The running back position remains one of the most underpaid in the league. You might be surprised to learn that even some of the top 10 highest-paid running backs don’t earn $10 million per year. Recently, Derrick Henry’s contract extension with the Baltimore Ravens has shaken things up, prompting updates to the top 10 list.
Here’s an updated look at the top 10 highest-paid running backs and the colleges that helped shape their careers.
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Saquon Barkley, $41.2 Million: Penn State
So, Penn State didn’t just give us one of the highest-paid running backs, but also one of the best in the league. Saquon Barkley signed a two-year, $41.2 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, which includes $36 million guaranteed and up to $15 million in incentives. His free agency is set for 2029, with a void year.
Christian McCaffrey, $38 Million: Stanford
Stanford University proudly holds its second place on the list thanks to former star Christian McCaffrey. Before making it to the NFL, McCaffrey made headlines by setting records for all-purpose yards at Stanford. Today, he’s a key player for the San Francisco 49ers. His current contract is a two-year deal worth $38 million, with $24 million guaranteed.
The 28-year-old had an incredible season, rushing for 1,921 yards and scoring 16 touchdowns. He also won NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2023, making his contract a great deal for the 49ers.
Derrick Henry, $30 Million: Alabama
The University of Alabama is also making waves, with two players in the top 10 list. At number one is Henry, the 2015 Heisman Trophy winner. He recently signed a two-year, $30 million contract extension with the Baltimore Ravens. This deal is the largest in NFL history for a running back over 30 years old. It includes $25 million fully guaranteed, ensuring Henry’s future in Baltimore until 2027.
Sources: The Baltimore #Ravens and Derrick Henry have agreed to a 2-year contract extension that averages $15M per year – the most ever for a RB over 30 years old. The deal negotiated by Todd France includes $25M fully guaranteed. pic.twitter.com/ibVtTzRlJX
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 14, 2025
Jonathan Taylor, $42 Million: Wisconsin
The University of Wisconsin–Madison secures a spot in the top five, thanks to its star running back, Jonathan Taylor. He made a name for himself in college by rushing for 6,174 yards in just three seasons. That incredible performance helped him land a three-year, $42 million deal with the Indianapolis Colts. Out of that, $26.5 million is guaranteed, and $19.3 million is fully secured.
Last season, Taylor made a strong comeback after dealing with injuries. He rushed for 1,431 yards and scored 11 touchdowns, showing everyone he’s still one of the best in the league and worth every dollar the team is investing in him.
Alvin Kamara, $24.5 Million: Tennessee
Kamara played at Tennessee, where he showed off his skills as both a runner and a receiver. He signed a two-year, $24.5 million contract with the New Orleans Saints, with $22.2 million guaranteed and $19.2 million fully secured. The New Orleans Saints have scheduled his free agency for 2027, which includes a void year.
Last season, the 29-year-old rushed for 950 yards and six touchdowns. He also had 68 receptions for 543 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns, according to the New Orleans Saints.
Josh Jacobs, $48 Million: Alabama
Here comes the second-highest-paid running back from the Crimson Tide, Josh Jacobs. He signed a four-year, $48 million contract with the Green Bay Packers, with $12.5 million guaranteed.
In the 2024 season, Jacobs’ performance dropped a bit. He finished with 1,329 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on 301 carries. This was lower than his impressive 2022 season, where he rushed for 1,653 yards. Fans are hoping he can prove his worth in the upcoming season.
Aaron Jones, $20 Million: UTEP
UTEP Miners might not be as famous for producing NFL stars like Alabama or Penn State, but their former running back, Aaron Jones, has made an impressive mark. It’s rare for a player from a smaller school to land a $20 million NFL contract, but Jones has proven it’s possible.
KEEP READING: Top 10 Running Backs in College Football Today
He signed a two-year, $20 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings, including $13.5 million guaranteed and $11.5 million fully secured. His contract will be up in 2027.
Joe Mixon, $19.75 Million: Oklahoma
Joe Mixon played college football at Oklahoma from 2014 to 2016 before being drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. He spent seven seasons with the Bengals before signing with the Houston Texans in 2024.
The two-time Pro Bowler recently signed a two-year, $19.75 million contract with the Houston Texans, which guarantees $13 million. Last season, he rushed for 1,016 yards and scored 11 touchdowns.
James Conner, $19 Million: Pittsburgh
James Conner played college football at Pittsburgh, where he became an inspiration after beating Hodgkin’s lymphoma and returning to the field stronger than ever. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft and played there for four seasons before signing with the Arizona Cardinals in 2021.
His most recent contract is a two-year, $19 million extension with the Cardinals, signed in November 2024. The deal includes a $6.75 million signing bonus, $8.25 million guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $9.5 million.
David Montgomery, $18.25 million: Iowa State
Iowa State recently stepped into the spotlight as its former star running back, David Montgomery, made it onto the list of the top 10 highest-paid running backs. In October 2024, he signed a two-year, $18.25 million contract extension with the Detroit Lions. The deal includes $10.5 million guaranteed and a $3.25 million signing bonus.
At 27, the former Bears running back has been a steady and reliable performer since entering the league. Over six seasons, he has totaled 1,197 carries for 4,895 yards and 43 touchdowns. Throughout his NFL career, he has consistently proven his value to every team he’s played for. After an impressive season with the Lions last year, the team made sure to secure their star back for the future with this well-deserved two-year deal.
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