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Christian McCaffrey, Ezekiel Elliott lead list of NFL's highest-paid running backs in 2022

orlando mayorquin, usa today
·3 min read
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Two years after Christian McCaffrey inked a record $64 million extension with the Carolina Panthers, the pay ceiling for the NFL's running backs has yet to be raised. McCaffrey reigns as the highest-paid player at the position, earning $16 million a year on a four-year deal, according to Over The Cap.

While players in other skill positions like quarterback and wide receiver have shattered contract records, the list of top-five highest-paid ball carriers hasn’t changed in two seasons.

Who is the highest-paid NFL running back?

McCaffrey's 2020 contract extension with the Panthers made him the highest paid running back in the league. The multi-threat back makes an annual average of $16 million, according to Over The Cap.

Highest-paid running backs ranked by salary

These are the 32 highest-paid running backs, according to Over The Cap.

1. Christian McCaffrey, Panthers: $16 million ($64 million over 4 years)

T-2. Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys: $15 million ($90 million over 6 years)

T-2. Alvin Kamara, Saints: $15 million ($75 million over 5 years)

4. Dalvin Cook, Vikings: $12.6 million ($63 million over 5 years)

5. Derrick Henry, Titans: $12.5 million ($50 million over 4 years)

6. Nick Chubb, Browns $12.2 million ($36.6 million over 3 years)

7. Aaron Jones, Packers: $12 million ($48 million over 4 years)

8. Joe Mixon, Bengals: $12 million ($48 million over 4 years)

9. Saquon Barkley, Giants: $7.79 million ($31.1 million over 4 years)

10. James Connor, Cardinals: $7 million ($21 million over 3 years)

11. Nyheim Hines, Colts: $6.2 million ($18.6 million over 3 years)

12. Austin Ekeler, Chargers: $6.125 million ($24.5 million over 4 years)

13. Chase Edmonds, Dolphins: $6.05 million ($12.1 million over 2 years)

14. Kareem Hunt, Browns: $6 million ($12 million over 2 years)

15. Rashaad Penny, Seahawks: $5.75 million (1-year contract)

16. Kenyan Drake, Raiders: $5.5 million ($11 million over 2 years)

17. Cordarrelle Patterson, Falcons: $5.25 million ($10.5 million over 2 years)

18. Chris Carson, Seahawks: $5.212 million ($10.425 million over 2 years)

19. Gus Edwards, Ravens: $4.128 million ($12.38 million over 3 years)

20. Najee Harris, Steelers: $3.26 million ($13.04 million over 4 years)

21. Travis Etienne, Jaguars: $3.22 million ($12.89 million over 4 years)

22. Jamaal Williams, Lions: $3 million ($6 million over 2 years)

23. Josh Jacobs, Raiders: $2.983 million ($11.93 million over 4 years)

24. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Chiefs: $2.705 million ($10.8 million over 4 years)

25. Brandon Bolden, Raiders: $2.505 million ($5.01 million over 2 years)

T-26. James White, Patriots: $2.5 million ($5 million over 2 years)

T-26. Melvin Gordon, Broncos: $2.5 million (1-year contract)

T-26. Rex Burkhead, Texans: $2.5 million (1-year contract)

29. Breece Hall, Jets: $2.48 million ($9.925 million over 4 years)

30. Kenneth Walker III: $2.31 million ($9.250 million over 4 years)

31. Javonte Williams, Broncos: $2.21 million ($8.865 million over 4 years)

32. D’Andre Swift, Lions: $2.13 million ($8.53 million over 4 years)

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NFL salary rankings by position

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Highest-paid NFL running backs: Top-paid RBs in 2022 salary rankings