Michael OHara
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In the modern NFL, where quarterbacks and wide receivers reign supreme, running backs have faded from the spotlight in recent years.
While you can debate the "value" of running backs all day long, the NFL tells us exactly how they view the position based on the contracts they hand out. As of now, the league's highest-paid running back, Christian McCaffrey ($19 million average annual value), makes less money than Amari Cooper ($20 million AAV), the 21st-highest-paid receiver in the league.
Running backs across the league have clearly taken this to heart and have made it a point to prove their worth this season.