Highest-Paid NFL RBs: Top 25 Salaries in 2025

It’s been a tough run for NFL running backs. 

The tailback position has struggled with getting a fair piece of the league’s expanding economic pie. Only nine running backs in 2025 have an average annual value (AAV) over $10 million, according to Spotrac.com. That pales in comparison to the other skill positions — 24 quarterbacks and 37 wide receivers. 

But, some backs are starting to get their bag.

Saquon Barkley signed a record extension with an AAV of $20.6 million after the Philadelphia Eagles won Super Bowl LIX to become the NFL's highest-paid running back. Barkley’s two-year extension totals $41.2 million.

Highest-paid NFL running backs, by average annual value

1. Saquon Barkley, Eagles

• AAV: $20,600,000
• Contract details: Signed a two-year, $41.2 million extension in 2025 that includes $36 million in guaranteed money.

2. Christian McCaffrey, 49ers 

• AAV: $19,000,000
• Contract details: Signed a two-year, $38 million extension in 2024 that includes $24 million in guaranteed money.

3. Derrick Henry, Ravens

• AAV: $15,000,000
• Contract details: Signed a two-year, $30 million extension in 2025 that includes $24 million in guaranteed money.

4. Jonathan Taylor, Colts

• AAV: $14,000,000
• Contract details: Signed a three-year, $42 million extension in 2023 that includes $26.5 million in guaranteed money.

5. Alvin Kamara, Saints

• AAV: $12,250,000
• Contract details: Signed a two-year, $24.5 million extension in 2024 that includes $19.2 million in guaranteed money.

6. Josh Jacobs, Packers

• AAV: $12,000,000
• Contract details: Signed a four-year, $48 million deal in 2024 that includes $12.5 million in guaranteed money.

7. James Cook, Bills

• AAV: $11,500,000
• Contract details: Signed a four-year, $46 million extension in 2025 that includes $28.8 million in guaranteed money.

8. Kyren Williams, Rams

• AAV: $11,000,000
• Contract details: Signed a three-year, $33 million extension in 2025 that includes $23 million in guaranteed money.

9. Aaron Jones, Vikings

• AAV: $10,000,000
• Contract details: Signed a two-year, $20 million deal in 2025 that includes $13.5 million in guaranteed money.

10. James Conner, Cardinals

• AAV: $9,500,000
• Contract details: Signed a two-year, $19 million extension in 2024 that includes $8.25 million in guaranteed money.

11. David Montgomery, Lions 

• AAV: $9,125,000
• Contract details: Signed a two-year, $18.25 million extension in 2024 that includes $10.5 million in guaranteed money.

12. Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots

• AAV: $9,000,000
• Contract details: Signed a four-year, $36 million extension in 2024 that includes $17.1 million in guaranteed money.

13. Ashton Jeanty, Raiders

• AAV: $8,973,953
• Contract details: Signed a four-year, $35.9 million deal in 2025 that includes $35.9 million in guaranteed money.

14. Joe Mixon, Texans

• AAV: $8,500,000
• Contract details: Signed a three-year, $25.5 million extension in 2024 that includes $16 million in guaranteed money.

15. Chuba Hubbard, Panthers

• AAV: $8,300,000
• Contract details: Signed a four-year, $33.2 million extension in 2024 that includes $16.4 million in guaranteed money.

16. D’Andre Swift, Bears

• AAV: $8,000,000
• Contract details: Signed a three-year, $24 million deal in 2024 that includes $15.3 million in guaranteed money.

17. Tony Pollard, Titans 

• AAV: $7,250,000
• Contract details: Signed a three-year, $21.75 million deal in 2024 that includes $10.49 million in guaranteed money.

18. Jaylen Warren, Steelers 

• AAV: $5,952,000
• Contract details: Signed a two-year, $11.9 million extension in 2025 that includes $7.05 million in guaranteed money.

19. Devin Singletary, Giants

• AAV: $5,500,000
• Contract details: Signed a three-year, $16.5 million deal in 2024 that includes $19.5 million in guaranteed money.

20. Bijan Robinson, Falcons

• AAV: $5,489,634
• Contract details: Signed a four-year, $21.9 million deal in 2023 that includes $21.9 million in guaranteed money.

T-21. Najee Harris, Chargers

• AAV: $5,250,000
• Contract details: Signed a one-year, $5.25 million deal in 2025 that includes $5.25 million in guaranteed money.

T-21. Jordan Mason, Vikings 

• AAV: $5,250,000
• Contract details: Signed a two-year, $10.5 million deal in 2025 that includes $7.23 million in guaranteed money.

23. Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions 

• AAV: $4,461,283
• Contract details: Signed a four-year, $17.84 million deal in 2023 that includes $17.8 million in guaranteed money.

24. Omarion Hampton, Chargers

• AAV: $4,443,616
• Contract details: Signed a four-year, $17.77 million deal in 2025 that includes $17.77 million in guaranteed money.

25. C.J. Ham, Vikings (fullback)

• AAV: $4,325,000
• Contract details: Signed a two-year, $8.65 million extension in 2023 that includes $4.4 million in guaranteed money.

Biggest NFL RB contracts, by total value