Quarterbacks
The quarterback position remains the highest-paid in the NFL, showcasing immense contracts that reflect their importance on the field. Joe Burrow stands out with the highest three-year average per year (APY) salary of $62.9 million. Meanwhile, Jared Goff and Trevor Lawrence follow closely with three-year APYs of $57.3 million and $55 million, respectively.
When it comes to guaranteed money, Deshaun Watson secured an astounding $230 million, leading the pack. Joe Burrow and Patrick Mahomes have also locked in substantial guarantees, with Burrow’s total guaranteed money at $219.01 million and Mahomes' at $208.1 million.
Running Backs
Switching to backfield dynamics, running backs also command impressive pay. Christian McCaffrey tops the charts with a three-year APY of $17.2 million, along with $36.3 million in total guaranteed money. Jonathan Taylor and Alvin Kamara are next, with Taylor earning a three-year APY of $14 million and Kamara $12.7 million.
Wide Receivers
The wide receiver market remains hot with players securing lucrative contracts. Justin Jefferson leads all wide receivers with a three-year APY of $35 million and total guaranteed money amounting to $110 million. A.J. Brown and Amon-Ra St. Brown closely follow, with Brown’s three-year APY at $32 million and $84 million in guarantees, while St. Brown boasts a three-year APY of $30 million and $77 million in total guaranteed money.
Tight Ends
Tight ends, key components of the offense, also enjoy significant contracts. Travis Kelce spearheads this group with a three-year APY of $17.1 million. T.J. Hockenson follows with a staggering $42.5 million in total guaranteed funds.
Offensive Linemen
Protecting the quarterback is paramount, and offensive linemen are well-compensated for their crucial roles. Penei Sewell is the top earner among linemen, with an annual paycheck of $28 million over the next three years and $85 million in guarantees. Chris Lindstrom and Frank Ragnow earn three-year APYs of $21.8 million and $14 million, respectively, while Robert Hunt tops the guarantee charts among guards with $63 million secured.
Defensive Players
Cornerbacks
Locking down receivers and disrupting passing games are critical, making cornerbacks invaluable. Jaire Alexander leads this group with a three-year APY of $21.8 million. Denzel Ward and Jalen Ramsey also secure large guarantees, with Ward at $71.25 million and Ramsey at $71.2 million.
Safeties
Safety play is pivotal for defense, and their paychecks reflect their worth. Antoine Winfield Jr. earns a three-year APY of $21.03 million, with $45 million in total guaranteed money. Notably, Derwin James Jr. and Minkah Fitzpatrick are also among the high earners in this category.
Edge Rushers
Edge rushers, tasked with annihilating the offensive line and pressuring the quarterback, attract hefty contracts. Nick Bosa commands a three-year APY of $34.7 million, with his guaranteed money amounting to $119.9 million. T.J. Watt follows, earning a three-year APY of $30.5 million.
Defensive Tackles
On the interior, defensive tackles play pivotal defensive roles. Chris Jones leads with a three-year APY of $31.7 million and has secured $101 million in guaranteed money. Players like Aaron Donald and Christian Wilkins are also recognized as top performers in this position.
Off-Ball Linebackers
Off-ball linebackers, orchestrating the defense and providing support against both the run and the pass, are highly valued. Roquan Smith leads with a three-year APY of $20 million and has guaranteed money totaling $60 million. Big contracts for Fred Warner and Tremaine Edmunds attest to their critical roles on the field.
Special Teams
Special teams players, while often overlooked, are integral to game strategy. Justin Tucker, the premier kicker, garners a three-year APY of $6.2 million along with $17.5 million in guaranteed money. Michael Dickson, a leading punter, boasts a $3.9 million APY and $8.5 million in guarantees. Additionally, long snapper Luke Rhodes secures a three-year APY of $1.67 million.
As these figures indicate, NFL players across various positions command impressive salaries, reflective of their critical contributions to their teams and the sport as a whole.