Highest Paid NFL Players 2024 鈥� Top 10 at Every Position
August 22, 2024
Like the highest paid baseball, basketball, and soccer players, the highest paid NFL players bring in millions of dollars each year. The highest of the highest paid NFL players鈥攕uperstars like Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Deshaun Watson鈥攃ommand multi-year contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars. And by looking at the highest paid NFL players by position, we can get a sense of what type of talent the league really values. So who is the highest paid NFL player? Not so surprisingly, it鈥檚 a quarterback.
Interested in one-day playing college football? Check out our list of NCAA Football Teams听at the听D1, D2, and D3 levels. Even college athletes are making a lot of money these days.听
To generate this list, I鈥檒l use the average per year (APY) of a player鈥檚 contract. For each position, I鈥檒l also include the highest paid player in terms of total guaranteed money.
Quarterback – Highest Paid NFL QBs
Even to casual football fans, it shouldn鈥檛 be shocking that the highest paid NFL players are all quarterbacks. In fact, you have to go pretty far down the list of highest paid NFL players before you come across a position other than quarterback. The first eighteen of the top 25 highest paid NFL players are all quarterbacks; the nineteenth highest paid NFL player is a wide receiver, Justin Jefferson of the Minnesota Vikings, making $35 million per year.
The cost of quarterbacks has gone up considerably in recent years. Aaron Rodgers鈥� 2018 contract extension was record-setting, with an APY of $33.5 million. But Rodgers鈥� reign as the best-compensated NFL player was short lived; the following year, Russell Wilson鈥檚 $35 million per year extension became the richest deal in the sport. Then in 2020, Patrick Mahomes signed an extension worth $39.5 million, a deal that the very next year was eclipsed by Josh Allen鈥檚 $43 million APY contract.
Today, those deals seem like bargains.
T-1) Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals – $55 million
T-1) Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars – $55 million
1-T) Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers – $55 million
4) Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins – $53.1 million
5) Jared Goff, Detroit Lions – $53 million
6) Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers – $52.5 million
听7) Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens – $52 million
听8) Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles – $51 million
听9) Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals – $46.1 million
10) Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns – $46 million
听Total guaranteed money: Deshaun Watson, $230 million
Running Back – Highest Paid NFL RBs
There鈥檚 a more than $30 million gulf between the highest paid quarterback and the highest paid running back. The reasons that explain that gulf are multifold. For one, there鈥檚 an abundance of talent at the position. NFL teams can count on being able to draft solid running backs out of college or sign them in free agency on low-cost deals. That, plus the fact that running backs are especially injury prone, makes teams less likely to dole out high APY, long term deals.
1) Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers – $19 million
听2) Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints – $15 million
听3) Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts – $14 million
听4) Saquan Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles – $12.6 million
听5) Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers – $12 million
听6) Joe Mixon, Houston Texans – $8.5 million
T-7) Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens – $8 million
T-7) D鈥橝ndre Swift, Chicago Bears – $8 million
9) Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans – $7.25 million
听10) James Conner, Arizona Cardinals – $7 million
听Total guaranteed money: Christian McCaffrey, $36.3 million
Wide Receiver – Highest Paid WRs
听Justin Jefferson is one of the few non-QBs to crack the ranks of the overall highest paid NFL players. Keep in mind that not too long ago, a $35 million APY would have made Jefferson the highest paid NFL player in the entire league. And Jefferson has certainly earned his place at the top of the wide receiver heap. In three seasons, he鈥檚 amassed 4,825 receiving yards鈥攖he most ever in that time. In 2022, he finished within the top five in MVP voting, garnering the most votes of any non-quarterback. That year, he also won Offensive Player of the Year.
The NFL is rife with wide receiver talent in 2024, both in terms of premier talent and depth throughout the league.
1) Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings – $35 million
2) A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles – $32 million
3) Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions – $30 million
4) Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins – $30 million
5) Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins – $28.25 million
6) Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders – $28 million
7) J. Moore, Chicago Bears – $27.5 million
8) Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams – $26.7 million
9) DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles – $25 million
10) Nico Collins, Houston Texans – $24.3 million
听Total guaranteed money: Justin Jefferson, $110 million
Tight End听
The tight end position has evolved over the years, becoming an increasingly important part of teams鈥� offenses. Tight end salaries have gone up accordingly.
1) Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs – $17.13 million
2) Darren Waller, New York Giants – $17 million
3) T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings – $16.5 million
4) George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers – $15 million
5) Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles – $14.25 million
Highest Paid NFL Tight Ends (Continued)
6) Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens – $14 million
7) Evan Engram, Jacksonville Jaguars – $13.75 million
8) David Njoku, Cleveland Browns – $13.7 million
9) Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears – $12.5 million
10) Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans – $12 million
Total guaranteed money: T.J. Hockenson, $42.5 million
Offensive Tackle
Offensive tackles are some of the highest paid NFL players. That makes sense, given that offensive tackles protect the highest paid NFL players鈥攓uarterbacks.
1) Tristan Wirfs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – $28.12 million
2) Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions – $28 million
3) Christian Darrisaw, Minnesota Vikings – $26 million
4) Laremy Tunsil, Houston Texans – $25 million
5) Andrew Thomas, New York Giants – $23.5 million
6) Trent Williams, San Francisco 49ers – $23 million
7) Jordan Mailata, Philadelphia Eagles – $22 million
8) Lane Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles – $20.19 million
9) Dion Dawkins, Buffalo Bills – $20.02 million
T-10) Jawaan Taylor, Kansas City Chiefs – $20 million
T-10) Taylor Decker, Detroit Lions – $20 million
听Total guaranteed money: Tristan Wirfs, $88.24 million
Guard
Guards, who fortify the interior of the offensive line, have also seen their salaries increase over the years. When the Philadelphia Eagles signed guard Landon Dickerson to a four-year, $84 million extension, he became the highest paid guard in the NFL.
1) Landon Dickerson, Philadelphia Eagles – $21 million
2) Chris Lindstrom, Atlanta Falcons – $20.5 million
3-T) Quenton Nelson, Indianapolis Colts – $20 million
T-3) Robert Hunt, Carolina Panthers – $20 million
T-3) Quinn Meinerz, Denver Broncos – $20 million
6) Zack Martin, Dallas Cowboys – $18.425 million
T-7) Elgton Jenkins, Green Bay Packers – $17 million
T-7) Jonah Jackson, Los Angeles Rams – $17 million
9) Brandon Scherff, Jacksonville Jaguars – $16.5 million
T-10) Joe Thuney, Kansas City Chiefs – $16 million
T-10) Joel Bitonio, Cleveland Browns – $16 million
Total guaranteed money: Robert Hunt, $63 million
Center – Highest Paid NFL Players
Although centers have typically been the lowest-paid position on the offensive line, the highest paid NFL players at the center position are now making upwards of $10 million per year. Last year, the highest paid center in the NFL was Jason Kelce; after Kelce retired, Frank Ragnow of the Detroit Lions took over that title.
1) Frank Ragnow, Detroit Lions – $13.5 million
2) Lloyd Cushenberry, Tennessee Titans – $12.5 million
3) Ryan Kelly, Indianapolis Colts – $12.413 million
4) Erik McCoy, New Orleans Saints – $12 million
5) Tyler Biadasz, Washington Commanders – $10 million
6) Andre James, Las Vegas Raiders – $8 million
7) Aaron Brewer, Miami Dolphins – $7 million
8) David Andrews, New England Patriots – $6.5 million
T-9) Ethan Pocic, Cleveland Browns – $6 million
T-9) Ted Karras, Cincinnati Bengals – $6 million
Total guaranteed money: Frank Ragnow, $42 million
Cornerback – Highest Paid NFL Players
The highest paid cornerbacks in the sport make around $20 million annually. The Falcons鈥� A.J. Terrell is the most recent cornerback to sign a major contract extension; the former first round draft pick agreed to a four-year extension reportedly .
