Apr 24, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals first-round draft pick Jeremiyah Love poses with his jersey during a press conference at Dignity Health Arizona Cardinals Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Anna Carrington-Imagn Images

Top 10 NFL Highest-Paid Running Backs in 2026 Ft. Jeremiyah Love

May 9, 2026 | 10:33 AM EDT

Contracts are getting signed, which means the NFL is transitioning into the financial part of the calendar. With the league wrapping up its offseason team-building process, fans now have a solid idea of how much the stars are set to make, including the league’s running backs.

Here’s a look at the running backs playing on the biggest contracts in 2026, and No. 1 is highly likely to be a stunner.

Highest Paid NFL Running Backs in 2026

#10 – Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots

Rhamondre Stevenson is playing on a four-year, $36 million deal. The back is competing with TreVeyon Henderson for starting rights and considering the price tag of both, Henderson has the advantage as the cheaper option.

#9 – Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers

Christian McCaffrey is playing on a two-year deal worth up to $38 million (Spotrac). The back is coming off his least productive season in yards per carry average since his rookie year, so there is plenty of pressure to bounce back in 2026.

#8 – Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles

The Saquon Barkley trade set the NFL on fire, but the back wasn’t doing it for free. Barkley is playing on a deal with $41.2 million over two years.

#7 – Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts

Jonathan Taylor seems to often have a breakout year when least expected, but his paychecks are never a surprise. Taylor is playing under a three-year, $42 million deal.

#6 – Kenneth Walker III, Kansas City Chiefs

The Super Bowl MVP won more than an award this year, as the back also earned a three-year, $43 million deal from the Chiefs. It didn’t stop the team from adding a rookie in the NFL draft, but Walker is the leader in the running back room.

#5 – Breece Hall, New York Jets

Breece Hall earned a new three-year, $45.75 million deal from the Jets. After a long battle with an ACL tear, Hall managed to get the coveted second contract.

#4 – James Cook, Buffalo Bills

Aside from Josh Allen, James Cook has been the biggest star for Buffalo. He has been compensated as such with a four-year, $46 million deal.

#3 – Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers

Josh Jacobs’ battle for his second contract was no pushover, but the running back finally earned his current four-year, $48 million deal. The deal has his future set with Green Bay through the 2027 season.

#2 – Travis Etienne, New Orleans Saints

Travis Etienne changed teams this offseason and also changed contracts. The running back earned a four-year, $48 million deal for his efforts with the Jaguars.

#1 – Jeremiyah Love, Arizona Cardinals

Despite everything, Jeremiyah Love is set to be the highest-paid running back as a rookie. Per Spotrac, Love has the biggest running back contract in the league at four years, $53 million. Being picked No. 3 has a big part in his compensation package. Now armed with a bank account beyond his years, he will need to remain focused on the task on the gridiron.