15 Highest Paid Running Backs Right Now

San Francisco 49ers Christian McCaffrey isn’t just a star running back, he’s the crown jewel of the offensive backfield. His $16 million annual paycheck reflects not only his dynamic abilities but also the 49ers’ commitment to his dual-threat dominance. 

McCaffrey isn’t just a rusher, he’s also a receiver in a running back’s body, capable of carving up defenses both on the ground and through the air. He has already raked up 1292 rushing yards from 244 carries in the 2023 season.

Moreover, he has also established 509 receiving yards. Christian leads the league in total yards (1810) and total TDs (20), making him a versatile nightmare to contain, and equally justifying his top-of-the-market contract.

One of the NFL’s most handsomely compensated rushers, Alvin Kamara’s five-year, $75 million contract extension signed in 2020 gloats an average annual value of $15 million, placing him second only to Christian McCaffrey among running backs.

This hefty price tag reflects Kamara’s dual-threat skillset. He’s not just a ground-and-pound runner, but also a dangerous receiver who can convert any pass into a highlight-reel play.

Kamara made 499 receiving yards and 897 rushing yards in 2022, showcasing his ability to adapt to any defensive scheme. 2023 saw his suspension dampen his stats, but Kamara remains an integral cog in the Saints’ offense.

He’s not just a running back, he’s a weapon, and the Saints have paid him like one.

Hold onto your horseshoes, Colts fans, because Jonathan Taylor has galloped into the pantheon of the NFL’s highest-paid RBs. With a recent contract extension worth $42 million, Taylor has become one of the league’s most handsomely paid ball carriers.

From his arrival in 2020, he’s cemented himself as the Colts’ offensive engine, rushing over 1,000 yards in his first two seasons.

His speed and punishing power make him a nightmare for defenses, and his receiving skills add another dimension to his game. With over 4200 rushing yards and 900 receiving yards in his career, the Colts have justified his lofty price tag.

A Heisman Trophy winner, Derrick Henry is the Tennessee Titans bulldozer. Henry’s the fourth highest earner, sitting with a $12.5 million annual paycheck.

Sure, he might not be the most pass-catching back, but Henry’s a force of nature on the ground. His 1538 rushing yards from 349 carries in 2022 was a highlight-reel stuff.

He has accumulated over 9000 rushing yards in his career, making him a nightmare for defenses and a fan favorite in Nashville.

The Titans’ offense revolves around the King, and his contract reflects that. Derrick’s the engine, the touchdown machine – and he’s paid like one.

The Cleveland Browns’ ground-and-pound maestro, Nick Chubb isn’t just a blurring ball carrier, he’s also one of the league’s highest-paid RBs today. Earning $12.2 million per year, Chubb’s wages reflect his dual-threat dominance.

Chubb’s a punishing runner with breakaway speed, averaging over 5.3 yards per carry and making TDs like groceries. But Chubb’s not just a battering ram; he’s also an adept blocker and smooth pass-catcher, making him a complete backfield package.

Whether powering through defenders or catching screens on the fly, Chubb’s versatility justifies his hefty paycheck. He’s a key cog in the Browns’ offensive engine, with over 6500 rushes and 48 TDs from 1200+ carries.

While not quite the top earner, Josh Jacobs is a force to be reckoned with in the NFL’s running back salary department. He recently secured a one-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders worth up to $11.7 million, putting him among the top 10 highest-paid RBs in the league for 2023.

This short-term contract marks a significant feat for Jacobs, who has established himself as a key RB for the Raiders since his 2019 draft pick. He’s built up impressive stats, including three seasons with over 1,000 rushing yards and two Pro Bowl selections.

With his new deal with the Raiders, Jacobs has continued to make waves in the NFL. He’s a powerhouse with a blend of power and agility, and his commitment to the Raiders promises an exciting future for the team.

Green Bay Packers star RB Aaron Jones twirls near the top in the dynamic dance of NFL contracts. While not the absolute king of running back riches, he sits among the league’s highest-paid, a display of his dual-threat dominance on the football field.

Jones’ $11.5 million annual salary places him seventh in the prestigious pay bracket, sandwiched between Josh Jacobs and Saquon Barkley. This huge paycheck showcases a well-rounded skillset that makes him a hazard for defenses.

His 2022 stat speaks volumes: 1121 rushing yards, 2 TDs, and 395 receiving yards with 5 more scores. These numbers solidify his position as a crucial Packers offensive machine and a player worth every penny of his hefty contract.