1) Jaire Alexander, Green Bay Packers – $21 million
2) J. Terrell, Atlanta Falcons – $20.25 million
3) Denzel Ward, Cleveland Browns – $20.1 million
4) Jalen Ramsey, Miami Dolphins – $20 million
5) Marlon Humphrey, Baltimore Ravens – $19.5 million
T-6) Trevon Diggs, Dallas Cowboys – $19.4 million
T-6) Marshon Lattimore, New Orleans Saints – $19.4 million
8) Tyson Campbell, Jacksonville Jaguars – $19.125 million
9) L鈥橨arius Sneed, Tennessee Titans – $19.1 million
10) Jaylon Johnson, Chicago Bears – $19 million
Total guaranteed money: Denzel Ward, $71.25 million
听Safety – Highest Paid NFL Players
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers鈥� Antoine Winfield, Jr. is the highest paid safety in the NFL, both in terms of APY and overall guaranteed money. Winfield Jr.鈥檚 contract with the Bucs has a total value of $84.1 million, $45 million of which is guaranteed.
1) Antoine Winfield, Jr., Tampa Bay Buccaneers – $21.03 million
2) Derwin James, San Diego Chargers – $19 million
3) Minkah Fitzpatrick, Pittsburgh Steelers – $18.2 million
4) Xavier McKinney, Green Bay Packers – $16.75 million
5) Jessie Bates III, Atlanta Falcons – $16.01 million
6) Kyle Dugger, New England Patriots – $14.5 million
7) Budda Baker, Arizona Cardinals – $14.1 million
8) Marcus Williams, Baltimore Ravens – $14 million
T-9) Grant Delpit, Cleveland Browns – $12 million
T-9) Jalen Thompson, Arizona Cardinals – $12 million
Total guaranteed money: Antoine Winfield Jr., $45 million
Edge Rusher – Highest Paid NFL Player
Edge rushers might be the most important part of a team鈥檚 defense, and edge rusher salaries reflect that. The highest paid edge rusher, Nick Bosa of the San Francisco 49ers, is among the highest paid NFL players in 2024.
1) Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers – $34 million
2) Josh Allen, Jacksonville Jaguars – $28.25 million
3) Brian Burns, New York Giants – $28.2 million
4) J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers – $28 million
5) Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns – $25 million
T-6) Montez Sweat, Chicago Bears – $24.5 million
T-6) Danielle Hunter, Houston Texans – $24.5 million
8) Rashan Gary, Green Bay Packers – $24 million
9) Maxx Crosby, Las Vegas Raiders – $23.5 million
10) Bradley Chubb, Miami Dolphins – $22 million
Total guaranteed money: Nick Bosa, $119.9 million
Defensive Tackle – Highest Paid NFL Players
Chris Jones is the highest paid player at his position, both in terms of APY and total guaranteed money. The Chiefs signed Jones to a five-year contract extension earlier this year. Jones is the highest-earning defensive tackle in NFL history.
1) Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs – $31.75 million
2) Christian Wilkins, Las Vegas Raiders – $27.5 million
3) Justin Madabuike, Baltimore Ravens – $24.5 million
T-4) Derrick Brown, Carolina Panthers – $24 million
T-4) Quinnen Williams, New York Jets – $24 million
6) Jeffrey Simmons, Tennessee Titans – $23.5 million
7) DeForest Buckner, Indianapolis Colts – $23 million
8) Dexter Lawrence, New York Giants – $22.5 million
9) Daron Payne, Washington Commanders – $22.5 million
10) Leonard Williams, Seattle Seahawks 鈥� $21.5 million
听Total guaranteed money: Chris Jones, $101 million
听Off-Ball Linebacker – Highest Paid NFL Player
听The linebacker position might not be the flashiest, but the top three at that position all make more than $15 million per year, and the top nine command salaries of $10 million or more.
