As a general rule, 2024 running backs get paid exactly like you think they do. The average salary is depressed and devalued because the importance of the position has been depressed and devalued.
Christian McCaffrey is a major exception. In the case of players like McCaffrey, or Alvin Kamara, they are considered more offensive weapons than pure running backs.'
That's one major reason why McCaffrey is the No. 4 highest-paid running back in the NFL right now. His teams rarely look at him as just another running back.'
Christian McCaffrey Contract
On Apr. 13, 2020, Christian McCaffrey signed a 4-year, $64 million contract extension while he was playing with the Carolina Panthers. The contract extension first took effect in 2022, after his original rookie deal and fifth-year team option had run its course.'