensive weapons," not just runners.

The Math: Salary Cap vs. RB Pay

2011 Salary Cap: $120.7 million
2026 Salary Cap: $301.2 million → Up 150%
Top RB Pay (2011): Adrian Peterson at $14.2M
Top RB Pay (2026): Jahmyr Gibbs at $22.5M → Up only 58%

Important Point: The NFL’s money pie grew huge, but running backs got only a tiny extra slice.

Can This Change?

Idea: Call them "offensive weapons" instead of "running backs" in contracts.
Reality: Expert Joel Corry says teams ignore this argument. "Good luck with that one."

Cleveland Browns: The QB Battle Everyone’s Watching

The Situation

New coach Todd Monken has to pick between:

Deshaun Watson – Veteran, high salary, coming off Achilles tear
Shedeur Sanders – Rookie, 1st-round pick, son of legend Deion Sanders

What We Know (Numbered Steps)

38 practices + 2 preseason games to evaluate both
Preseason Game 2 (vs. Bills):
- Watson played poorly: 2 interceptions, booed by home fans
- Sanders played smoothly: productive first half, no turnovers
Post-Game Reactions:
- Watson clapped back at fans → looked bad
- Sanders said: "We’re all human beings… It’s a respect thing" → looked like a leader

Important Point: Sanders’ maturity under pressure might have won him the starting job.

What Moved Me: O.J. Brigance – A True Raven Forever

Who Was He?

Former Ravens special teams ace
Only player to win a Super Bowl (XXXV) and Grey Cup (CFL) for Baltimore
Diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) in 2007
Passed away August 2026, age 56

His Legacy (Bullet Points)

Never stopped working for the Ravens—even in a wheelchair, using eye-tech to communicate
Player Development Director – helped players with life off the field
Attended practices regularly – "bright eyes and a wide smile" despite suffering
Inspired everyone: "If he can do it, why can’t I be better?" – Ozzie Newsome (Ravens legend)

Important Point: Brigance’s character mattered more than his stats. He defined "Raven for Life."

Quick Hits Around the League

Denver Broncos: Bo Nix Is Back!

2025: Fractured right ankle in playoff win
Preseason 2026: 14 snaps, 129.9 passer rating, 21-yard TD pass (rainbow to R.J. Harvey)
Nix: "It was like riding a bike."
New weapon: Jaylen Waddle (traded from Dolphins) – 35-yard connection in preseason
Status: Looks ready for Week 1 at Kansas City (Monday Night Football)

Pittsburgh Steelers: Mason Rudolph Isn’t Going Anywhere

Backup QBs struggled vs. Jets:
- Will Howard (2nd year): 2 INTs in 1st half
- Drew Allar (rookie): 11/23 passing, 3 sacks
Coach Mike McCarthy: "We got great teaching film… We’ll definitely have an opportunity to grow."
Verdict: Rudolph stays as Aaron Rodgers’ backup.

Best Social Media Moment: Damien Woody on Practice Fights

Ex-NFL lineman, 2x Super Bowl champ, former ESPN analyst
His take: "If you’ve got energy to brawl in practice, practice isn’t hard enough. Football is the one place I get to assault someone for 3 hours—on GAME DAY. Stop the nonsense."
Context: Cowboys-Saints joint practice brawl → $1M combined fines

Maxx Crosby Trade Rumors: "Right Now, He’s Here"

Almost traded to Ravens for 2 first-round picks → failed physical (knee)
Cowboys rumors → died down after they signed Von Miller
Raiders GM John Spytek: "That’s the plan… Right now, Maxx is here."
Translation: Not for sale today. But the phone is on.

Closing Bell: Ty Law on Adam Vinatieri

Hall of Fame CB Ty Law traveled tight schedule for Vinatieri’s induction
Why? "If he doesn’t make those clutch kicks, the resumes for a whole lot of us look a lot different."
Translation: Kickers win championships too. Respect the clutch gene.

Summary: This Week in a Nutshell

Topic	Key Takeaway
RB Pay	Gibbs sets record ($22.5M/yr), but RBs still earn ~50% of top WRs despite elite production
Browns QB	Shedeur Sanders outplaying Deshaun Watson + handling pressure better = likely starter
O.J. Brigance	ALS warrior who inspired Ravens for 18 years post-diagnosis – character > stats
Bo Nix	Healthy, sharp, connected with Waddle – Broncos offense looks dangerous
Steelers QB	Young QBs not ready → Mason Rudolph keeps backup job behind Aaron Rodgers
Practice Fights	Damien Woody: "Save the hits for Sunday. Practice harder, fight less."
Maxx Crosby	Trade talks persist but Raiders say he’s staying—for now
Vinatieri Honor	Ty Law: Clutch kicks made our legacies possible

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

1. Why do running backs get paid less if they do so much?

Teams think RBs have short careers (avg 3–4 years) and are easier to replace. But today’s top RBs (Gibbs, Taylor, Robinson, McCaffrey) are dual threats—they run, catch, AND block. The pay hasn’t caught up to their actual value.

2. Is Shedeur Sanders definitely the Browns’ starting QB?

Not officially yet—but all signs point to yes. He outplayed Watson in preseason, handled the booing situation with maturity, and coach Monken has seen enough (38 practices + 2 games). Announcement could come Monday.

3. What is ALS, and how did O.J. Brigance live with it so long?

ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) = Lou Gehrig’s Disease. It attacks nerves controlling muscles. No cure. Most live 2–5 years post-diagnosis. Brigance lived 19 years (2007–2026), using a wheelchair and eye-tracking tech to communicate and work daily. Incredible resilience.

4. Can the Broncos really compete with Bo Nix and Jaylen Waddle?

Yes. Nix was efficient and accurate in his return. Waddle adds elite speed. Coach Sean Payton is an offensive genius. If the defense holds, Denver is a sneaky playoff contender in the loaded AFC West.

5. Will Maxx Crosby actually get traded this season?

Possible, but not likely soon. Raiders GM says "he’s here" and "that’s the plan." But if the Raiders struggle and a contender offers two 1st-round picks before the Nov 10 trade deadline… never say never. Crosby is healthy now (meniscus surgery recovered).

Follow Jarrett Bell on X: @JarrettBell for next week’s league-wide breakdown.

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