Quarterbacks
In the realm of NFL quarterbacks, financial figures often serve as indicators of both value and performance expectations. Joe Burrow leads the pack with the highest three-year Average Per Year (APY) earnings of $62.9 million. Following closely is Jared Goff, who commands a three-year APY of $57.3 million. Trevor Lawrence rounds out the top three with a three-year APY of $55 million. However, when it comes to total guaranteed money, Deshaun Watson tops the list, having secured an unprecedented $230 million. Joe Burrow and Patrick Mahomes follow Watson with guaranteed sums of $219.01 million and $208.1 million, respectively.
Running Backs
The running back position has seen its stars compensated handsomely, as evidenced by Christian McCaffrey, who boasts a three-year APY of $17.2 million. McCaffrey's total guaranteed money stands at $36.3 million. Jonathan Taylor, with a three-year APY of $14 million, and Alvin Kamara, earning $12.7 million over three years, also highlight the high-value contracts in this position.
Wide Receivers
The market for wide receivers remains highly lucrative. Justin Jefferson sets the benchmark with a three-year APY of $35 million and total guaranteed money of $110 million. A.J. Brown follows with a three-year APY of $32 million and $84 million in guaranteed funds. Amon-Ra St. Brown also secures a substantial deal, earning $30 million annually over the next three years, with total guarantees amounting to $77 million.
Tight Ends
Tight ends, while not commanding the same heights as wide receivers, still secure impressive contracts. Travis Kelce, widely regarded as one of the best in the position, earns a three-year APY of $17.1 million. T.J. Hockenson stands out with a total guaranteed amount of $42.5 million.
Offensive Linemen
Offensive linemen are essential cogs in the machinery of any football team, and their compensation reflects their importance. Penei Sewell leads with an annual earning of $28 million over the next three years and a total guarantee of $85 million. Chris Lindstrom follows with a three-year APY of $21.8 million, while Frank Ragnow secures a three-year APY of $14 million. Robert Hunt, among guards, has the most guaranteed money valued at $63 million.
Defensive Players
Cornerbacks
Cornerbacks play a pivotal role in any defense, and their paychecks reflect their critical responsibilities. Jaire Alexander's three-year APY stands at $21.8 million. Denzel Ward and Jalen Ramsey are not far behind, each securing guaranteed money amounts of $71.25 million and $71.2 million, respectively.
Safeties
Safeties Antoine Winfield Jr., Derwin James Jr., and Minkah Fitzpatrick indicate the increasing value teams place on this position. Winfield Jr. has a three-year APY of $21.03 million and total guaranteed money of $45 million. Both James and Fitzpatrick are among the higher earners, underlining their indispensable nature to their teams.
Edge Rushers
Edge rushers often serve as game-changers, and their contracts attest to their significance. Nick Bosa commands a three-year APY of $34.7 million, with $119.9 million guaranteed. T.J. Watt follows, earning $30.5 million annually over the next three years.
Defensive Tackles
In the trenches, defensive tackles like Chris Jones and Aaron Donald make their presence felt. Jones, a dominating force, earns a three-year APY of $31.7 million and has $101 million in guaranteed money. Aaron Donald and Christian Wilkins continue to be influential players in their roles.
Off-Ball Linebackers
Off-ball linebackers such as Roquan Smith play a versatile and critical role in defensive schemes. Smith earns a solid three-year APY of $20 million, with total guaranteed money amounting to $60 million. Fred Warner and Tremaine Edmunds also secure substantial contracts, reflecting their importance.
Special Teams
Special Teams often fly under the radar but are crucial to a team's success. Justin Tucker, arguably the best kicker in the NFL, earns $6.2 million in three-year APY, with $17.5 million guaranteed. Punter Michael Dickson leads his position with $3.9 million in APY and $8.5 million guaranteed. Long snapper Luke Rhodes earns $1.67 million annually over the next three years, showcasing the specialized but essential nature of special teams roles.
The financial commitments made by NFL teams reveal not only the value they place on individual players but also the evolving priorities within the game itself. Whether it's quarterbacks commanding top dollar, wide receivers seeing lucrative deals, or special teams players getting due recognition, these figures provide a comprehensive overview of the current landscape in NFL player compensation.