Who is the highest-paid running back in the NFL in 2023?

A few years ago, we observed a change in the structure of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL. Who is the NFL's highest-paid RB heading into the 2023 regular season?

On the list of NFL running backs with the highest salaries, Christian McCaffrey is at the top. During the 2022 season, McCaffrey was traded to the San Francisco 49ers.

The 49ers gave up four draft picks, including second-, third- and fourth-round picks in 2023 and a fifth-round pick in 2024 to acquire Christian McCaffrey from the Carolina Panthers. In addition, they are now saddled with yet another big contract. He is projected to make non-guaranteed sums of $12 million, $12 million and $12.2 million over the following three years.

With a cap hit of $12,000,000 in 2023, McCaffrey will have a base salary of $11,800,000 and a workout bonus of $200,000.

Wideout Deebo Samuel, left tackle Trent Williams, fullback Kyle Juszczyk, linebacker Fred Warner, tight end George Kittle, defensive lineman Arik Armstead and cornerback Charvarius Ward are just a few of the 49ers' highest-paid performers at their different positions.

The 49ers will be able to move McCaffrey without losing any salary cap space if his effectiveness declines or the injury problems that have dogged him recently recur. Of course, this assumes that the team won't renegotiate his deal.

The deal's flexibility made it easier for the 49ers to sign McCaffrey. If they have to cut him, they won't have to worry about losing money; the things they would be biting their tongues for are draft capitals they traded.

Now, let’s look at the players who complete the top 10 list of the best-paid RBs in the league.

NFL's highest-paid running backs in 2023 (average salary per year)

1. Christian McCaffrey – San Francisco 49ers: $16 million

2. Alvin Kamara – New Orleans Saints: $15 million

3. Ezekiel Elliott – Dallas Cowboys: $15 million

4. Dalvin Cook – Minnesota Vikings: $12.6 million

5. Derrick Henry – Tennessee Titans: $12.5 million

6. Nick Chubb – Cleveland Browns: $12.2 million

7. Aaron Jones – Carolina Packers: $12 million

8. Joe Mixon – Cincinnati Bengals: $12 million

9. Tony Pollard – Dallas Cowboy: $10 million

10. Josh Jacobs – Las Vegas Raiders: $10 million