Money Suddenly Floods NFL’s Running Back Market

In a recent development, the compensation market for NFL running backs has been significantly impacted, marking the third such reset in less than four months. The Lions recently inked running back Jahmyr Gibbs to a three-year contract extension worth up to $75.75 million, making him the highest-paid player at his position in NFL history.

Two days prior, Bijan Robinson of the Falcons secured a similar deal worth up to $75 million with $51 million guaranteed. This surge in contracts for running backs underscores a broader trend of increased investments in the position.

Notably, the Colts recently signed Jonathan Taylor to a two-year, $44 million deal, with $39 million guaranteed, while other veterans like Kenneth Walker III of the Chiefs and De’Von Achane of the Dolphins also received lucrative new contracts. Jeremiyah Love, the Cardinals' rookie pick in April’s NFL Draft, played a pivotal role in resetting the running back market with a four-year, $53 million contract offering all guaranteed money.

However, Love's contract still remains behind the average annual value of $22.5 million seen in Gibbs' deal, setting a new benchmark for guaranteed money in the position.

Historically, running backs were among the lowest-paid positions in the league, but their value has been rapidly increasing as teams incorporate them into more diverse formations. As a result, running backs are now grouped with kickers, tight ends, and safeties in terms of salary. The NFL's salary cap, which hit a record $301.2 million for the 2026 season, has also contributed to this trend, leading to a wave of record-setting contracts across various positions.

This shift in the running back market now positions the highest-paid players among the top 100 players traditionally occupied by quarterbacks, wide receivers, and top linemen and edge rushers.