Top Running Backs From the 2023 NFL Draft Class

The landscape for running back compensation in the NFL is shifting following a new contract agreement for De’Von Achane of the Miami Dolphins. This development is creating a new financial benchmark for the 2023 draft class, specifically impacting projections for Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons and Jahmyr Gibbs of the Detroit Lions.

The agreement reached by Achane signals a potential trend where high-performing, versatile running backs from the 2023 cohort are positioned for massive contract extensions. As these players move toward the end of their initial rookie terms, the Miami Dolphins’ move provides a blueprint for how teams may value elite backfield talent that contributes significantly to both the rushing and passing attacks.

For Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs, the Achane deal serves as a critical point of reference for upcoming negotiations. Both Robinson and Gibbs entered the league as cornerstone pieces for their respective franchises, and their production since the 2023 NFL Draft has placed them in the upper echelon of the position.

In Atlanta, Bijan Robinson has established himself as a focal point of the Falcons’ offense. His ability to generate yards after contact and his reliability as a receiving threat make him a prime candidate for an extension that reflects his role as a primary offensive engine.

Similarly, Jahmyr Gibbs has become an indispensable part of the Detroit Lions’ high-powered offense. Gibbs’ explosive playmaking ability and efficiency in the passing game align him with the same profile as Achane, suggesting that the Lions may face similar financial demands to secure his long-term future in Detroit.

The 2023 draft class was noted for producing several star running backs who challenged traditional views on the longevity and valuation of the position. While NFL teams have historically been hesitant to provide massive long-term guarantees to running backs, the unique skill sets of the 2023 group are forcing a reconsideration of that strategy.

The valuation of these players is driven by their versatility. Modern NFL offenses increasingly rely on running backs who can operate as wide receivers out of the backfield, a trait shared by Achane, Robinson, and Gibbs. This versatility increases their value by allowing teams to maintain personnel groupings without substituting players, thereby complicating defensive adjustments.

The financial implications for the Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Falcons, and Detroit Lions will be significant. Securing these players through extensions requires a commitment of substantial cap space, but the risk of losing a franchise-altering talent to free agency often outweighs the cost of an early extension.

Beyond the immediate trio of Achane, Robinson, and Gibbs, the broader market for the position continues to evolve. Other players from the 2023 era and established stars are monitoring these developments to determine the ceiling for the next generation of backfield contracts.

As of May 18, 2026, the focus now shifts to the Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions as they evaluate their cap flexibility and the timing of their own extension offers. The precedent set by the Miami Dolphins suggests that the era of the undervalued star running back may be giving way to a period of aggressive investment in elite, multi-purpose playmakers.

The trajectory of these contracts will likely depend on continued performance and the ability of these athletes to maintain their efficiency as they enter the peak years of their careers. For Robinson and Gibbs, the path to a massive extension is now clearer, with the Miami Dolphins’ decision providing the necessary leverage for their representatives in future discussions.