These Running Backs Are Making More Money Than You Think
Running backs don’t always get the massive contracts that quarterbacks or wide receivers do, but some of them are earning way more than most fans realize.
In fact, in recent years, the NFL has seen a significant shift in how running backs are valued. They’ve finally been acknowledged for their role and hard work, and that reflects both on the field and in their paychecks. Some have managed to secure contracts that defy the so-called “decline of the running back market.” Curious? Let’s go on and learn about the top few running backs who are making more than some top-tier wide receivers.
Christian McCaffrey – $16 Million per Year
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If there’s a running back worth top dollar, it’s McCaffrey. He’s a pass-catching nightmare for defenses. His four-year, $64 million contract originally came from the Panthers, but the 49ers took on the deal after trading for him. Given that he led the league in scrimmage yards last season, the investment makes sense.
Alvin Kamara – $11.75 Million per Year
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11.75 million is not bad for a guy who was once a third-round pick. Kamara’s unique ability to catch passes out of the backfield helped him land this deal with the Saints. Even as his production dipped last season, New Orleans clearly sees him as an essential piece of their offense.
Jonathan Taylor – $14 Million per Year
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Few backs have had a contract battle quite like Taylor. After a standoff with the Colts over his value, he walked away with a three-year, $42 million extension. When healthy, he’s one of the most explosive backs in the league, and Indianapolis decided to pay up rather than risk losing him.
Saquon Barkley – $12.6 Million per Year
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Barkley was the face of the Giants, but when negotiations stalled, he chose to sign with the Eagles in free agency for a three-year, $37.8 million contract. While the Giants hesitated to pay him, the Eagles saw his value immediately. Now, he’ll have a chance to prove why he’s worth every dollar in a division rivalry showdown.
Josh Jacobs – $12 Million per Year
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One year after leading the league in rushing, Jacobs entered free agency and signed a four-year, $48 million deal with the Packers. Green Bay is betting on his ability to carry their ground game, and given his production, it’s easy to see why they were willing to spend big.
Joe Mixon – $8.5 Million per Year
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Many expected Mixon to take a pay cut this offseason, but instead, he landed a signed a 3-year, $25,500,000 deal with the Texans, averaging 8.5 million yearly. Houston wanted a veteran back to support their young quarterback, and Mixon, fresh off a solid season with Cincinnati, fit the bill.
Rhamondre Stevenson – $9 Million per Year
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The Patriots aren’t exactly known for handing out big contracts, which makes Stevenson’s four-year, $36 million deal stand out. New England is going through a transition phase, and this contract shows they believe Stevenson can be a foundational piece for the future.
D’Andre Swift – $8 Million per Year
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Swift’s move to Chicago came with a three-year, $24 million payday. After an impressive season with the Eagles, the Bears wasted no time signing him. Chicago hasn’t had an elite running back in a while, and they’re banking on Swift’s quick cuts and breakaway speed to change that.
Derrick Henry – $8 Million per Year
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King Henry is still cashing checks. At 30, most running backs are slowing down, but Henry landed a two-year, $16 million deal with the Ravens. Baltimore is known for its run-heavy approach, and pairing Henry with Lamar Jackson could be a nightmare for defenses.
Tony Pollard – $7.25 Million per Year
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Pollard turned his breakout season in Dallas into a three-year, $21.75 million deal with the Titans. With Derrick Henry gone, Tennessee is banking on Pollard’s speed and versatility to lead their backfield. The question is: can he handle a full-time workload?
James Conner – $7 Million per Year
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Arizona isn’t exactly competing for a Super Bowl, but they made sure to keep Conner locked in with a three-year, $21 million deal. His physical running style has kept him productive, and the Cardinals clearly see him as a steady presence in their backfield rebuild.
Aaron Jones – $7 Million per Year
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Jones took a pay cut but still remains one of the highest-paid backs, signing a one-year, $7 million deal with the Vikings. Minnesota needed a reliable back after moving on from Dalvin Cook, and Jones brings both veteran experience and explosive playmaking ability.
Miles Sanders – $6.4 Million per Year
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Carolina committed to Sanders last offseason with a four-year, $25.4 million contract, but his first season was underwhelming. Injuries and a struggling offense limited his impact, but the Panthers hope he can bounce back and prove he’s worth the investment.
Devin Singletary – $5.5 Million per Year
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Singletary secured a three-year, $16.5 million deal with the Giants after they let Barkley walk. While he doesn’t have the same star power, he brings consistency and reliability to a team that desperately needs it.
Bijan Robinson – $5.5 Million per Year
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As a rookie, Robinson is still on his first contract, but his four-year, $21.9 million deal already looks like a steal for Atlanta. Given his talent, his next contract could make him one of the highest-paid backs in NFL history.
Nick Chubb – $12.2 Million per Year
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Nick Chubb is one of the NFL’s most reliable and consistent running backs. Known for his ability to gain tough yards and maintain high performance season after season, he’s a cornerstone of the Cleveland Browns’ offense. His 2021 contract extension valued him at approximately $12.2 million per year.
Austin Ekeler – $6.5 Million per Year
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Austin Ekeler has become a key playmaker for the Chargers. Known for his dual-threat ability as both a runner and receiver, Ekeler’s $6.5 million annual salary reflects his versatile role. While not the highest-paid, his production and contributions make him an undervalued asset in today’s market.