The world of professional football is known for its intense competition and the exceptional athleticism of its players. But beyond the gridiron glory, a crucial question lingers: How Much Does A Nfl Football Player Make? This article breaks down the earnings of NFL players across different positions, examining both average yearly pay (APY) and total guaranteed money. This information is based on the most recent data and contract details.
Quarterback Salaries
Quarterbacks, the field generals, often command the highest salaries.
Highest Three-Year APY:
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Dak Prescott (DAL): $61.6 million
Signed: September 2024 (contract ends in 2028)
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Joe Burrow (CIN): $61.3 million
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Jordan Love (GB): $58.3 million
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Trevor Lawrence (JAX): $56.9 million
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Jared Goff (DET): $55.4 million
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Josh Allen (BUF): $55 million
Total Guaranteed Money:
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Josh Allen (BUF): $250 million
Signed: March 2025 (contract ends in 2031)
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Deshaun Watson (CLE): $230 million
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Dak Prescott (DAL): $229 million
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Joe Burrow (CIN): $219 million
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Patrick Mahomes (KC): $208.1 million
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Trevor Lawrence (JAX): $200 million
Running Back Salaries
Running backs, known for their speed and power, also earn substantial incomes.
Highest Three-Year APY:
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Saquon Barkley: $20.6 million
Signed: March 2025 (contract ends in 2028)
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Christian McCaffrey (SF): $19 million
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Jonathan Taylor (IND): $14 million
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Alvin Kamara (NO): $12.2 million
Total Guaranteed Money:
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Saquon Barkley: $36 million
Signed: March 2025 (contract ends in 2028)
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Jonathan Taylor (IND): $26.5 million
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Christian McCaffrey (SF): $24 million
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Alvin Kamara (NO): $34.3 million
Wide Receiver Salaries
Wide receivers, celebrated for their catching prowess, secure lucrative contracts.
Highest Three-Year APY:
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Ja’Marr Chase: $40 million
Signed: March 2025 (contract ends in 2030)
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Justin Jefferson (MIN): $35 million
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CeeDee Lamb (DAL): $34 million
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A.J. Brown (PHI): $32 million
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Brandon Aiyuk (SF): $30 million
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Tee Higgins (CIN): $28.75 million
Total Guaranteed Money:
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Ja’Marr Chase: $112 million
Signed: March 2025 (contract ends in 2030)
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Justin Jefferson (MIN): $110 million
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CeeDee Lamb (DAL): $100 million
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A.J. Brown (PHI): $84 million
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DJ Moore (CHI): $81.5 million
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Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET): $77 million
Tight End Salaries
Tight ends, versatile players who both block and catch, command significant earnings.
Highest Three-Year APY:
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Travis Kelce: $17.1 million
Signed: April 2024 (contract ends in 2025)
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T.J. Hockenson (MIN): $16 million
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George Kittle (SF): $15.3 million
Total Guaranteed Money:
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T.J. Hockenson: $42.5 million
Signed: August 2023 (contract ends in 2027)
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George Kittle (SF): $40 million
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Mark Andrews (BAL): $37.6 million
Offensive Tackle Salaries
Offensive tackles, crucial for protecting the quarterback, secure substantial paychecks.
Highest Three-Year APY:
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Penei Sewell: $30 million
Signed: April 2024 (contract ends in 2029)
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Tristan Wirfs (TB): $28.6 million
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Trent Williams (SF): $27.6 million
Total Guaranteed Money:
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Tristan Wirfs: $88.24 million
Signed: August 2024 (contract ends in 2029)
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Christian Darrisaw (MIN): $74.5 million
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Penei Sewell (DET): $70 million
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Andrew Thomas (NYG): $61.9 million
Guard Salaries
Guards, essential for both pass protection and run blocking, earn considerable salaries.
Highest Three-Year APY:
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Chris Lindstrom: $21.8 million
Signed: March 2023 (contract ends in 2028)
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Robert Hunt (CAR): $21 million
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Quenton Nelson (IND): $20.9 million
Total Guaranteed Money:
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Robert Hunt: $63 million
Signed: March 2024 (contract ends in 2028)
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Chris Lindstrom (ATL): $62.7 million
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Quenton Nelson (IND): $60 million
Center Salaries
Centers, the anchors of the offensive line, also receive respectable compensation.
Highest Three-Year APY:
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Creed Humphrey: $18 million
Signed: August 2024 (contract ends in 2028)
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Jonah Jackson (CHI): $17 million
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Frank Ragnow (DET): $14 million
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Lloyd Cushenberry (TEN): $12.6 million
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Erik McCoy (NO): $12.5 million
Total Guaranteed Money:
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Creed Humphrey: $50 million
Signed: August 2024 (contract ends in 2028)
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Frank Ragnow (DET): $42 million
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Jonah Jackson (CHI): $34 million
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Erik McCoy (NO): $33 million
Cornerback Salaries
Cornerbacks, key defenders against the pass, are well-compensated.