Hold onto your helmets because Saquon Barkley is living large in the financial end zone! The New York Giants star is one of the highest-paid players at his position today.

After the franchise tag debacle, Barkley’s 2023 one-year deal landed him close to $11 million, pitting him alongside big names like Aaron Jones and Josh Jacobs in the salary department. This hefty paycheck reflects his undeniable talent and impact on the field.

Injuries have hampered his consistency in recent years, but Barkley is a game-changer when healthy. Take for example in 2022. He played 16 games and recorded 1312 rushing yards and 10 TDs from 296 carries.

His electrifying play and undeniable star power make him a valuable Giants asset, and justifies his paycheck.

While not quite cracking the top 5, Tony Pollard’s 2023 contract slingshots him into the upper echelon of running back paycheck. The Dallas Cowboys franchise tag secured him a cool $10.09 million for the season, making him the 9th highest-paid running back in the league.

This hefty paycheck reflects Pollard’s versatility, explosiveness, and crucial role in the Cowboys’ offense. With 3464 rushing yards, 1298 receiving yards, and 27 TDs to his name, Pollard is a dynamic weapon who can gash defenses with both his legs and receiving skills.

The New York Jets snagged one of the league’s most skilled running backs Dalvin Cook this season, The RB has been on the highest-paid charts. At $7 million per year, Cook falls as the tenth highest earner in his position.

Cook’s explosive talent and versatility in the NFL have turned heads, and Jets fans are hoping he’ll be the dynamic playmaker they’ve been yearning for.

During his Vikings tenure, Dalvin made 1000+ rushing yards for four consecutive seasons. The four-time Pro Bowler has accumulated over 6000 rushing yards and 50+ total TDs in his NFL journey.

Arizona Cardinals star James Conner is a skilled and reliable running back who signed a 3-year, $21 million contract in 2022, making $7 million annually. This places him comfortably within the top 15 paid running backs, but not quite at the very top.

Conner’s contract reflects his skills to run, catch, and block at big matches. He’s a threat in the red zone, boasting 49 rushing TDs in his career. While not the fastest RB, his vision and physicality establish him as a tough runner to bring down.

Conner’s $7M/year wages display his importance to the Cardinals and his overall value in the league. He’s a complete back who can aid in multiple ways, making him a great asset.

With his four-year, $25.4 million contract with the Carolina Panthers, Miles Sanders ranks 12th overall in terms of average annual salary ($6.35 million).

Sanders landed with the Carolina Panthers, eager for a better role. He’s already shown glimpses of his talent, rushing for over 400 yards in his 13 matches.

The former Philly player racked up 3708 rushing yards, 942 receiving yards, and 23 total TDs during his time there. He also got to play in the 2022 Pro Bowl.

However, his situation sheds light on a shifting landscape. RB contracts aren’t the astronomical figures they once were. Franchises prefer longevity and versatility, valuing those backs who can also catch and pass-block like Christian McCaffrey and Alvin Kamara.

Chargers’ star running back Austin Ekeler, known for his dual-threat prowess, isn’t currently in the top 15 of the RB salary rankings. Though a vital offensive weapon, his $6.125 million average annual value places him 13th among running backs.

This comes despite accumulating over 1,600 all-purpose yards and leading the league in total touchdowns (18) in the 2022 season. He also showed great performance in 2021 with 1558 all-purpose yards and 20 TDs.

Although Ekeler may not top the RB pay chart, his on-field impact and dynamic abilities remain irrefutable.

The Detroit Lions’ hard-charging running back, David Montgomery, signed a three-year, $18 million contract with the team back in March 2023. This $6 million per year deal cemented his role as the focal point of the Lions’ running game and made him a key piece of their rebuilding puzzle.

While not among the absolute top earners in his position, Montgomery’s deal reflects his steady form and potential as a dual-threat player. He’s averaged over 800 rushing yards per season in his five-year career. Moreover, he has also made 1300+ receiving yards from passes. 

Cincinnati Bengals’ star running back Joe Mixon’s salary features $5.75 million per year with a contract worth $11.5 million. He originally took a pay cut from the initial $12.8 million.

This move saved the Bengals crucial cap space and solidified Mixon’s commitment to their Super Bowl chase.

While $5.75 million still places him within the top 15 highest-paid RBs, it’s a big decrease from his initial contract. However, Mixon’s bet on the team’s success could reap rewards in the later stage. He prefers winning over a bigger paycheck, hoping for a strong season and a lucrative extension down the line.

Mixon has generated 800+ rushing yards in the 2023 season. He has produced three 1000+ rushing seasons in his Bengals career.