The NFL is no stranger to hefty contracts, and running backs are no exception when it comes to earning top-dollar salaries. In recent years, we`ve seen some record-breaking deals thrown at some of the league`s most talented rushers. So, who currently holds the title of the highest RB contract in the NFL?
At the top of the list is none other than the Dallas Cowboys` Ezekiel Elliott. In 2019, the 25-year-old signed a six-year, $90 million extension with the team – making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history. The contract included $50 million in guaranteed money, putting him on par with some of the league`s top quarterbacks.
Prior to Elliott`s deal, the Los Angeles Rams` Todd Gurley held the title of highest-paid running back. In 2018, he signed a four-year, $57.5 million extension with the team, which included $45 million in guaranteed money. However, Gurley`s production on the field began to decline, leading to his eventual release from the Rams in 2020.
Other notable names on the list include Carolina Panthers` Christian McCaffrey, who signed a four-year, $64 million extension in 2020, and the New York Giants` Saquon Barkley, who signed a four-year, $31.2 million contract with $20.8 million guaranteed in 2018.
So why do teams invest so heavily in their running backs? A talented rusher can be a game-changer, providing a team with a reliable and dynamic offensive weapon. They can be utilized in a variety of ways, from running the ball to catching passes out of the backfield. A successful running game can also open up opportunities for the passing game, putting pressure on the defense to adjust and creating more scoring opportunities.
However, there is also a risk involved in handing out such large contracts. Running backs have a shorter shelf life than other positions, with many experiencing a decline in production after just a few years in the league. Injuries can also be a concern, with the physical toll of the position leading to a higher risk of being sidelined.
Despite these risks, teams continue to invest in their running backs, hoping to find the next superstar who can take their offense to the next level. The highest RB contract may continue to change hands as talented rushers emerge, but for now, Ezekiel Elliott holds the title of the NFL`s highest-paid running back.