A few years ago, it looked like the days of running backs getting big paydays from NFL teams were over. The game had shifted to prioritizing wide receivers and the value for RBs had hit a surprising low point. However, it seems like opinions are changing on the importance of an elite running back because after this week, we now have three different backs making over $20 million annually.
The newest addition to the NFL’s $20 million RB club is Detroit Lions three-time Pro Bowler Jahmyr Gibbs. He inked a three-year, $67.5 million extension on Thursday that comes with $51.5 million in guarantees and could be worth as much as $75.7 million with incentives. He joins Bijan Robinson and Saquon Barkley as the only three NFL RBs averaging $20 million or more per season.
Following the extension that makes Gibbs the highest-paid running back in the NFL, we look at five RBs who could be the next to cash in with a big payday.
Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams
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Jan 25, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams (23) runs to score a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half in the 2026 NFC Championship Game at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
The Los Angeles Rams passing game gets most of the credit for why they have one of the elite offenses in the NFL. And it’s understandable why. Quarterback Matthew Stafford is the reigning MVP, Puka Nacua is one of the best receivers in the NFL, and Davante Adams is a future Hall of Famer. However, Kyren Williams has emerged as one of the most underrated backs in the league.
Over the last three seasons, he has rushed for 1,100 or more yards and has a 4.6 average per rush for his career. If the 25-year-old keeps this pace for the next couple of seasons, the Rams are going to have to give the fifth-round pick a big raise.
Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys
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Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Javonte Williams (33) runs against Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jonathan Greenard (58) and linebacker Eric Wilson (55) during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
After four average seasons with the Denver Broncos, expectations were not high for Javonte Williams in his first season with the Dallas Cowboys last year. However, despite missing a game, the 26-year-old had a career year as he rumbled for over 1,200 yards. Fortunately for the ‘Boys, they have Williams under contract for two more seasons at an affordable rate.
However, if he has a couple more years like he did last season, he is sure to hold out for a sizable pay bump before the 2028 season.
Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals
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Jan 4, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (30) runs in for a touchdown in the first quarter against Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Greene-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
Former Cincinnati Bengals fifth-round pick Chase Brown was given the starting RB job for the first time last season, and he had a productive year. He averaged 4.4 yards from scrimmage, ran for 1,019 yards, added 437 through the air, and posted 11 total touchdowns. But the bad news for the Bengals is he is entering the final year of his rookie deal this season.
If Brown has another strong showing as a dual threat out of the backfield, the Bengals will be forced to make some tough decisions or lose a 26-year-old RB that has far exceeded expectations.
Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders
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Dec 28, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) enters the field before the game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
There was a lot of hype about Ashton Jeanty after he was the sixth overall pick in last year’s NFL Draft. While his stats in his rookie season with the Las Vegas Raiders were just average, the Vegas offense was a mess that had no standout performances last season. Nevertheless, he showed his potential throughout the campaign.
Assuming the offense is better with new head coach Klint Kubiak, it would not be surprising if Jeanty starts to emerge as one of the NFL’s top RBs. If that happens, he is sure to land a big payday when his contract is near its end in 2028.
TreVeyon Henderson, New England Patriots
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Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots running back Treveyon Henderson (32) warms up before the game against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
TreVeyon Henderson had a rock-solid debut season for the AFC Champion New England Patriots in 2025. The Ohio State alum rumbled for 911 yards on the ground, 221 through the air, and posted 10 total touchdowns. He also had an outstanding 5.1 yards per rush average.
If he continues to develop along with the offense over the next few seasons, Henderson is sure to land a big-money extension from the Patriots or someone else before or after the 2028 season.