NFL's highest-paid Running Backs: List of 2026 Top RBs salary rankings..
Running backs continue to command significant contracts in the NFL. While teams remain careful with long-term investments at the position, elite players are still earning major salaries for their production as runners and receivers.
For the 2026 NFL season, 14 running backs are currently set to earn at least $10 million per year in average annual salary. Thirty running backs are scheduled to make at least $5 million annually.
Detroit Lions star Jahmyr Gibbs leads the position with an average annual salary of $22.5 million.
The rankings are based on average annual salary, according to Over The Cap contract data through Aug. 30, 2026.
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Who Is the Highest-Paid Running Back in the NFL?
Jahmyr Gibbs of the Detroit Lions is the highest-paid running back in the NFL for the 2026 season.
Gibbs has an average annual salary of $22.5 million. His current contract is worth $67.5 million overall and includes $37.7 million in guaranteed money.
His contract puts him at the top of the NFL running back salary rankings.
Top 10 Highest-Paid NFL Running Backs in 2026
Here are the 10 highest-paid running backs based on average annual salary.
Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions, $22.5 million per year
Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons, $22.5 million per year
Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts, $22 million per year
Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles, $20.6 million per year
Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers, $19 million per year
De'Von Achane, Miami Dolphins, $16 million per year
Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens, $15 million per year
Breece Hall, New York Jets, $14.5 million per year
Kenneth Walker III, Kansas City Chiefs, $14.35 million per year
Jeremiyah Love, Arizona Cardinals, $13.25 million per year
Jahmyr Gibbs Leads NFL Running Back Salaries
Gibbs sits at the top of the running back salary rankings with an average annual salary of $22.5 million.
Bijan Robinson is right behind him at $22.5 million per year. Gibbs holds the top spot in the rankings, while Robinson follows closely.
Jonathan Taylor ranks third at $22 million, followed by Saquon Barkley at $20.6 million and Christian McCaffrey at $19 million.
Five Running Backs Earn More Than $19 Million
The top five running backs on the list each earn at least $19 million per year.
Gibbs and Robinson lead at $22.5 million, while Taylor earns $22 million. Barkley makes $20.6 million, and McCaffrey earns $19 million annually.
These contracts reflect the value of versatile running backs who can contribute as both runners and pass catchers.
14 Running Backs Earn at Least $10 Million
The 2026 salary rankings show that high-level running backs continue to receive major financial commitments.
Fourteen running backs are currently scheduled to earn at least $10 million per season in average annual salary.
Thirty running backs make at least $5 million per year, giving the position a broad group of highly compensated players.
Full List of NFL's highest paid players by Each Position in 2026 Season
Highest-Paid Quarterbacks | Highest-Paid Running backs |
Highest-Paid Wide receivers | Highest-Paid Tight ends |
Highest-Paid Cornerbacks | Highest-Paid Safeties |
Highest-Paid Linebackers | Highest-Paid Offensive-linemen |
Highest-Paid Defensive-linemen | Highest-Paid Edge rushers |
Highest paid Kickers | Highest-Paid Punters |
Highest paid Offensive Guards | Highest-Paid Centers |
Highest paid players: Overall Rankings
Highest-Paid Players By position | Highest-Paid Players By team
FAQs About the NFL's Highest-Paid Running Backs in 2026
Who is the highest-paid running back in the NFL in 2026?
Jahmyr Gibbs of the Detroit Lions is the highest-paid running back in the NFL in 2026. He has an average annual salary of $22.5 million.
How much is Jahmyr Gibbs' contract worth?
Jahmyr Gibbs' current contract has a total value of $67.5 million and includes $37.7 million in guaranteed money.
Who is the second-highest-paid running back in the NFL?
Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons ranks second among the highest-paid running backs. He has an average annual salary of $22.5 million.
Which running backs make at least $20 million per year?
Four running backs are listed at $20 million or more in average annual salary. They are Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson, Jonathan Taylor and Saquon Barkley.
How many NFL running backs make at least $10 million per year?
Fourteen running backs are currently set to earn at least $10 million per year in average annual salary during the 2026 season.
How many running backs make at least $5 million per year?
Thirty NFL running backs are currently scheduled to earn at least $5 million per year in average annual salary.
Who is the highest-paid running back on the Philadelphia Eagles?
Saquon Barkley is the highest-paid Eagles running back on the list. He earns an average annual salary of $20.6 million.
Who is the highest-paid running back on the San Francisco 49ers?
Christian McCaffrey is the highest-paid 49ers running back on the list. He earns an average of $19 million per year.
Who is the highest-paid running back on the Baltimore Ravens?
Derrick Henry is the highest-paid Ravens running back on the list. He earns an average annual salary of $15 million.
How are the highest-paid NFL running backs ranked?
The rankings are based on average annual salary, which represents the average annual value of each player's contract. The figures are based on contract data available through Aug. 30, 2026.
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