It was a frustrating offseason for running backs, a position that is experiencing reduced financial muscle in the modern-day NFL.

In the months leading up to the 2023 NFL season, several of the game's best backs have had trouble reaching deals with teams for what they feel is fair-market value. Two-time Pro Bowler Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants and reigning NFL rushing champ Josh Jacobs of the Las Vegas Raiders failed to strike long-term agreements after being designated with their teams' franchise tags. Both settled for one-year deals. Jonathan Taylor, however, agreed to an extension with the Indianapolis Colts in October after an extended standoff.

NFL NEWSLETTER: Sign up now to get football news delivered to your inbox

Who is the highest-paid NFL running back?

The San Francisco 49ers' Christian McCaffrey signed a four-year contract extension with the Carolina Panthers in 2020. His 2022 trade put the onus on the 49ers to absorb the richest deal given to a running back.

2023 NFL RB salary rankings

Here are the running back salary rankings based on average annual value, according to Over The Cap.

1. Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers: $16 million (4 years, $64.06 million)

2. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints: $15 million (5 years, $75 million)

3. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts: $14 million (3 years, $42 million)

4. Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans: $12.5 million (4 years, $50 million)

5. Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns: $12.2 million (3 years, $36.6 million)

6. Josh Jacobs, Las Vegas Raiders: $11.79 million (1 year, $11.79 million)

7. Aaron Jones, Green Bay Packers: $11.5 million (2 years, $23 million)

8 (tie). Saquon Barkley, New York Giants: $10.09 million (1 year, $10.09 million)

8 (tie). Tony Pollard, Dallas Cowboys: $10.09 million (1 year, $10.09 million)

10. James Conner, Arizona Cardinals: $7 million (3 years, $21 million)

11. Miles Sanders, Carolina Panthers: $6.35 million (4 years, $25.4 million)

12. Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers: $6.12 million (4 years, $24.5 million)

13. David Montgomery, Detroit Lions: $6 million (3 years, $18 million)

14. Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals: $5.75 million (2 years, $11.5 million)

15. Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons: $5.48 million (4 years, $21.95 million)

16. Kyle Juszczyk (FB), San Francisco 49ers: $5.4 million (5 years, $27 million)

17. Cordarrelle Patterson, Atlanta Falcons: $5.25 million (2 years, $10.5 million)

18. Nyheim Hines, Buffalo Bills: $4.5 million (2 years, $9 million)

19. Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions: $4.46 million (4 years, $17.84 million)

20. Jamaal Williams, New Orleans Saints: $4 million (3 years, $12 million)

21 (tie). Patrick Ricard (FB), Baltimore Ravens: $3.75 million (3 years, $11.25 million)

21 (tie). Samaje Perine, Denver Broncos: $3.75 million (2 years, $7.5 million)

23. Alexander Mattison, Minnesota Vikings: $3.5 million (2 years, $7 million)

24. Gus Edwards, Baltimore Ravens: $3.38 million (1 year, $3.38 million)

25. Najee Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers: $3.26 million (4 years, $13.04 million)

26. Alec Ingold (FB), Miami Dolphins: $3.25 million (2 years, $6.5 million)

27. Travis Etienne, Jacksonville Jaguars: $3.22 million (4 years, $12.89 million)

28. Jeff Wilson, Miami Dolphins: $3 million (2 years, $6 million)

29 (tie). C.J. Ham (FB), Minnesota Vikings: $2.8 million (2 years, $5.6 million)

29 (tie). Raheem Mostert, Miami Dolphins: $2.8 million (2 years, $5.6 million)

31. Devin Singletary, Houston Texans: $2.75 million (1 year, $2.75 million)

32. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Kansas City Chiefs: $2.7 million (4 years, $10.82 million)

Here’s the highest-paid list for all the positions

• Highest-paid NFL players

• Quarterbacks

• Receivers

• Tight ends

• Offensive tackles

• Offensive guards

• Centers

• Edge rushers

• Interior defensive linemen

• Linebackers

• Cornerbacks

• Safeties

• Kickers

• Punters

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Highest paid running backs in the NFL for 2023 season