As the NFL continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of professional football, one position has remained a constant: the running back. Running backs are the engines that power offenses and the backbone of any successful team. However, signing a top-tier running back can be an expensive proposition. In this article, we will take a look at the biggest running back contracts in NFL history.
1. Derrick Henry – $50 million
Derrick Henry is the current holder of the biggest running back contract in NFL history, signing a four-year, $50 million deal with the Tennessee Titans in 2020. The deal guarantees Henry $25.5 million and has an average annual value of $12.5 million.
2. Christian McCaffrey – $64 million
Christian McCaffrey`s four-year, $64 million deal with the Carolina Panthers signed in 2020 is the largest contract in NFL history for a running back in terms of total value. The deal guarantees McCaffrey $38 million and has an average annual value of $16 million.
3. Ezekiel Elliott – $50 million
Ezekiel Elliott signed a six-year, $90 million deal with the Dallas Cowboys in 2019, with an average annual value of $15 million. The deal includes $50 million guaranteed, making it the second-largest running back contract in NFL history in terms of guaranteed money.
4. Le`Veon Bell – $52.5 million
Le`Veon Bell signed a four-year, $52.5 million contract with the New York Jets in 2019. The deal includes $35 million guaranteed and an average annual value of $13.125 million.
5. Todd Gurley – $57.5 million
Todd Gurley signed a four-year, $57.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Rams in 2018. The deal includes $45 million guaranteed and an average annual value of $14.375 million.
Conclusion
As the NFL continues to grow and evolve, the value of running backs will remain high. However, with the physical toll the position takes on players, teams may be hesitant to offer long-term, big-money contracts to running backs. The contracts listed above show just how valuable a top-tier running back can be to a team, but also the risks involved in investing in the position.