Quarterbacks
In the high-stakes world of NFL quarterbacks, Joe Burrow leads the pack with a staggering three-year average per year (APY) salary of $62.9 million. Burrow's financial success doesn't stop there; he has secured a total of $219.01 million in guaranteed money. Jared Goff follows closely with a three-year APY of $57.3 million, showcasing his worth on the field. Trevor Lawrence, one of the league's rising stars, boasts a three-year APY of $55 million.
Deshaun Watson, despite his controversies, has sealed the deal with an impressive $230 million in total guaranteed money, setting a high bar for quarterbacks’ contract negotiations. Patrick Mahomes, a perennial MVP candidate, is not far behind with $208.1 million in guaranteed funds, solidifying his position as one of the top earners in the league.
Running Backs
The running back position may be financially undervalued compared to quarterbacks, but the elite players still manage to secure lucrative deals. Christian McCaffrey tops the list with a three-year APY of $17.2 million and total guaranteed money amounting to $36.3 million. Jonathan Taylor's three-year APY of $14 million places him as a significant financial competitor in this category, followed by Alvin Kamara, who earns a three-year APY of $12.7 million.
Wide Receivers
Wide receivers continue to command substantial incomes in the NFL. Justin Jefferson stands at the forefront with an impressive three-year APY of $35 million and guaranteed money totaling $110 million. A.J. Brown, another elite receiver, secures $32 million in three-year APY, backed by $84 million in guaranteed funds. Amon-Ra St. Brown, an emerging star, has a three-year APY of $30 million and a total guaranteed sum of $77 million, illustrating his growing value in the league.
Tight Ends
Among tight ends, Travis Kelce leads in terms of three-year APY with $17.1 million. T.J. Hockenson also makes his mark with a total guaranteed amount of $42.5 million, underlining the economic relevance of top-performing players in this niche position.
Offensive Linemen
Offensive linemen play crucial roles in protecting quarterbacks and paving the way for running backs. Penei Sewell, a tackle, commands an impressive $28 million annually over the next three years and has $85 million in guaranteed money. Chris Lindstrom, an essential part of his team's offensive line, holds a three-year APY of $21.8 million. Frank Ragnow, another pivotal player, secures a three-year APY of $14 million. Among guards, Robert Hunt stands out with the highest guaranteed money of $63 million, underlining his significance on the offensive front.
Defensive Players
Cornerbacks
Defensive players, particularly cornerbacks, continue to negotiate substantial contracts. Jaire Alexander leads this group with a three-year APY of $21.8 million. Close behind, Denzel Ward has secured $71.25 million in guaranteed money, marginally surpassing Jalen Ramsey’s guaranteed amount of $71.2 million.
Safeties
In the safety position, Antoine Winfield Jr. garners a three-year APY of $21.03 million and a total guarantee of $45 million. Meanwhile, Derwin James Jr. and Minkah Fitzpatrick remain among the league's high earners, reflecting their defensive prowess and market value.
Edge Rushers
Edge rushers are key defensive players whose earnings reflect their impact on the field. Nick Bosa leads this segment with a three-year APY of $34.7 million and guaranteed money totaling $119.9 million. T.J. Watt, another dominant edge rusher, earns a three-year APY of $30.5 million, cementing his status as one of the league’s top defensive earners.
Defensive Tackles
Chris Jones commands a three-year APY of $31.7 million and has $101 million in guaranteed funds, making him a financial and defensive cornerstone for his team. Players like Aaron Donald and Christian Wilkins are also recognized as top performers in the defensive tackle category.
Off-Ball Linebackers
Off-ball linebackers, such as Roquan Smith with his 20 million three-year APY and $60 million in guaranteed money, play indispensable roles in defense. Fred Warner and Tremaine Edmunds have also secured competitive contracts that reflect their contributions on the field.
Special Teams
Special teams players, though often overlooked, also earn significant salaries. Justin Tucker, one of the league’s most reliable kickers, has a three-year APY of $6.2 million and $17.5 million in guaranteed money. Punter Michael Dickson leads with a $3.9 million APY and $8.5 million in guaranteed funds. Long snapper Luke Rhodes earns an annual three-year APY of $1.67 million, showing even special teams specialists can command respectable contracts.