With his recent landmark contract extension, Breece Hall has officially entered the upper echelon of NFL earners at the running back position. Hall’s new three-year, $45.75 million agreement places him third in average annual salary, sitting just behind superstars Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey. The New York Jets’ decision to commit such significant capital is a testament to Hall’s reliable production. Despite playing through various offensive transitions, the nearly 26-year-old remains a focal point of the Jets’ long-term strategy.
As the league prepares for the 2026 campaign, here is how the top backfield talents rank following Hall’s massive payday.
1. Bijan Robinson: The Falcons’ Record-Breaking Engine
In 2025, Bijan Robinson solidified his reputation as the premier running back in professional football. Setting a new franchise benchmark for the Atlanta Falcons, Robinson racked up a staggering 2,298 all-purpose yards, highlighted by a career-best 1,478 yards on the ground. His explosive playmaking was on full display in Week 17 against the Rams, where he recorded a league-leading 93-yard touchdown sprint. With two years remaining on his rookie contract, Robinson’s looming negotiations will undoubtedly be influenced by the high market ceiling recently set by Hall.
2. Saquon Barkley: The Eagles’ Powerhouse Eyes a Resurgence
Although his 2025 numbers didn’t reach his personal peak, Saquon Barkley remains one of the most feared weapons in the NFL. Fans and analysts alike remember his historic 2024 debut in Philadelphia, where he eclipsed 2,000 rushing yards and shattered Terrell Davis’ long-standing record for combined rushing yards in a single season, eventually capped by a Super Bowl victory. Given the aggressive roster moves made by General Manager Howie Roseman, Barkley is well-positioned for a dominant 2026 season.
3. Christian McCaffrey: San Francisco’s Dual-Threat Elite
While Robinson may have taken over the top spot, Christian McCaffrey remains an indispensable asset for the 49ers. McCaffrey’s resilience was the story of 2025; after an injury-plagued 2024, he secured Comeback Player of the Year honors by totaling 2,216 yards from scrimmage and 17 touchdowns. He came within a mere 74 yards of becoming the first player ever to record multiple seasons with 1,000 rushing and 1,000 receiving yards. Furthermore, he extended his own record by achieving his third 100-catch season, a feat unmatched by any other running back.
4. Jonathan Taylor: The Colts’ Workhorse Returns to Form
Jonathan Taylor’s 2025 campaign was nearly capped with a rushing title, falling just short after offensive rhythm was disrupted by quarterback injuries in December. Nevertheless, Taylor led the league with 18 rushing touchdowns and secured the second-most rushing yards overall. Since signing his extension in late 2023, Taylor has erased any doubts about his health, accumulating 3,016 yards and 29 scores over the last two seasons, re-establishing himself as a top-five talent.
5. James Cook: Buffalo’s High-Efficiency Feature Back
The Buffalo Bills appear justified in their decision to secure James Cook with a long-term contract prior to the 2025 season. Cook rewarded that faith by winning his first rushing title, fueled by a career-high average of 5.2 yards per carry. While he remains a tier below the leaders due to a lower volume in the passing game—averaging 33 catches per year—and the rushing contributions of quarterback Josh Allen, Cook’s efficiency on the ground is undeniably elite.
6. Derrick Henry: The Ravens’ Future Hall of Famer
Derrick Henry continues to defy the typical aging curve for running backs. Even in what was considered a “down” 2025 by his standards, Henry rushed for 1,595 yards and 16 touchdowns. Now 32, the “King” has essentially locked in his future enshrinement in Canton. However, his ranking for the 2026 season is slightly tempered by fumbling struggles during the previous year, which proved costly for Baltimore’s postseason aspirations.
7. Jahmyr Gibbs: Detroit’s Explosive Playmaker
Jahmyr Gibbs, much like Bijan Robinson, is entering a window where a massive second contract is on the horizon. His 2024 season was a masterclass in efficiency, producing 1,412 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns while splitting duties with David Montgomery. While he faced some late-season fatigue in 2025 as the primary option, the Lions’ addition of Isiah Pacheco for the 2026 season is expected to keep Gibbs fresh and explosive for the playoffs.
8. De’Von Achane: Miami’s High-Speed Receiving Threat
De’Von Achane remains one of the most efficient players in the league, leading all backs with 5.7 yards per carry in 2025. His value as a receiver was equally impressive, hauling in 67 passes for nearly 500 yards despite inconsistent quarterback play. As Miami transitions into a new offensive scheme under Bobby Slowick, Achane’s versatility as both a runner and a pass-catcher makes him a prime candidate for a breakout 2026.
9. Kyren Williams: The Rams’ Reliable Postseason Performer
Kyren Williams has proven that his early success was no fluke, delivering back-to-back seasons with over 1,200 rushing yards and double-digit touchdowns. A favorite target for MVP Matthew Stafford, Williams provides critical stability to the Rams’ offense. His ability to produce on the biggest stage was evident in the most recent postseason, where he led all players in receiving touchdowns and added two more on the ground.
10. Breece Hall: The Jets’ Foundation Piece
Breece Hall rounds out the top ten, earning his spot through exceptional versatility that edges out other stars like Kenneth Walker and Josh Jacobs. The Jets have surrounded Hall with improved talent for the 2026 season, including veteran quarterback Geno Smith and a revamped offensive line featuring Dylan Parham. With additional weapons like rookie Omar Cooper Jr. and Kenyon Sadiq, Hall is poised to prove he is worth every penny of his new top-market extension.
Final Thoughts: The landscape of the NFL backfield is shifting, with young stars like Breece Hall and Bijan Robinson redefining the financial and athletic expectations of the position. As the 2026 season approaches, the mix of veteran legends like Derrick Henry and rising versatile threats like De’Von Achane ensures that the running back remains one of the most dynamic and impactful roles in the league.
