The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (2024)

Table of Contents
Quarterback 1. Joe Burrow, $55 million 1. Deshaun Watson, $230 million Running back 1. Christian McCaffrey, $17.2 million 1. Christian McCaffrey, $36.3 million Wide receiver 1. Cooper Kupp, $26.7 million 1. Cooper Kupp, $75 million Tight end 1. Darren Waller, $17 million 1. T.J. Hockenson, $42.5 million Offensive line 1. Laremy Tunsil, $25 million 1. Ronnie Stanley, $64.1 million Cornerback 1. Jaire Alexander, $21.7 million 1. Denzel Ward, $71.25 million Edge rusher Highest three-year APY: 1. Nick Bosa, $34 million 1. Nick Bosa, $122.5 million Defensive tackle 1. Aaron Donald, $31.6 million 1. Quinnen Williams, $66 million Off-ball linebacker 1. Roquan Smith, $20 million 1. Roquan Smith, $60 million Safety 1. Derwin James Jr., $19.6 million 1. Derwin James Jr., $42 million Kicker 1. Justin Tucker, $6.2 million 1. Justin Tucker, $17.5 million Long-snapper 1. Joe Cardona, $1.63 million 1. Thomas Hennessy, $2.62 million Punter 1. Michael Dickson, $3.9 million 1. Michael Dickson, $8.5 million FAQs

  • The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (1)

    ESPN staffOct 7, 2023, 12:30 PM ET

Who are the NFL's highest-paid players at every position? Plenty of record-setting deals have been made in 2023 -- the quarterback position has been reset with a new highest-paid player four times just this year. First Jalen Hurts, then Lamar Jackson and Justin Herbert and finally Joe Burrow becoming the highest-paid player in the NFL history as the 2023 season kicked off.

In August, Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson reset the tight end market and San Francisco 49ers DE Nick Bosa became the highest-paid defensive player. In October, Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor finally got his extension, but it didn't reset the top of the market.

We tracked the best-paid players at 16 different positions -- including long-snapper -- and will keep the numbers updated as more records get broken. To get the full picture on the top earners in this league, we sorted positions by two categories, which in a few cases has the same player at No. 1:

  • Three-year average (APY)

  • Total guaranteed money

Salary information courtesy of Roster Management System.

Let's start with Burrow and the highest-paid quarterbacks:

Jump to:
QB | RB | WR | TE
OL | EDGE | DT | LB
CB | S | K | LS | P

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (2)

Quarterback

Highest three-year APY:

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (3)

1. Joe Burrow, $55 million

Signed: September 2023 (contract ends in 2028)

2. Justin Herbert (LAC), $53.3 million
3. Lamar Jackson (BAL), $52 million
4. Jalen Hurts (PHI), $51 million
5. Russell Wilson (DEN), $50 million

Total guaranteed money:

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (4)

1. Deshaun Watson, $230 million

Signed: March 2022 (contract ends in 2026)

2. Joe Burrow (CIN), $219.01 million
3. Justin Herbert (LAC), $193.7 million
4. Kyler Murray (ARI), $189.5 million
5. Lamar Jackson (BAL), $185 million
6. Jalen Hurts (PHI), $180 million

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (5)

Running back

Highest three-year APY:

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (6)

1. Christian McCaffrey, $17.2 million

Signed: April 2020 (contract ends in 2026)

2. Alvin Kamara (NO), $12.7 million
3. Jonathan Taylor (IND), $14 million

Total guaranteed money:

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (7)

1. Christian McCaffrey, $36.3 million

Signed: April 2020 (contract ends in 2026)

2. Alvin Kamara (NO), $34.3 million
3. Jonathan Taylor (IND), $26.5 million

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (8)

Wide receiver

Highest three-year APY:

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (9)

1. Cooper Kupp, $26.7 million

Signed: June 2022 (contract ends in 2026)

2. Stefon Diggs (BUF), 26.2 million
3. Tyreek Hill (MIA), $25 million

Total guaranteed money:

See Also
NBA floor cleaner's salary: How much does an NBA floor cleaner make?Do college mascots get paid and what is their salary?Bengals must pay star QB Joe Burrow to keep him in CincinnatiThe Best and Worst NFL Mascots, According to Football Fans

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (10)

1. Cooper Kupp, $75 million

Signed: June 2022 (contract ends in 2026)

2. Tyreek Hill (MIA), $72.2 million
3. Stefon Diggs (BUF), $70 million

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (11)

Tight end

Highest three-year APY:

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (12)

1. Darren Waller, $17 million

Signed: September 2023 (contract ends in 2026)

2. T.J. Hockenson (MIN), $16 million
3. George Kittle (SF), $15.3 million

Total guaranteed money:

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (13)

1. T.J. Hockenson, $42.5 million

Signed: August 2023 (contract ends in 2027)

