The NFL Has 2 Surprising Running Backs Atop The Salary List

(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

The NFL is full of elite running backs.

Running backs have become easier to find in the NFL draft and free agency.

Each year we see teams drafting running backs on Day 3, and making an impact almost immediately.

In 2022, we saw Dameon Pierce (4th round) and Isiah Pacheco (7th round), each having great seasons.

Since running backs can be found cheap, one of the big questions is whether or not it is worth it to pay top dollar for an RB.

Well, we just saw the Green Bay Packers restructure the contract of Aaron Jones, and he seems to be worth it.

Aaron Jones new reworked contract with the Packers

2023 Cash: $16M –> $11M
2023 Cap: $20.013M –> $8.197M

Total cap savings = $11.816M

Note: Packers could have just done a restructure to save $11.216M. Instead they shave $5M cash off the deal and get another $600K cap saved. pic.twitter.com/BecDTzCy2E

— Ken Ingalls – Packers Cap (@KenIngalls) February 17, 2023

For being a fifth-round pick in the 2017 draft, Jones has done well for himself.

The two highest paid RBs in the NFL

(via @AdamSchefter) pic.twitter.com/hDLhNARA3s

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) February 17, 2023

Jones and 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey are deservingly the two highest-paid in the NFL.

Despite neither of them being in the top five in rushing, each is a unique offensive weapon.

Both have been exceptional in the passing game throughout their careers, and almost all running backs need that nowadays.

Jones caught 59 passes last year and McCaffrey caught 85.

Even though paying running backs a second contract is rarely a good idea, these two continue to make an impact.

It will be interesting to see the free agent market at RB this offseason.

The top running back available is Saquon Barkley, and he will command top dollar.

Either way, the Packers should be thrilled to bring an impact player like Jones back at a lesser salary.

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