NFL makes major accusation against NFLPA in grievance about running backs

The NFL made a major accusation against the NFL Players Association in a grievance that was filed on Monday.

According to Mark Maske of The Washington Post, the NFL filed a grievance with the Management Council Executive Committee accusing the NFLPA of advising running backs to fake injuries as a negotiation tactic while seeking new contracts. The grievance claims NFLPA leadership, including president JC Tretter, have “become increasingly vocal in advising NFL Players dissatisfied with their current contracts to consider feigning or exaggerating injuries to withhold service as a way to increase their leverage in contract negotiations.”

The grievance goes on to accuse running backs of sharing the aforementioned advice with each other in a Zoom meeting they organized during the offseason. That was likely a reference to the virtual meeting that was arranged by Los Angeles Chargers star Austin Ekeler, during which players also had a big complaint about agents.

The NFLPA responded to the grievance by calling it “ridiculous and without merit.”

Jonathan Taylor is one star running back who has been openly seeking a new contract. He was placed on the physically unable to perform list during training camp and at the start of the season because of a foot injury. Taylor seemed to drop a hint recently about when he might return to the Indianapolis Colts.

Josh Jacobs and Saquon Barkley both received the franchise tag during the offseason and held out after not coming to long-term contract agreements with their respective teams. Both ended up signing one-year deals that give them the opportunity to earn more than the franchise tender amount.