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NFL's highest paid running backs for 2024 season: Ranking RBs by average annual salary

Who are the highest-paid running backs in the NFL for the 2024 season?

The position continues to be among the most underpaid in the league, with five running backs currently set to make at least $10 per season in average annual salary, led by a running back who is earning an average of $16 million per season.

15 RBs are set to make at least $5 million a season.

Here's a look at the Top 10 running backs in the league, ranked by average annual salary, per overthecap.com, a site that tracks NFL player contracts (through May 16, 2024).

NFL's highest paid players in 2024: Quarterbacks | Running backs | Wide receivers | Tight ends | Offensive linemen | D-linemen | Cornerbacks | Safeties | Linebackers | Edge rushers | Highest paid players: Overall | By position | By team

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

The San Francisco 49ers' Christian McCaffrey is currently the highest-paid running back in the NFL, with an average annual salary of $16.02 million.

His current contract has a total value of $64 million, with a total guaranteed amount of over $36 million.

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Which NFL running backs will make the most in 2024?

McCaffrey has company on the list of the top-paid running backs in the NFL.

The New Orleans Saints' Alvin Kamara is second among the highest-paid NFL RBs with an average salary of $15 million per year. He's followed by the Indianapolis Colts' Jonathan Taylor, at $14 million.

Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles comes in fourth with a salary of $12.6 million per season, and he's followed by Josh Jacobs of the Green Bay Packers, who makes $12 million per season.

The Houston Texans' Joe Mixon is sixth on the list with an average annual salary of $9.9 million.

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The San Francisco 49ers' Christian McCaffrey is the highest paid running back in the NFL.
The San Francisco 49ers' Christian McCaffrey is the highest paid running back in the NFL.

NFL's highest-paid running backs in 2024 (average salary per year):

  • 1. 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey: $16 million

  • 2. Saints RB Alvin Kamara: $15 million

  • 3. Colts RB Jonathan Taylor: $14 million

  • 4. Eagles RB Saquon Barkley: $12.6 million

  • 5. Packers RB Josh Jacobs: $12 million

  • 6. Texas RB Joe Mixon: $9.9 million

  • 7. Ravens RB Derrick Henry: $8 million

  • 7. Bears RB D'Andre Swift: $8 million

  • 9. Titans RB Tony Pollard: $7.3 million

  • 10. Packers RB Aaron Jones: $7 million

  • 10. Cardinals RB James Conner: $7 million

- Source: overthecap.com

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Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: NFL's highest paid running backs for 2024: Ranking RBs by salary