Following a massive contract extension, Breece Hall has solidified his position as one of the NFL’s premier financial heavyweights at the running back position. Hall recently finalized a three-year deal worth $45.75 million, a move that places him among the top three highest-paid players at his position. Currently, only veteran stars Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey command a higher average annual salary.
The New York Jets’ decision to invest so heavily in Hall is logical. Despite navigating various offensive challenges, the nearly 26-year-old has remained a model of consistency. As the Jets continue their roster overhaul, Hall’s role as a cornerstone of the offense is expected to grow. His new contract also serves as a benchmark for the rest of the league’s elite rushers.
As we look toward the 2026 season, here is how the NFL’s top running backs rank alongside Hall.
1. Bijan Robinson: The League’s Premier Dual-Threat
In 2025, Bijan Robinson officially claimed the title of the NFL’s best running back. He delivered a historic campaign for the Atlanta Falcons, setting a franchise single-season record with 2,298 yards from scrimmage. This total included a career-best 1,478 yards on the ground. Robinson’s explosive playmaking was on full display in Week 17 against the Rams, where he recorded a 93-yard touchdown run—the longest in the league that season.
With two years left on his rookie contract, Robinson is the next major candidate for a payday. Hall’s recent extension will likely serve as a vital data point during Robinson’s future contract negotiations.
2. Saquon Barkley: Looking for a High-Octane Resurgence
While 2025 may not have reached his personal peaks, Saquon Barkley remains a generational talent. He is not far removed from his spectacular 2024 debut with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he surpassed 2,000 rushing yards in the regular season. That year, he also broke Terrell Davis’ long-standing 26-year record for total rushing yards in a single season (including playoffs), eventually helping the Eagles secure a Super Bowl title.
With General Manager Howie Roseman continuing to refine the Eagles’ roster, Barkley is well-positioned for a dominant 2026 bounce-back performance.
3. Christian McCaffrey: The Ultimate Offensive Weapon
Although Robinson has moved into the top spot, Christian McCaffrey remains an elite producer for the San Francisco 49ers. Despite dealing with significant injuries, McCaffrey’s efficiency is nearly unmatched. After a 2024 season where he was limited to just four games, he returned to form in 2025 to win Comeback Player of the Year.
McCaffrey totaled 2,216 all-purpose yards and 17 touchdowns in his return. He narrowly missed becoming the first player in NFL history to record multiple seasons with 1,000 yards rushing and receiving, falling just 74 yards short. However, he did extend his own record by reaching 100 receptions in a season for the third time in his career.
4. Jonathan Taylor: A Return to Rushing Dominance
Jonathan Taylor proved in 2025 that he is back to his pre-injury form. Had it not been for a season-ending injury to quarterback Daniel Jones in December, Taylor might have secured his second rushing title. Even so, he led the NFL with 18 rushing touchdowns and finished second in total rushing yards.
The Indianapolis Colts’ decision to extend Taylor in late 2023 has aged well. Over the last two seasons, he has combined for 3,016 rushing yards and 29 scores, cementing his status as one of the most reliable bell-cow backs in the league.
5. James Cook: The Efficiency Specialist
The Buffalo Bills found their long-term solution in the backfield with James Cook, signing him to a major extension just before the 2025 season began. Cook immediately rewarded that faith by winning his first rushing title. His 5.2 yards-per-carry average was the highest mark of his career since entering the league.
While Cook is undoubtedly an elite runner, he ranks slightly lower than others due to his limited involvement in the passing game. Averaging only 33 catches per year, much of the offensive burden in Buffalo is still carried by quarterback Josh Allen’s rushing ability.
6. Derrick Henry: The Hall of Fame Powerhouse
Derrick Henry continues to defy the typical aging curve for running backs. Even in what some considered a “down” year in 2025, Henry managed 1,595 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. These numbers were overshadowed only by his massive 1,921-yard performance in 2024.
Now 32, the Ravens’ star is a lock for the Hall of Fame. However, fumbling issues late in the 2025 season proved costly for Baltimore’s playoff hopes. Despite those miscues, Henry remains one of the most feared physical runners in the game.
7. Jahmyr Gibbs: The Explosive Playmaker in Detroit
Jahmyr Gibbs is another young star nearing a significant contract window. In 2024, Gibbs flourished while splitting touches with David Montgomery, posting 1,412 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. However, his 2025 campaign showed the strain of a primary workload, as his production dipped significantly during the final six games of the season.
The Detroit Lions’ addition of Isiah Pacheco for the upcoming season should provide Gibbs with the necessary relief to stay explosive throughout the 2026 stretch run.
8. De’Von Achane: Miami’s High-Efficiency Speedster
De’Von Achane led the NFL with a staggering 5.7 yards per carry last season. His value isn’t limited to his speed on the ground; he also hauled in 67 passes for nearly 500 yards and four touchdowns. This production is particularly impressive given the lack of stability the Dolphins faced at the quarterback position.
The 2026 season will provide a new test for Achane as he adapts to the offensive schemes of new coordinator Bobby Slowick.
9. Kyren Williams: The Rams’ Consistent Workhorse
Kyren Williams has evolved from a fifth-round draft pick into one of the most consistent performers in the NFL. He has now recorded consecutive seasons with over 1,200 rushing yards and double-digit touchdowns. Williams has also become a vital target for MVP Matthew Stafford, catching 36 passes last year.
His reliability extends into the postseason, where he led all players in receiving touchdowns while adding two scores on the ground.
10. Breece Hall: The Jets’ All-Purpose Engine
Breece Hall’s inclusion in the top 10 is a testament to his incredible versatility. He earned his spot ahead of several high-profile names, including Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker and veteran Josh Jacobs. Hall’s ability to impact the game as both a runner and a receiver makes him the focal point of the Jets’ offensive strategy.
The Jets have surrounded Hall with significant talent heading into 2026, including veteran quarterback Geno Smith and rookie wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. If these pieces click, Hall has the opportunity to jump even higher in these rankings by next season.
Summary and Final Thoughts
The landscape of the NFL running back market has shifted, and Breece Hall’s new contract is a clear indication that the league still highly values versatile, high-volume backs. While young stars like Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs are redefining the position with historic all-purpose production, veterans like Christian McCaffrey and Saquon Barkley continue to set a high bar for excellence. As these top ten backs prepare for the 2026 season, the mix of explosive youth and proven veteran talent suggests that the “running back dead zone” is officially a thing of the past.
