Predicting the Next NFL Running Back to Get a Huge Contract Extension
NFL running backs don’t always have the smoothest road to big-money extensions. Their value gets questioned, and competition never stops coming. But with recent contracts setting the stage, a handful of runners could soon cash in. Here’s a look at ten backs who might be next in line for a serious payday.
Jahmyr Gibbs – Detroit Lions
Credit: Instagram
Gibbs looks like the real deal in Detroit, coming off a monster season with 1,412 rushing yards and 20 total touchdowns. The Lions leaned on him more as the year went on, and with that kind of efficiency, he’s positioning himself for a contract that reflects his growing role.
Bijan Robinson – Atlanta Falcons
Credit: Instagram
Atlanta has made Robinson a focal point in their offense, and he’s consistently delivered. After piling up 1,456 yards and 431 receiving yards in the 2024 season, the Falcons might want to lock him down early before his price climbs with every carry.
Isiah Pacheco – Kansas City Chiefs
Credit: Youtube
Though Pacheco missed time in 2024 with a leg injury, his earlier seasons—where he averaged 4.7 yards per carry—kept him in the conversation. If he holds up in 2025, it’d make sense for the Chiefs to keep him around.
Breece Hall – New York Jets
Credit: Instagram
Hall hasn’t cracked 1,000 rushing yards in a season, but he’s averaged over 1,350 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns in 2024, despite less-than-ideal quarterback play in New York. His contract is up after 2025, and with improved health and offensive line support, he should earn a sizable deal next offseason.
Zamir White – Las Vegas Raiders
Credit: Instagram
With Josh Jacobs gone, White can prove himself in Las Vegas. His 2024 workload expanded late in the year. If he continues trending upward and becomes a dependable piece in the Raiders’ offense, the team might try to lock him in before outside suitors get interested next offseason.
Kenneth Walker – Seattle Seahawks
Credit: Youtube
Walker started hot as a rookie with 1,050 rushing yards to become only the second rookie in franchise history to reach that mark. Injuries slowed him in 2024. Still, his knack for scoring—24 total touchdowns already—keeps his long-term value intact.
Brian Robinson Jr. – Washington Commanders
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
With Austin Ekeler aging and the Commanders low on long-term backfield depth, Robinson could emerge as a contract extension candidate, especially with Terry McLaurin’s deal likely coming first. His 2024 season included a career-best eight touchdowns, and he’s shown improvement as a pass-catcher.
Tyler Allgeier – Atlanta Falcons
Credit: Instagram
Allgeier has worked behind Bijan Robinson but continues to find ways to contribute. He rushed for over 1,000 yards as a rookie and still sees action in short-yardage and clock-draining situations. Atlanta could offer a modest extension to keep a reliable backup around as insurance behind their feature back.
Ty Chandler – Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Youtube
He stepped into a larger role after injuries and roster changes reshaped the Vikings’ backfield. Though not yet a household name, he averaged 4.5 yards per carry in the 2023 season and 3.3 yards per carry in 2024.
Elijah Mitchell – San Francisco 49ers
Credit: Youtube
Injuries have derailed what once looked like a breakout career, but Mitchell still plays a critical role behind Christian McCaffrey. When healthy, he’s effective and averages 4.7 yards per carry. He could serve as San Francisco’s dependable insurance policy with proven production in Kyle Shanahan’s system.