.jpg)
1 hour ago
3
NFL running back salaries have had a resurgence thanks to the emergence of several featured workhorses, many of them drafted in the first round. For a marquee position once considered underpaid, the market has adjusted to allow several running backs to break the bank.
As the salary cap space keeps expanding, teams are finding it easier to pay their top running backs top dollar. Rushing production is only half of the equation. Those complete backs who also can produce as dynamic receivers have added to their value.
There's constant change in the top 10 highest-paid running backs when considering the three major parameters: average annual salary, practical guaranteed money and total contract value. While the list will keep changing, here are the latest rankings at the start of the 2026 season:
NFL's highest-paid running backs
Which NFL running backs have the highest average annual salaries?
This is the basic and best initial way to compare running backs in terms of worth to their teams. The average annual value is a barometer of where the market stands and where it's going next in relation to the salary cap.
Below are the top 15, who are all making $10 million or more per season:
| Rank | Player | Average annual value |
| 1 | Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions | $22.5 million |
| 2 | Bijan Robinson, Falcons | $22.25 million |
| 3 | Jonathan Taylor, Colts | $22 million |
| 4 | Saquon Barkley, Eagles | $20.6 million |
| 5 | Christian McCaffrey, 49ers | $19 million |
| 6 | De'Von Achane, Dolphins | $16 million |
| 7 | Derrick Henry, Ravens | $15 million |
| 8 | Breece Hall, Jets | $14.5 million |
| 9 | Kenneth Walker III, Chiefs | $14.35 million |
| 10 | Jeremiyah Love, Cardinals | $13.255704 million |
| 11 | Travis Etienne, Saints | $12 million |
| 11 | Josh Jacobs, Packers | $12 million |
| 13 | James Cook, Bills | $11.5 million |
| 14 | D'Andre Swift, Bears | $11.25 million |
| 15 | Kyren Williams, Rams | $11 million |
1. Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions
- Annual salary: $22.5 million
Gibbs waited for Bijan Robinson — also taken in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft — to get his deal from the Falcons before jumping him a little as he steps into a true workhorse role in his fourth season.
2. Bijan Robinson, Falcons
- Annual salary: $22.25 million
Robinson reset the market to make the top salary at the position exceed $21 million. He is the most valuable Falcon by far, with the offense still figuring out quarterback under new coach Kevin Stefanski.
3. Jonathan Taylor, Colts
- Annual salary: $22 million
Taylor had been the highest-paid running back for some time and got a needed adjusted contract extension to put him right behind Gibbs and Robinson.
4. Saquon Barkley, Eagles
- Annual salary: $20.6 million
Barkley smashed as a the Philly's prime free-agent addition in the 2024 offseason and was rewarded with a reworked two-year, $41.2 million deal in 2025.
5. Christian McCaffrey, Dolphins
- Annual salary: $19 million
McCaffrey is just outside the $20 million club now with the players above getting boosted contracts. It's still a nice payday for the 30-year-old all-purpose star.
6. De'Von Achane, Dolphins
- Annual salary: $16 million
Achane was the lifeblood of Miami's offense last season. He got a huge deal ahead of their big transitions at quarterback and wide receiver in 2025, setting him up as a more important centerpiece.
7. Derrick Henry, Ravens
- Annual salary: $15 million
Henry keeps throwing the hammer down as a explosive and powerful future Hall of Fame back at age 32. His contract a relative bargain for Baltimore.
8. Breece Hall, Jets
- Annual salary: $14.5 million
Hall got a slight bump from the franchise tag value for one year after signing his three-year, $43.5 million deal in May.
9. Kenneth Walker III, Chiefs
- Annual salary: $14.35 million
The Super Bowl 60 MVP cashed in well and found the ideal new home in Kansas City with a three-year, $42.5 million deal that almost matched Hall's.
10. Jeremiyah Love, Cardinals
- Annual salary: $13.255704 million
Which NFL running backs have received the most guaranteed money?
As one might suspect, because of the all-guaranteed nature of Love's rookie contract, he tops all veterans in this area. Robinson and Gibbs, however, aren't far behind.
Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
Top NFL running back contracts with highest guarantees
| Rank | Player | Guarantees |
| 1 | Jeremiyah Love, Cardinals | $53.022816 million |
| 2 | Bijan Robinson, Falcons | $51.567348 million |
| 3 | Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions | $51.476429 million |
| 4 | Jonathan Taylor, Colts | $39.02 million |
| 5 | Saquon Barkley, Eagles | $36 million |
| 6 | Ashton Jeanty, Raiders | $35.895812 million |
| 7 | Breece Hall, Jets | $29 million |
| 8 | James Cook, Bills | $28.81 million |
| 9 | Kenneth Walker III, Chiefs | $28.7 million |
| 10 | Travis Etienne, Saints | $28 million |
| 11 | De'Von Achane, Dolphins | $27.378 million |
| 12 | D'Andre Swift, Bears | $26.9 million |
| 13 | Derrick Henry, Ravens | $24 million |
| 13 | Christian McCaffrey, 49ers | $24 million |
| 15 | Kyren Williams, Rams | $23 million |
Which NFL running back has the largest overall contract?
Top NFL running back contracts in total value
| Rank | Player | Value |
| 1 | Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions | $67.5 million |
| 2 | Bijan Robinson, Falcons | $66.75 million |
| 3 | De'Von Achane, Dolphins | $64 million |
| 4 | Jeremiyah Love, Cardinals | $53.022816 million |
| 5 | Travis Etienne, Saints | $48 million |
| 5 | Josh Jacobs, Packers | $48 million |
| 7 | James Cook, Bills | $46 million |
| 8 | Jonathan Taylor, Colts | $44 million |
| 9 | Breece Hall, Jets | $43.5 million |
| 10 | Kenneth Walker III, Chiefs | $43.05 million |
| 11 | Saquon Barkley, Eagles | $41.2 million |
| 12 | Christian McCaffrey, 49ers | $38 million |
| 13 | Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots | $36 million |
| 14 | Ashton Jeanty, Raiders | $35.895812 million |
| 15 | D'Andre Swift, Bears | $33.750 million |
English (US)