The NFL uses and abuses running backs. Teams figured out they can get 5-6 great years out of guys and throw them away. The only chance for RBs to make real money is to get their one longterm contract. Teams would rather take advantage of the ridiculous rookie pay scale, used up their RBs and pay the great ones one year at a time, then be forced into signing them to longterm deals with 2-4 years worth of "guaranteed money", which is what just about what everybody else gets (QBs get much more). If he plays all year, Pit will give him 400 touches, abuse his body, and dare somebody else to sign him next year as a FA. If he holds out until late in the season, he'll forfeit game checks, but avoid all those touches and then take offers from around the league in the offseason.