In the high-stakes world of professional football, player salaries and guaranteed money can tell a compelling story about talent, performance, and team investment. Let's take a deeper dive into the financials of key players across various positions.
Quarterbacks
Leading the pack of highly compensated quarterbacks, Joe Burrow commands a staggering three-year average annual pay (APY) of $62.9 million. Burrow isn't just a top earner annually; he also boasts a significant total guaranteed sum of $219.01 million. Jared Goff follows with a three-year APY of $57.3 million, while Trevor Lawrence rounds out the top three with $55 million.
Meanwhile, Deshaun Watson has secured a monumental $230 million in total guaranteed money, placing him at the pinnacle of guaranteed earnings. Not far behind, Patrick Mahomes enjoys $208.1 million in total guarantees, reflecting his immense value to his organization.
Running Backs
Among running backs, Christian McCaffrey sets the bar high with a three-year APY of $17.2 million and total guaranteed money of $36.3 million. This substantial investment shows the immense trust and value placed on McCaffrey’s versatile skill set. Jonathan Taylor follows, earning $14 million annually, while Alvin Kamara brings in $12.7 million, highlighting the competitive market for elite running backs.
Wide Receivers
When it comes to wide receivers, Justin Jefferson leads with a three-year APY of $35 million and a remarkable $110 million in total guaranteed money. Such figures emphasize Jefferson’s talent and future potential. A.J. Brown’s three-year APY of $32 million and $84 million in guaranteed money further showcase the significant financial commitments teams are willing to make for top-tier receiving talent. Amon-Ra St. Brown also stands out, with a three-year APY of $30 million and $77 million in guaranteed funds.
Tight Ends
In the realm of tight ends, the indomitable Travis Kelce pulls in a three-year APY of $17.1 million, underscoring his position as a premier player. Additionally, T.J. Hockenson has secured $42.5 million in total guaranteed money, reflecting his importance to his team’s offensive strategies.
Offensive Linemen
Among offensive linemen, Penei Sewell commands an impressive $28 million annually over the next three years, with a substantial $85 million in guaranteed money. Chris Lindstrom follows with a three-year APY of $21.8 million, showcasing the value of skilled linemen in protecting the quarterback and facilitating offensive plays. Furthermore, Frank Ragnow earns $14 million annually over three years, while Robert Hunt leads guards in guaranteed money, securing $63 million.
Defensive Players
Cornerbacks
Jaire Alexander stands tall with a three-year APY of $21.8 million, indicating his elite status among cornerbacks. Denzel Ward and Jalen Ramsey are neck-and-neck in terms of guaranteed money, with Ward at $71.25 million and Ramsey narrowly behind at $71.2 million.
Safeties
Antoine Winfield Jr. leads safeties with a three-year APY of $21.03 million and a total guaranteed sum of $45 million. Derwin James Jr. and Minkah Fitzpatrick are also notable high earners, showcasing the financial rewards for top-performing safeties.
Edge Rushers
Nick Bosa is an elite earner among edge rushers with a three-year APY of $34.7 million and an impressive $119.9 million in guaranteed funds. T.J. Watt follows with a three-year APY of $30.5 million, highlighting the lucrative deals top defensive players can secure.
Defensive Tackles
Chris Jones stands out with a three-year APY of $31.7 million and $101 million in guaranteed funds, underscoring his significance on the defensive line. Players like Aaron Donald and Christian Wilkins are also noteworthy in this category.
Off-Ball Linebackers
Roquan Smith leads off-ball linebackers with a three-year APY of $20 million and $60 million in guaranteed funds. Notable players such as Fred Warner and Tremaine Edmunds have also secured surpassing contracts, reflecting their invaluable contributions to their teams.
Special Teams
No team can overlook the importance of special teams. Justin Tucker, widely regarded as an elite kicker, earns $6.2 million in three-year APY with $17.5 million in guarantees. Leading punter Michael Dickson brings in $3.9 million in APY and has $8.5 million guaranteed. Meanwhile, long snapper Luke Rhodes earns a respectable $1.67 million in three-year APY, highlighting the diversity of essential roles within special teams.
In the end, these financial figures not only reflect player performance but also provide insights into team strategies and priorities in building competitive rosters. As contracts continue to evolve, players across all positions will likely see these numbers grow, showcasing the ever-increasing value of talent in the NFL.