2. George Kittle (SF), $40 million
3. Mark Andrews (BAL), $37.6 million

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (14)

Offensive line

Highest three-year APY:

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (15)

1. Laremy Tunsil, $25 million

Signed: March 2023 (contract ends in 2026)

2. Andrew Thomas (NYG), $24.2 million
3. David Bakhtiari (GB), $23.5 million
4. Chris Lindstrom (ATL), $21.8 million

Total guaranteed money:

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (16)

1. Ronnie Stanley, $64.1 million

Signed: October 2020 (contract ends in 2025)

2. Chris Lindstrom (ATL), $62.7 million
3. Andrew Thomas (NYG), $61.9 million
4. Ryan Ramczyk (NO), $60.2 million

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (17)

Cornerback

Highest three-year APY:

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (18)

1. Jaire Alexander, $21.7 million

Signed: May 2022 (contract ends in 2027)

2. Jalen Ramsey (MIA), $20.6 million
3. Marshon Lattimore (NO), $20.3 million

Total guaranteed money:

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (19)

1. Denzel Ward, $71.25 million

Signed: April 2022 (contract ends in 2027)

2. Jalen Ramsey (MIA), $71.2 million
3. Marshon Lattimore (NO), $68.3 million

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (20)

Edge rusher

Highest three-year APY:

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (21)

1. Nick Bosa, $34 million

Signed: September 2023 (contract ends in 2028)

2. T.J. Watt (PIT), 30.5 million
3. Joey Bosa (LAC), $29.2 million

Total guaranteed money:

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (22)

1. Nick Bosa, $122.5 million

Signed: September 2023 (contract ends in 2028)

See Also
Aaron Rodgers officially signs contract extension; Packers QB to earn $150.8M over next three years

2. Joey Bosa (LAC), $102 million
3. Myles Garrett (CLE), $100 million

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (23)

Defensive tackle

Highest three-year APY:

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (24)

1. Aaron Donald, $31.6 million

Signed: June 2022 (contract ends in 2025)

T2. Quinnen Williams (NYJ), $23.5 million
T2. Jeffery Simmons (TEN), $23.5 million

Total guaranteed money:

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (25)

1. Quinnen Williams, $66 million

Signed: July 2023 (contract ends in 2027)

2. Aaron Donald (LAR), $65 million
3. Daron Payne (WSH), $60.02 million
4. Chris Jones (KC), $60 million

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (26)

Off-ball linebacker

Highest three-year APY:

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (27)

1. Roquan Smith, $20 million

Signed: January 2023 (contract ends 2027)

2. Fred Warner (SF), $19.5 million
3. Tremaine Edmunds (CHI), $19 million

Total guaranteed money:

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (28)

1. Roquan Smith, $60 million

Signed: January 2023 (contract ends 2027)

2. Shaquille Leonard (IND), $52.5 million
3. C.J. Mosley (NYJ), $51 million

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (29)

Safety

Highest three-year APY:

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (30)

1. Derwin James Jr., $19.6 million

Signed: August 2022 (contract ends in 2026)

2. Minkah Fitzpatrick (PIT), $18.6 million
3. Jamal Adams (SEA), $17.6 million

Total guaranteed money:

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (31)

1. Derwin James Jr., $42 million

Signed: August 2022 (contract ends in 2026)

2. Jamal Adams (SEA), $38 million
T3. Minkah Fitzpatrick (PIT), $36 million
T3. Jessie Bates III (ATL), $36 million

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (32)play

Stephen A.: Hockenson is worth the investment for the Vikings

Stephen A. Smith explains why the Vikings re-signing T.J. Hockenson helps the team more than it hurts it.

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (33)

Kicker

Highest three-year APY:

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (34)

1. Justin Tucker, $6.2 million

Signed: August 2022 (contract ends in 2027)

2. Matt Gay (IND), $5.9 million
3. Chris Boswell (PIT), $5.6 million

Total guaranteed money:

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (35)

1. Justin Tucker, $17.5 million

Signed: August 2022 (contract ends in 2027)

2. Matt Gay (IND), $13 million
2. Chris Boswell (PIT), $12.5 million

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (36)

Long-snapper

Highest three-year APY:

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (37)

1. Joe Cardona, $1.63 million

Signed: March 2023 (contract ends 2026)

2. Zach Wood (NO), $1.62 million
3. Thomas Hennessy (NYJ), $2.6 million

Total guaranteed money:

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (38)

1. Thomas Hennessy, $2.62 million

Signed: April 2023 (contract ends 2027)

2. Joe Cardona (NE), $2.6 million
3. Zach Wood (NO), $2.3 million

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (39)

Punter

Highest three-year APY:

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (40)

1. Michael Dickson, $3.9 million

Signed: June 2021 (contract ends in 2025)

2. Jack Fox (DET), $3.6 million
3. Tress Way (WSH), $3.3 million

Total guaranteed money:

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (41)

1. Michael Dickson, $8.5 million

Signed: June 2021 (contract ends in 2025)

2. Jack Fox (DET), $7.5 million
2. Tress Way (WSH), $6.4 million

That article delves deeply into the financial landscape of the NFL, focusing on player salaries across various positions. The piece meticulously breaks down the highest-paid players in each position, detailing both the highest three-year average per year (APY) and the total guaranteed money for each player's contract.

