The NFL running back market has changed in recent years, to say the least. Teams no longer want to hand out large contracts to running backs, who have some of the shortest shelf lives in the game. Still, if you’re a high-end running back, you still can expect a decent payday.
Who are the highest-paid running backs in the NFL in 2024?
Highest-Paid Running Backs in the NFL
Note: We’re using average annual salary (AAV) to determine these rankings, with all salary figures provided by Over The Cap.
10) D’Andre Swift, Chicago Bears | AAV: $8 million
After enjoying a breakout campaign with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023, D’Andre Swift signed a three-year, $24 million contract with the Chicago Bears this offseason. The contract includes $14 million fully guaranteed at signing. His deal includes annual per-game and workout bonuses.
Swift is scheduled to hit free agency in 2027.
9) Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers | AAV: $8.3 million
Chuba Hubbard signed a four-year deal worth $33.2 million with the Panthers in November. The deal can reach a maximum value of $37.2 million, with $15 million in guaranteed money.
Hubbard is now scheduled to hit free agency in 2029.
8) Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots | AAV: $9 million
In 2022, Rhamondre Stevenson had a breakout season for the New England Patriots. Yet, he followed up that performance with an injury-plagued season in 2023.
Despite his struggles, the Patriots signed Stevenson to a four-year, $36 million contract. The deal includes $17 million guaranteed and $12 million in incentives.
Stevenson is scheduled to hit free agency in 2029.
7) David Montgomery, Detroit Lions | AAV: $9.125 million
David Montgomery signed a three-year deal worth $18 million with the Detroit Lions for the 2023 season. He rushed for over 1,000 yards and scored 13 touchdowns in his first season in Detroit.
In October, Montgomery signed a two-year extension worth $18.25 million, and he’s now scheduled to hit free agency in 2028.
6) Joe Mixon, Houston Texans | AAV: $9.875 million
The Bengals traded Joe Mixon to the Houston Texans in March, ending his impressive stint in Cincinnati. Mixon, 28, then signed a two-year, $19.75 million extension that includes $13 million guaranteed. He’s slated for a $10.5 million cap hit in 2026, setting the stage for a potential restructure.
Mixon is scheduled to hit free agency in 2027.
5) Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers | AAV: $12 million
The Green Bay Packers made headlines this offseason by signing Josh Jacobs, who spent the first five seasons of his career with the Las Vegas Raiders. Jacobs landed a four-year, $48 million contract that includes a $12.5 million signing bonus.
Jacobs is scheduled to hit free agency in 2028.
4) Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints | AAV: $12.25 million
Alvin Kamara was scheduled to hit free agency in 2026, but he signed a two-year extension worth $24.5 million that will keep him with the New Orleans Saints through the 2026 season.
The deal frees up around $18 million in cap space for next season and means that Kamara is now scheduled to hit free agency in 2027.
3) Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles | AAV: $12.6 million
Saquon Barkley left the New York Giants this past offseason but stayed in the NFC East, signing a three-year, $37.75 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles. The deal includes $26 million guaranteed and will see Barkley’s cap hit rise to $9 million in 2026.
Barkley is scheduled to hit free agency in 2027.
2) Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts | AAV: $14 million
Jonathan Taylor’s contract standoff with the Indianapolis Colts ended last October when the team gave a three-year, $42 million extension to its franchise running back. Taylor’s contract includes $19.34 million in total guarantees, but his cap hits will eclipse $15.5 million in both 2025 and 2026.
Taylor is scheduled to hit free agency in 2027.
1) Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers | AAV: $19 million
Christian McCaffrey, who was traded to the San Francisco 49ers in 2022, signed a new deal with the club in June 2024. The Niners ripped up the two existing years on CMC’s contract, extending him through the 2027 season while upping his AAV to $19 million.
McCaffrey had $24.2 million remaining over his previous two years. The reigning Offensive Player of the Year will receive $38 million in new money on top of that total, including $24 million in new guarantees.
The 49ers will pay CMC a $14.29 million signing bonus in 2024, allowing them to spread that money out over multiple seasons and keep his cap charge relatively low. Option bonuses in 2025 ($14.245 million) and 2026 ($10.55 million) won’t hit San Francisco’s cap this year.