NFL Rumors: 'Many' GMs Expect 'Depressed Market' for RB, LB, Safeties in Free Agency

This year's NFL free-agent class is full of star players, but that reportedly won't change the way some teams address certain positions.

The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported on Thursday that "many" general managers are "approaching this free agency as the [running back], [linebacker] and safety markets to be similar to the past. Lower deals than we may imagine. Depressed market for those positions. A lot of one-year deals."

When the salary cap was raised from $224.8 million to $255.4 million for the 2024 season, many expected that it would influence teams to do more spending in the offseason. Unfortunately, it appears that certain players won't reap the benefits of the salary cap increase.

Russini's report comes as a slight surprise, as there is a slew of talented players at each of those positions that will be available on the open market.

The class of running backs is headlined by stars like Saquon Barkley, Austin Ekeler, Josh Jacobs, Derrick Henry, Tony Pollard and many more. Former Pro Bowl safeties Justin Simmons, Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs all will be available after being cap casualties of their respective teams. 2023 second-team All-Pro Patrick Queen leads a talented crop of free-agent linebackers.

However, teams have been less inclined to pay premium money when they can fill positions of need with younger players through the draft. Running backs, in particular, have seen diminishing interest due to the wear and tear of the position.

It seems like some players will have to come to terms with being paid below what they believe they're worth, as teams in the NFL have shifted to relying on youth instead of seasoned veterans.