Being an NFL running back has its perks.

There’s the fulfillment of playing the sport you love at the highest level. There’s the excitement of being some of the most impactful players in the league. And, of course, there’s the millions of dollars that come with it.

Compared to their peers, though, running backs are actually underpaid. But that’s started to change in recent years, with new lucrative contracts for Saquon Barkley (Philadelphia Eagles), James Cook (Buffalo Bills) and Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III (Kansas City Chiefs). Even more stars could get paid in 2026, with ESPN’s Adam Schefter hinting at potential extensions for Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons), Jahmyr Gibbs (Detroit Lions) and De’Von Achane (Miami Dolphins).

Here’s a full breakdown of the highest paid running backs in the NFL ahead of the 2026 season (via Spotrac):

NFL’s highest-paid running backs: Annual value for 2026

1. Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles: $20.6 million

2. Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers: $19 million

3. Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens: $15 million

4. Kenneth Walker III, Kansas City Chiefs: $14.35 million

5. Breece Hall, New York Jets: $14.293 million (franchise tag)

6. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts: $14 million

7. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints: $12.25 million

T-8. Travis Etienne, New Orleans Saints: $12 million

T-8. Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers, $12 million

10. James Cook, Buffalo Bills, $11.5 million

Philadelphia Eagles running back has dominated the run game every step of his career.

NFL’s highest-paid running backs: Total contract value

T-1. Travis Etienne, New Orleans Saints: $48 million

T-1. Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers: $48 million

3. James Cook, Buffalo Bills: $46 million

4. Kenneth Walker III, Kansas City Chiefs: $43.05 million

5. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts: $42 million

6. Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles: $41.2 million

7. Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers: $38 million

8. Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots: $36 million

9. Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders: $35.9 million (rookie deal)

10. Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers: $33.2 million

Kenneth Walker III powered the Seattle Seahawks to a Super Bowl LX championship and earned MVP honors with a dominant performance, becoming the first running back in nearly three decades to win the award.

NFL’s highest-paid running backs: Total guaranteed money

1. Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles: $36 million

2. Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders: $35.9 million (rookie deal)

3. James Cook, Buffalo Bills: $28.82 million

4. Kenneth Walker III, Kansas City Chiefs: $28.7 million

5. Travis Etienne, New Orleans Saints: $28 million

6. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts: $26.5 million

T-7. Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens: $24 million

T-7. Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers: $24 million

9. Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams: $23 million

10. Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons: $21.96 million (rookie deal)