Running Backs Cash In

Added on Mar 05, 2012 by Scott in

NFL

A pair of big name running backs have avoided free agency and instead signed lucrative deals to remain with their current teams. Houston’s Arian Foster was rewarded a 5-year, $43 million extension that puts him in the Top 3 at his position in terms of salary. In addition, Seattle agreed to a four-year, $31 million contract with Marshawn Lynch. Both backs led their teams in rushing last season and each was in line to receive a franchise tag.

Foster burst onto the scene in 2010 when he amassed over 2,200 yards from scrimmage and scored 18 total touchdowns. He followed that up in 2011 by accumulating 1,841 yards and 12 scores despite missing three starts with a strained hamstring. His new deal will net him over $20 million in guaranteed money.

At 25, Foster is one of the rising stars in the NFL. His strength, speed and receiving skills make him one of best dual-threat runners in the league, along with Ray Rice, Maurice Jones-Drew and Matt Forte. With injuries to quarterback Matt Schaub and wide receiver Andre Johnson, Foster keyed the Texans first ever AFC South title and playoff win.

Lynch parlayed a bounce-back season into a brand new contract that will pay him $18 million guaranteed. Jettisoned via trade by the Bills in 2010, the sixth-year back resurrected his career in 2011 by setting personal bests in rushing yards (1,204) and touchdowns (12).

“We are excited to keep Marshawn as an important part of what we are building,” Seahawks general manager John Schneider said in a statement released by the team. “This is what we were hoping for when we acquired him from Buffalo.”

Lynch’s bruising style produced a couple of highlight reel runs during the last two seasons. The first came in Seattle’s stunning playoff win over New Orleans in January ’11 when he ran over the entire Saints defense for a 67-yard score. The second came in an upset victory over the Eagles last November when he broke free from a pile of would-be tacklers to rumble for a touchdown.

Source: NFL.com