Top-Earning NFL Running Backs: Complete Guide

Breece Hall Signs Contract Extension with the Jets

The New York Jets have officially extended their star running back, Breece Hall, with a three-year, $45.75 million contract deal. This agreement marks Hall as the third-highest paid running back in the NFL based on annual salary. The extension comes after the team placed the franchise tag on Hall this offseason, signaling their commitment to retaining his talents.

Hall took to social media to express his gratitude and excitement about the new deal. In one post, he wrote, “Shoutout everyone in my corner. Lot of work left to do. God Bless.” In another, he shared, “Cried for the first time since I tore my ACL. This day really hit different for me man.” His emotional response highlights the significance of this milestone in his career.

Who is the Highest-Paid Running Back in the NFL?

Currently, Saquon Barkley holds the title of the highest-paid running back in the NFL. After achieving a historic 2,000-yard rushing season in 2025, Barkley signed a two-year, $41.2 million extension. This makes him the first running back to surpass a $20 million per year salary.

However, when considering total guaranteed money and contract value, rookie Jeremiyah Love takes the top spot. As the No. 3 overall pick, Love received a four-year, fully guaranteed $53 million deal. Similarly, Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty, the No. 6 pick in 2025, ranks third in total guaranteed money among running backs.

Among non-rookies, Barkley leads with $36 million in guaranteed money, while Bills’ James Cook follows with $30 million.

Top 10 Highest-Paid Running Backs in the NFL

Here is a list of the top 10 highest-paid running backs in the NFL, according to Over the Cap:

• Saquon Barkley (Eagles) – Annual Salary: $20.6 million | Total Contract Value: $41.2 million
• Christian McCaffrey (49ers) – Annual Salary: $19 million | Total Contract Value: $38 million
• Breece Hall (Jets) – Annual Salary: $15.25 million | Total Contract Value: $45.75 million
• Derrick Henry (Ravens) – Annual Salary: $15 million | Total Contract Value: $30 million
• Kenneth Walker III (Seahawks) – Annual Salary: $14.35 million | Total Contract Value: $43.05 million
• Jonathan Taylor (Colts) – Annual Salary: $14 million | Total Contract Value: $42 million
• Jeremiyah Love (Cardinals) – Annual Salary: $13.256 million | Total Contract Value: $53.02 million
• Alvin Kamara (Saints) – Annual Salary: $12.5 million | Total Contract Value: $24.5 million
• Travis Etienne (Saints) – Annual Salary: $12 million | Total Contract Value: $48 million
• Josh Jacobs (Packers) – Annual Salary: $12 million | Total Contract Value: $48 million

How Running Back Salaries Have Changed Over Time

Running back salaries have seen a significant increase over the years, though not as rapidly as positions like quarterback, wide receiver, or edge rusher. For example, Jim Brown, considered one of the greatest running backs of all time, earned around $60,000 when he retired in the mid-1960s. By 1993, Thurman Thomas and Emmitt Smith were signing contracts worth over $13.5 million.

In 2011, Adrian Peterson signed a seven-year, $100 million deal with the Vikings, making it one of the most lucrative contracts in NFL history. While such long-term deals are rare today, the average annual value of Peterson’s contract—$14.3 million—is still higher than what most running backs make now.

Who Could Be the Next Highest-Paid Running Back?

Two young running backs, Bijan Robinson of the Falcons and Jahmyr Gibbs of the Lions, have the potential to become the next highest-paid players at their position. Both became eligible for extensions this offseason, and their fifth-year options were picked up.

Robinson had a breakout season in 2024, earning All-Pro honors, while Gibbs has made three consecutive Pro Bowls. Although they may not surpass the current market leaders like Barkley and McCaffrey, they could easily exceed Hall’s $15.25 million salary if they continue to perform at a high level.

How Running Back Salaries Compare to Other Positions

While running backs are well-compensated, their salaries are generally lower than those of premium positions like quarterbacks, edge rushers, and wide receivers. For instance, Dak Prescott, the highest-paid quarterback, earns $60 million annually, which is nearly three times more than Barkley’s salary.

Outside of Barkley and McCaffrey, other top-running backs earn roughly three times less than the highest-paid edge rushers and receivers. However, their salaries remain competitive with other non-premium positions like linebackers and safeties.