Highest-Paid Running Backs in the NFL: Jahmyr Gibbs Edges Out Bijan Robinson With Record-Setting Extension

The Lions handed Jahmyr Gibbs a bag.

Jahmyr Gibbs is the NFL's highest-paid running back. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Congratulations, Jahmyr Gibbs, it is now you that is the highest paid running back in NFL history.

Just days after the Falcons signed Bijan Robinson to a record-setting extension, the Lions have now made their own 2023 first-round pick a wealthy man—signing Gibbs to a three-year, $67.5 million deal. The contract includes $51.5 million guaranteed, is worth up to $75.75 million and carries an average per year (APY) of $22.5 million, a new league record.

Gibbs was selected by Detroit with the No. 12 pick in the 2023 draft and has since earned three Pro Bowl selections while recording three consecutive seasons with at least 11 total touchdowns, including a 2024 campaign in which he led the NFL with 16 rushing scores.

Last but hardly least: Three-time Pro-Bowl selection Jahmyr Gibbs and the Lions reached agreement today on a three-year, $67.5 million deal that could be worth up to $75.75 million and includes $51.5 million guaranteed, now making him the NFL’s highest-paid running back,… pic.twitter.com/eCNXOg5wMv

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 6, 2026

As Gibbs cashes in, here’s a look at the highest-paid running backs in the NFL.

Who is the highest-paid running back in the NFL?

While Gibbs is now the highest-paid running back in the NFL in terms of APY ($22.5 million), the highest-paid in terms of guarantees is actually Cardinals rookie Jeremiyah Love.

Due to the way rookie contracts work, Love, the No. 3 pick, receives a four-year, fully guaranteed $53 million deal. Similarly, 2025 No. 6 pick and Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty ranks third in total guaranteed money among running backs. Among backs not on their rookie contracts, Barkley is first in guaranteed money with $36 million and Bills’ James Cook is second with $30 million guaranteed.

Top 10 highest-paid running backs

Here are the 10 highest-paid running backs in the NFL, via Over the Cap.

Running back	Team	Annual Salary	Total Contract Value
Jahmyr Gibbs	Lions	$22.5 million	$67.5 million
Bijan Robinson	Falcons	$22.25 million	$66.75 million
Jonathan Taylor	Colts	$22 million	$44 million
Saquon Barkley	Eagles	$20.6 million	$41.2 million
Christian McCaffrey	49ers	$19 million	$38 million
De’Von Achane	Dolphins	$16 million	$64 million
Breece Hall	Jets	$15.25 million	$45.75 million
Derrick Henry	Ravens	$15 million	$30 million
Kenneth Walker III	Seahawks	$14.35 million	$43.05 million
Jeremiyah Love	Cardinals	$13.256 million	$53.02 million

How running back salaries have changed over time

Like all NFL positions, the salaries of running backs have increased greatly over time. They, however, have not increased as rapidly as the salaries for positions such as quarterback, wide receiver or edge rusher have.

Of course, every running back and player is making significantly more than the top rushers were back in the day. Jim Brown, arguably the greatest running back of all time, reportedly was making a salary of $60,000+ when he retired from the Browns in the mid-1960s. Nearly three decades later in 1993, both Thurman Thomas and Emmitt Smith signed four-year extensions for $13.5-13.6 million, earning them a salary over $3 million.

Two more decades later in 2011, Vikings running back Adrian Peterson signed an astounding seven-year, $100 million contract with $36 million guaranteed. A seven-year contract is unlikely for any running back to receive in the present, but the average annual value of the deal—$14.3 million—is more than all but five running backs make today.

How running back salaries compare to other positions

The salaries of running backs are comparable to other non-premium positions such as linebackers, guards, safeties, though the top-paid backs are still making several million less than the highest-paid safeties and guards.

Barkley makes three nearly times less in salary than the highest-paid quarterback, Dak Prescott, who has a salary of $60 million per year. Outside of Barkley and McCaffrey, the other highest-paid running backs are making around three times less than the highest-paid edge rushers and receivers.

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