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Whether or not running backs deserve mega contracts is a common topic of debate. Some believe that the top tier running backs in the NFL can change the game while others feel the job can be done at a discounted price by a committee of different skilled backs.
One side of the argument believes in paying the top talents at running back for the way they can impact the outcome of a game. The other side doesn't think committing too much to a running back is money well spent. Five running backs have benefited the most from those that still believe running backs are worth the price tag. They are the highest-paid in the NFL this season.
#4 - Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans - $12.5 million dollars
If any running back in the NFL earned himself a mega contract, it's Derrick Henry. He is the definition of a work horse, averaging more than 23 carries per game over the last three years. He led the entire NFL in rushing for the past two consecutive years and eclipsed the 2000-yard rushing mark last season. He was well on his way to doing it again this year before he was injured.
#3 - Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings - $12.6 million dollars
Dalvin Cook has been excellent when he has played but injuries have always been a concern. He has never completed a full season in his five years in the NFL but did surpass 1000 yards rushing in each of the past two seasons. He averages nearly 85 rushing yards per game in his career with 37 touchdowns in 52 games. Durability will always be a concern with his expensive contract.
#2 (tied) - Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints - $15 million dollars
Alvin Kamara has never had a 1000-yard rushing season in his career, but he makes up for it with his contributions in the passing game. He is one of the best receivers out of the backfield in the entire NFL. He has eclipsed 80 receptions and 500 receiving yards in each of his first four seasons. He averages nearly one touchdown per game with 65 total touchdowns in 68 games played.
#2 (tied) - Ezekiel Elliot, Dallas Cowboys - $15 million dollars
Ezekiel Elliot's durability has been impressive throughout his NFL career. He has only once missed more than one game in a season. He has had at least 300 carries in three different seasons and has never been below 240 carries in any season. He averages 87 rushing yards per game in his career on over 4.5 yards per carry. He was worth the investment at running back.
#1 - Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers - $16 million dollars
Christian McCaffrey is the highest-paid running back in the NFL because of how dynamic he is. At his peak in 2019 he recorded both 1000 rushing yards and 1000 receiving yards in the same season, an extremely rare accomplishment. He didn't miss a single game in his first three seasons.
Unfortunately, he's been injured for the majority of the past two years. He missed 13 games in the 2020 NFL season and is already set to miss ten games this season due to injury. He was one of the most durable running backs early in his career but that has taken a turn for the worse.
