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The 25 Highest-Paid NFL Running Backs for 2025

  • Saquon Barkley takes the top spot earning $20.6 million.
  • Only five running backs earn over $10 million annually.
Jan 26, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrates after a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the second half in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The NFL’s running back position has struggled with getting a fair piece of the league’s expanding economic pie.

During the 2023 free-agency period, no free-agent running back was able to hit $7 million in annual salary this past offseason, and the number of backs earning at least $12 million has fallen from eight in ’22 to five now.

Some running backs were able to cash in on their value.

Saquon Barkley signed a record extension worth $20.6 million annually to become the highest-paid running back. Barkley, fresh off a big win in the Super Bowl with the Eagles, signed the two-year extension in March, totalling $41 million.

49ers superstar Christian McCaffrey, who signed a two-year, $38 million extension last June, is second. Jonathan Taylor, who reached a three-year, $42 million extension with the Colts last year, comes in third.

Five-time Pro Bowler Alvin Kamara is fourth on the list at $15 million per year. He signed a five-year, $75 million extension with the Saints in 2020.

Josh Jacobs rounds out the top five at $12 million. Jacobs signed a four-year, $48 million contract with the Packers last March.

Top 25 Highest-Paid Running Backs 

Here is the full list of the top 25 highest-paid running backs by average annual value. The list was compiled using data from Spotrac.

RankPlayerTeamCompensation
1Saquon BarkleyPhiladelphia Eagles$20.6 million
2Christian McCaffreySan Francisco 49ers$19 million
3Jonathan TaylorIndianapolis Colts$14 million
4Alvin KamaraNew Orleans Saints$12.3 million
5Josh JacobsGreen Bay Packers$12 million
6Aaron JonesMinnesota Vikings$10 million
7James ConnorArizona Cardinals$9.5 million
8David MontgomeryDetroit Lions$9.1 million
9Rhamondre StevensonNew England Patriots$9 million
10Joe MixonHouston Texans$8.5 million
11Chuba HubbardCarolina Panthers$8.3 million
T-12Derrick HenryBaltimore Ravens$8 million
T-12D’Andre SwiftChicago Bears$8 million
14Tony PollardTennessee Titans$7.3 million
15Devin SingletaryNew York Giants$5.5 million
16Bijan RobinsonAtlanta Falcons$5.49 million
17Jaylen WarrenPittsburgh Steelers$5.3 million
T-18Jordan MasonMinnesota Vikings$5.3 million
T-18Najee HarrisLos Angeles Chargers$5.25 million
20Jahmyr GibbsDetroit Lions$4.5 million
21Austin EkelerWashington Commanders$4.2 million
22Zack MossCincinnati Bengals$4 million
23Antonio GibsonNew England Patriots$3.8 million
24Travis EtienneJacksonville Jaguars$3.2 million
T-25Cordarrelle PattersonPittsburgh Steelers$3 million
T-25Javonte WilliamsDallas Cowboys$3 million
T-25Justice Hill Baltimore Ravens$3 million

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