Let's unpack the essence:

  1. Quarterbacks: Joe Burrow holds the top spot in both the three-year APY ($55 million) and the total guaranteed money ($219.01 million). The article tracks the dynamic changes in quarterback salaries throughout the year, highlighting the significant increases among players like Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert, and Jalen Hurts.

  2. Running Backs: Christian McCaffrey tops the three-year APY ($17.2 million) and total guaranteed money ($36.3 million) for this position, with Jonathan Taylor also making a notable mark in the salary structure.

  3. Wide Receivers: Cooper Kupp sits at the pinnacle in both three-year APY ($26.7 million) and total guaranteed money ($75 million), followed closely by Stefon Diggs and Tyreek Hill.

  4. Tight Ends: Darren Waller's recent contract places him as the highest in three-year APY ($17 million), while T.J. Hockenson leads in total guaranteed money ($42.5 million).

  5. Offensive Line: Laremy Tunsil commands the highest three-year APY ($25 million), while Ronnie Stanley has the most substantial total guaranteed money ($64.1 million) among offensive linemen.

  6. Cornerbacks: Jaire Alexander and Denzel Ward reign in the cornerback position with high three-year APY ($21.7 million for Alexander) and significant total guaranteed money ($71.25 million for Ward).

  7. Edge Rushers: Nick Bosa holds the top spot in both three-year APY ($34 million) and total guaranteed money ($122.5 million), showcasing his record-setting contract.

  8. Defensive Tackles: Aaron Donald maintains a significant lead in three-year APY ($31.6 million), while Quinnen Williams leads in total guaranteed money ($66 million).

  9. Off-Ball Linebackers: Roquan Smith leads in both three-year APY ($20 million) and total guaranteed money ($60 million), illustrating his substantial contract.

  10. Safeties: Derwin James Jr. takes the top position in both three-year APY ($19.6 million) and total guaranteed money ($42 million).

  11. Kickers, Long-Snappers, and Punters: Players like Justin Tucker, Joe Cardona, and Michael Dickson lead their respective positions in terms of salaries and guaranteed money, demonstrating the financial scope across all roles within the NFL.

This article showcases the evolving landscape of NFL salaries, highlighting the astronomical sums players command in terms of both yearly averages and guaranteed money, reflecting the changing dynamics of the league's financial structures.

The NFL's highest-paid players at every position: Here's who makes the most money, from QB to punter (2024)

FAQs

Who is the highest paid NFL player by position? ›

NFL's highest paid players by position in 2024 (average salary per year):
  • Quarterback: Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Burrow - $55 million.
  • Edge rusher: San Francisco 49ers' Nick Bosa - $34 million.
  • Defensive lineman: Los Angeles Rams' Aaron Donald - $31.7 million.
  • Wide receiver: Miami Dolphins' Tyreek Hill - $30 million.
Mar 8, 2024

Discover More ›
How much do punters get paid in the NFL? ›

According to Spotrac.com, the average salaries for various position groups in the NFL for the 2023 season are as follows: Long Snapper: $1,069,016. Fullback: $1,724,440. Punter: $1,520,940.

Learn More Now ›
Who is the most paid QB in the NFL? ›

The Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Burrow is currently the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL, with an average annual salary of $55 million. His current contract has a total value of $275 million, with a total guaranteed amount of just about $219 million.

Discover More Details ›
Who has the highest NFL QB career earnings? ›

NFL Player Earnings
PlayerEarnings Total
1Aaron Rodgers Quarterback 2005: R1, #24$342,496,898
2Matthew Stafford Quarterback 2009: R1, #1$328,306,037
3Russell Wilson Quarterback 2012: R3, #75$266,362,520
4Kirk Cousins Quarterback 2012: R4, #102$231,669,486
55 more rows

See Details ›
Who is the highest paid player in the NFL in 2024? ›

Finally, Joe Burrow inked a five-year deal that made him the NFL's highest-paid player. Burrow still stands as the NFL's top-paid player, but there are plenty of other young, talented quarterbacks breathing down his neck.

View More ›
What position gets paid the least in the NFL? ›

Using the median incomes for comparisons, the lowest paid positions become clearer. The actual lowest paid position changes slightly each year as contracts change, but these three are always the among the lowest: fullback, tight end and long snapper.

