The modern landscape of professional football has seen astronomical financial growth, evidenced particularly in player salaries. Top athletes with exceptional talent are rewarded handsomely, and the figures keep soaring each year. Here, we'll delve into the latest salary rankings in various positions, highlighting the highest earners based on their average per year (APY) over the next three years and their total guaranteed money.
Quarterbacks
It's no secret that quarterbacks are often the highest-paid players in football due to their critical role in leading teams. Joe Burrow leads the pack with the highest three-year APY of $62.9 million. Close behind him are Jared Goff with $57.3 million and Trevor Lawrence with $55 million. Interestingly, despite administrative issues off the field, Deshaun Watson has secured the most guaranteed money at $230 million, followed by Joe Burrow's $219.01 million and Patrick Mahomes at $208.1 million.
Running Backs
The financial disparity between quarterbacks and running backs is stark, yet the latter still command significant salaries. Christian McCaffrey tops the running back earnings with a three-year APY of $17.2 million and total guaranteed money at $36.3 million. Jonathan Taylor and Alvin Kamara follow with three-year APYs of $14 million and $12.7 million, respectively.
Wide Receivers
Wide receivers continue to have lucrative contracts reflective of their game-changing abilities. Justin Jefferson earns the highest three-year APY among wide receivers at $35 million and has secured $110 million in total guaranteed money. Following closely are A.J. Brown ($32 million APY, $84 million guaranteed) and Amon-Ra St. Brown ($30 million APY, $77 million guaranteed).
Tight Ends
Tight ends who contribute significantly to both passing and blocking play essential roles that are duly compensated. Travis Kelce leads the tight ends with a three-year APY of $17.1 million, while T.J. Hockenson has the largest total guaranteed amount at $42.5 million. Darren Waller and George Kittle are also top earners in this position.
Offensive Linemen
Offensive tackles, guards, and centers are fundamental to any team's success. Penei Sewell stands out among tackles, earning $28 million annually over the next three years with $85 million guaranteed. Guards like Chris Lindstrom ($21.8 million APY) and centers such as Frank Ragnow ($14 million APY) also enjoy substantial contracts. Notably, Robert Hunt has secured the most guaranteed money among guards at $63 million.
Defensive Players
Defensive sides of the ball are well represented in high earnings, highlighting their indispensable roles in winning games.
Cornerbacks
Jaire Alexander commands the highest three-year APY at $21.8 million. Denzel Ward tops the guaranteed money chart at $71.25 million, followed closely by Jalen Ramsey ($71.2 million in guaranteed money).
Safeties
Antoine Winfield Jr. leads safeties with a $21.03 million three-year APY and $45 million in total guaranteed money. Derwin James Jr. and Minkah Fitzpatrick are among the other high earners in this category as well.
Edge Rushers
Edge rushers like Nick Bosa, earning $34.7 million in three-year APY, and T.J. Watt ($30.5 million APY) spearhead the list of top earners. Bosa also has the most guaranteed money in this category at $119.9 million.
Defensive Tackles
Among defensive tackles, Chris Jones stands out with a $31.7 million three-year APY and $101 million guaranteed. Other top players include Aaron Donald and Christian Wilkins, demonstrating the high value placed on dominant interior defenders.
Off-Ball Linebackers
Roquan Smith leads the off-ball linebackers with a $20 million three-year APY and $60 million in guaranteed money. Fred Warner and Tremaine Edmunds also secure surpassing contracts reflecting their defensive prowess.
Special Teams
Special teams players, while generally lower-paid than their offensive or defensive counterparts, still earn impressive sums. Justin Tucker, perhaps the most notable kicker, earns $6.2 million in three-year APY and $17.5 million guaranteed. Among punters, Michael Dickson leads with $3.9 million in APY and $8.5 million in guaranteed funds. Long-snappers, while often overlooked, still secure admirable contracts, with Luke Rhodes earning the highest three-year APY at $1.67 million.
The financial commitments reflected in these contracts underscore the immense value teams place on securing top talent across all positions. As the financial landscape of professional football continues to evolve, these figures are likely to climb even higher, reflecting both the sport's growing popularity and the increasing revenue streams fueling these investments.