It was a frustrating offseason for running backs , a position that is experiencing reduced financial muscle in the modern-day NFL.
In the months leading up to the 2023 NFL season , several of the game's best backs have had trouble reaching deals with teams for what they feel is fair-market value. Two-time Pro Bowler Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants and reigning NFL rushing champ Josh Jacobs of the Las Vegas Raiders failed to strike long-term agreements after being designated with their teams' franchise tags. Both settled for one-year deals. Jonathan Taylor , however, agreed to an extension with the Indianapolis Colts in October after an extended standoff.
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Who is the highest-paid NFL running back?
The San Francisco 49ers ' Christian McCaffrey signed a four-year contract extension with the Carolina Panthers in 2020. His 2022 trade put the onus on the 49ers to absorb the richest deal given to a running back.
2023 NFL RB salary rankings
Here are the running back salary rankings based on average annual value, according to Over The Cap .
1. Christian McCaffrey , San Francisco 49ers : $16 million (4 years, $64.06 million)
2. Alvin Kamara , New Orleans Saints : $15 million (5 years, $75 million)
3. Jonathan Taylor , Indianapolis Colts : $14 million (3 years, $42 million)
4. Derrick Henry , Tennessee Titans : $12.5 million (4 years, $50 million)
5. Nick Chubb , Cleveland Browns : $12.2 million (3 years, $36.6 million)
6. Josh Jacobs , Las Vegas Raiders : $11.79 million (1 year, $11.79 million)
7. Aaron Jones , Green Bay Packers : $11.5 million (2 years, $23 million)
8 (tie). Saquon Barkley , New York Giants : $10.09 million (1 year, $10.09 million)
8 (tie). Tony Pollard , Dallas Cowboys : $10.09 million (1 year, $10.09 million)
10. James Conner , Arizona Cardinals : $7 million (3 years, $21 million)
11. Miles Sanders , Carolina Panthers : $6.35 million (4 years, $25.4 million)
12. Austin Ekeler , Los Angeles Chargers : $6.12 million (4 years, $24.5 million)
13. David Montgomery , Detroit Lions : $6 million (3 years, $18 million)
14. Joe Mixon , Cincinnati Bengals : $5.75 million (2 years, $11.5 million)
15. Bijan Robinson , Atlanta Falcons : $5.48 million (4 years, $21.95 million)
16. Kyle Juszczyk (FB), San Francisco 49ers: $5.4 million (5 years, $27 million)
17. Cordarrelle Patterson , Atlanta Falcons: $5.25 million (2 years, $10.5 million)
18. Nyheim Hines , Buffalo Bills : $4.5 million (2 years, $9 million)
19. Jahmyr Gibbs , Detroit Lions: $4.46 million (4 years, $17.84 million)
20. Jamaal Williams , New Orleans Saints: $4 million (3 years, $12 million)
21 (tie). Patrick Ricard (FB), Baltimore Ravens : $3.75 million (3 years, $11.25 million)
21 (tie). Samaje Perine , Denver Broncos : $3.75 million (2 years, $7.5 million)
23. Alexander Mattison , Minnesota Vikings : $3.5 million (2 years, $7 million)
24. Gus Edwards , Baltimore Ravens: $3.38 million (1 year, $3.38 million)
25. Najee Harris , Pittsburgh Steelers : $3.26 million (4 years, $13.04 million)
26. Alec Ingold (FB), Miami Dolphins : $3.25 million (2 years, $6.5 million)
27. Travis Etienne , Jacksonville Jaguars : $3.22 million (4 years, $12.89 million)
28. Jeff Wilson , Miami Dolphins: $3 million (2 years, $6 million)
29 (tie). C.J. Ham (FB), Minnesota Vikings: $2.8 million (2 years, $5.6 million)
29 (tie). Raheem Mostert , Miami Dolphins: $2.8 million (2 years, $5.6 million)
31. Devin Singletary , Houston Texans : $2.75 million (1 year, $2.75 million)
32. Clyde Edwards-Helaire , Kansas City Chiefs : $2.7 million (4 years, $10.82 million)
Here's the highest-paid list for all the positions
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Highest paid running backs in the NFL for 2023 season