Discover More ›
How much does Brock Purdy make? ›

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has an estimated net worth of $300,000 according to Celebrity Net Worth. In 2022, Purdy signed a four-year $3,737,008 contract with the 49ers, with an average annual salary of $934,252.

Continue Reading ›
How much do waterboys make in the NFL? ›

NFL waterboys actually make a fairly decent salary. Typically speaking individuals earn around $35,000 per year. Those who have been in the game for an extended period of time, however, can earn significantly more, with some even reported to be starting well above $50,000.

Get More Info Here ›
Who is best punter in NFL? ›

Logan Cooke holds the NFL's career record for net yards per punt among players with officially tracked statistics. Statistics accurate through the 2023 NFL season and gathered from The Football Database.

Read On ›
Who is the highest-paid NFL coach? ›

Report: Andy Reid becomes NFL's highest-paid coach in deal that runs through 2029 - NBC Sports.

Keep Reading ›

Who is top 5 paid QB? ›

As of now, the top five highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL are:
  • Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs)
  • Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys)
  • Deshaun Watson (Houston Texans)
  • Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks)
  • Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers)
Mar 5, 2024

Keep Reading ›
Who is the number 1 paid player in the NFL? ›

The Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Burrow leads the list at $55 million, with the Los Angeles Chargers' Justin Herbert second at $52.5 million per year, followed by the Baltimore Ravens' Lamar Jackson at $52 million per year.

Discover More ›
How much does Tommy DeVito make? ›

Current Contract

Tommy DeVito signed a 2 year, $1,665,000 contract with the New York Giants, including an average annual salary of $832,500. In 2024, DeVito will earn a base salary of $915,000, while carrying a cap hit of $915,000. NFL contract specifics generally collected from verified reports.

View Details ›
How much does Jason Kelce make? ›

Jason Kelce has career NFL salary earnings of over 80 million dollars in his 11 years with the Eagles. Between 2022 and 2023 he had an average annual salary of 14,250,000 dollars, the biggest contract of his career.

See Details ›
How much does Travis Kelce make? ›

How much money does Travis Kelce make in a year? Before his other ventures, let's talk about Travis Kelce's NFL salary alone, he is currently on the third year of a four year contract that is worth $57.25 million that secures him an annual $14.3 million per season until 2026.

See More ›
Who is the highest paid non-QB in the NFL? ›

Quarterbacks dominate the list of the NFL's highest paid players for 2023. The highest paid non-quarterback in the league is Los Angeles Rams defensive lineman Aaron Donald, who makes $31.6 million in average annual salary.

Discover More ›
What is the average salary for a wide receiver? ›

As of Apr 13, 2024, the average hourly pay for a Wide Receiver in the United States is $18.21 an hour.

View Details ›
Who is the highest paid actor? ›

Adam Sandler's four film projects of 2023 propelled him to an annual salary of $73m (£57m), making him the highest-paid performer in Hollywood, according to Forbes magazine.

Know More ›
What is Travis Kelce net worth? ›

Q: What is Travis Kelce's net worth? A: As of 2024, Travis Kelce's estimated net worth is around $30 million. His wealth primarily comes from his football career and related endorsem*nts.

Read The Full Story ›
Top Articles
macOS compatibility: Find out the latest version your Mac can run
ABUSIVE COACHES: Is It Still Okay for Coaches to Yell and Scream at Their Players? — Ask Coach Wolff
Dr. Lisa C Jones - Springfield PA, Internal Medicine
Dr. Lisa C Jones, Internal Medicine, Springfield PA
Craigslist Home For Sale By Owner
Wayne State Dean's List
Craiglist Cheap Cars
12 Best Work Cargo Vans [w/Comparison Table – 2020 Edition]
Freight Train Puller Crossword Clue
Herniated Disk in the Lower Back - OrthoInfo - AAOS
India’s ‘Kalki 2898 AD’ Cruises Past Massive Global Box Office Milestone
Top 30 Best Sims 4 Baddie CC
Latest Posts
Can You Use Your Shoulder in Soccer? Answer + Video Here!
Kylian Mbappe vs Erling Haaland: Who is the future GOAT? Head-to-head stats of PSG and Man City superstars | Goal.com Nigeria
Article information

Author: Kelle Weber

Last Updated:

Views: 5671

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (53 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Kelle Weber

Birthday: 2000-08-05

Address: 6796 Juan Square, Markfort, MN 58988

Phone: +8215934114615

Job: Hospitality Director

Hobby: tabletop games, Foreign language learning, Leather crafting, Horseback riding, Swimming, Knapping, Handball

Introduction: My name is Kelle Weber, I am a magnificent, enchanting, fair, joyous, light, determined, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.