Highest Three-Year APY:
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Derek Stingley Jr.: $30 million
Signed: March 2025 (contract ends in 2029)
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Jaycee Horn (CAR): $25 million
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Jalen Ramsey (MIA): $24.1 million
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Pat Surtain II (DEN): $24 million
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Jaire Alexander (GB): $21.8 million
Total Guaranteed Money:
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Jaycee Horn: $100 million
Signed: March 2025 (contract ends in 2030)
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Derek Stingley Jr. (HOU): $89 million
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Pat Surtain II (DEN): $73.9 million
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Denzel Ward (CLE): $71.25 million
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Marshon Lattimore (NO): $68.3 million
Safety Salaries
Safeties, the last line of defense, earn significant salaries.
Highest Three-Year APY:
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Antoine Winfield Jr.: $21.5 million
Signed: May 2024 (contract ends in 2028)
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Derwin James Jr. (LAC): $19.6 million
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Minkah Fitzpatrick (PIT): $18.6 million
Total Guaranteed Money:
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Antoine Winfield Jr.: $45 million
Signed: May 2024 (contract ends in 2028)
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Derwin James Jr. (LAC): $42 million
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Minkah Fitzpatrick (PIT): $36 million
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Jessie Bates III (ATL): $36 million
Edge Rusher Salaries
Edge rushers, critical for pressuring the quarterback, command top dollar.
Highest Three-Year APY:
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Maxx Crosby: $35.5 million
Signed: March 2025 (contract ends in 2029)
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Nick Bosa (SF): $34.7 million
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Josh Hines-Allen (JAX): $31 million
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T.J. Watt (PIT): $30.5 million
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Brian Burns (NYG): $30 million
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Myles Garrett (CLE): $26.7 million
Total Guaranteed Money:
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Nick Bosa: $119.9 million
Signed: September 2023 (contract ends in 2029)
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Myles Garrett (CLE): $100 million
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Maxx Crosby (LV): $91.5 million
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Josh Hines-Allen (JAX): $88 million
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Brian Burns (NYG): $87.5 million
Defensive Tackle Salaries
Defensive tackles, essential for stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback, secure lucrative contracts.
Highest Three-Year APY:
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Chris Jones: $31.7 million
Signed: March 2024 (contract ends in 2028)
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Christian Wilkins (LV): $28 million
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Alim McNeill (DET): $24 million
Total Guaranteed Money:
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Chris Jones: $101 million
Signed: March 2024 (contract ends in 2028)
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Christian Wilkins (LV): $82.7 million
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Quinnen Williams (NYJ): $66 million
Off-Ball Linebacker Salaries
Off-ball linebackers, vital for both run stopping and pass coverage, earn significant pay.
Highest Three-Year APY:
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Roquan Smith: $20 million
Signed: January 2023 (contract ends 2027)
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Fred Warner (SF): $19.5 million
-
Tremaine Edmunds (CHI): $19 million
Total Guaranteed Money:
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Roquan Smith: $60 million
Signed: January 2023 (contract ends 2027)
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Tremaine Edmunds (CHI): $45 million
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Fred Warner (SF): $40.5 million
Kicker Salaries
Kickers, crucial for scoring, receive respectable compensation.
Highest Three-Year APY:
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Harrison Butker: $6.5 million
Signed: August 2024 (contract ends in 2028)
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Justin Tucker (BAL): $6.2 million
-
Jake Elliott (PHI): $6 million
Total Guaranteed Money:
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Harrison Butker: $17.75 million
Signed: August 2024 (contract ends in 2028)
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Justin Tucker (BAL): $17.5 million
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Jake Elliott (PHI): $14.1 million
Long-Snapper Salaries
Long-snappers, specialists in the kicking game, earn a steady income.
Highest Three-Year APY:
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Luke Rhodes: $1.67 million
Signed: September 2023 (contract ends 2027)
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Joe Cardona (NE): $1.63 million
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Zach Wood (NO): $1.62 million
Total Guaranteed Money:
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Tyler Ott: $2.8 million
Signed: March 2024 (contract ends 2026)
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Thomas Hennessy (NYJ): $2.62 million
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Joe Cardona (NE): $2.6 million
Punter Salaries
Punters, crucial for field position, receive respectable salaries.
Highest Three-Year APY:
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Michael Dickson: $3.9 million
Signed: June 2021 (contract ends in 2025)
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Jack Fox (DET): $3.6 million
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Tress Way (WSH): $3.3 million
Total Guaranteed Money:
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Michael Dickson: $8.5 million
Signed: June 2021 (contract ends in 2025)
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Jack Fox (DET): $7.5 million
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Tress Way (WSH): $6.4 million
Conclusion
The compensation for NFL players varies significantly based on position and performance. From quarterbacks commanding top salaries to specialists earning a steady income, the financial landscape of the NFL reflects the diverse roles and contributions of its athletes. Understanding these earnings provides valuable insight into the business side of professional football.