1) Roquan Smith, Baltimore Ravens – $20 million
2) Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers – $19 million
3) Tremaine Edmunds, Chicago Bears – $18 million
4) Matt Milano, Buffalo Bills – $14.2 million
5) Patrick Queen, Pittsburgh Steelers – $13.6 million
6) Azeez Al-Shaair, Houston Texans – $11.3 million
7) Zaire Frankin, Indianapolis Colts – $10.4 million
T-8) Foyesade Olukun, Jacksonville Jaguars – $10 million
T-8) Bobby Okereke, New York Giants – $10 million
9) Logan Wilson, Cincinnati Bengals – $9 million
听Total guaranteed money: Roquan Smith, $60 million
Kicker
Earlier this month, the Kansas City Chiefs made Harrison Butker the highest paid kicker in the sport, signing the 29-year-old to a four-year extension worth a total of $25.6 million. Butker boasts a career 89.1% field goal percentage.
1) Harrison Butker, Kansas City Chiefs – $6.4 million
T-2) Jake Elliott, Philadelphia Eagles – $6 million
T-2) Justin Tucker, Baltimore Ravens – $6 million
4) Matt Gay, Indianapolis Colts – $5.625 million
5) Graham Gano, New York Giants – $5.5 million
6) Ka鈥檌mi Fairbairn, Houston Texans – $5.3 million
7) Jason Myers, Seattle Seahawks – $5.275 million
8) Tyler Bass, Buffalo Bills – $5.1 million
9) Chris Boswell, Pittsburg Steelers – $5 million
10) Younghoe Koo, Atlanta Falcons – $4.85 million
Total guaranteed money: Harrison Butker, $17.75 million
Long Snapper – Highest Paid NFL Player
The position of long snapper is largely overlooked. Most of the time, centers hike the ball to quarterbacks. But in certain situations鈥攆ield goals, extra points, punts鈥攖eams call upon long snappers to get the ball a bit further.
Last year, the Colts made Luke Rhodes the highest paid long snapper in the sport, earning $1.6 million per year.
1) Luke Rhodes, Indianapolis Colts – $1.6 million
2) Zach Wood, New Orleans Saints – $1.577 million
3) Joe Cardona, New England Patriots – $1.575 million
4) Nick Moore, Baltimore Ravens – $1.55 million
5) Thomas Hennessy, New York Jets – $1.49 million
6) Tyler Ott, Washington Commanders – $1.46 million
7) Charley Hughlett, Cleveland Browns – $1.42 million
8) Josh Harris, San Diego Chargers – $1.4 million
T-9) Aaron Brewer, Arizona Cardinals – $1.37 million
T-9) Patrick Scales, Chicago Bears – $1.37 million
Total guaranteed money: Tyler Ott, $2.8 million
Punter – Highest Paid NFL Players
A specialty and largely uncelebrated position, punters can nonetheless have lucrative, long-lasting careers in the NFL. Fun fact: only one punter, Ray Guy of the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders, is enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
1) Michael Dickson, Seattle Seahawks – $3.67 million
2) Jack Fox, Detroit Lions – $3.49 million
3) Tress Way, Washington Commanders – $3.3 million
4-T) Tommy Townsend, Houston Texans – $3 million
T-4) Logan Cooke, Jacksonville Jaguars – $3 million
T-4) Cameron Johnston, Pittsburgh Steelers – $3 million
4-T) A.J. Cole, Las Vegas Raiders – $3 million
T-4) Bryan Anger, Dallas Cowboys – $3 million
9) Bradley Pinion, Atlanta Falcons – $2.88 million
10) Mitch Wishnowsky, San Francisco 49ers – $2.8 million
Total guaranteed money: Michael Dickson, $8.5 million
听Highest Paid NFL Player – Additional Resources听
