Quarterbacks
The NFL landscape for quarterbacks boasts some of the most lucrative contracts in the sport's history. Joe Burrow leads the pack with an impressive three-year average per year (APY) salary of $62.9 million. Burrow's financial success doesn't end there; he has secured a staggering $219.01 million in total guaranteed money.
Following Burrow is Jared Goff, whose three-year APY stands at $57.3 million. Goff's consistency and performance ensure he remains one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league.
Trevor Lawrence, the up-and-coming star, lags slightly behind with his own three-year APY of $55 million. As he continues to develop, his financial prospects look equally promising.
Another notable mention is Deshaun Watson, who holds an impressive $230 million in total guaranteed money, setting a high bar for future contract negotiations. Patrick Mahomes isn't far behind with $208.1 million in guaranteed funds, reflecting his significant contributions and consistent performance on the field.
Running Backs
In a league that often prioritizes aerial assaults, top-tier running backs still manage to carve out substantial financial niches. Christian McCaffrey leads all running backs with a three-year APY of $17.2 million. McCaffrey's prowess on the field is also secured with $36.3 million in total guaranteed money.
Jonathan Taylor, another young phenom, earns $14 million annually over the next three years. Alvin Kamara rounds out the top tier with a three-year APY of $12.7 million. Their contracts reflect the value these dynamic players bring to their respective teams both in the running game and as receiving threats.
Wide Receivers
The market for wide receivers continues to escalate, with record-breaking contracts becoming the norm. Justin Jefferson is leading the charge with a three-year APY of $35 million and total guaranteed money amounting to $110 million.
Close behind is A.J. Brown, who commands a three-year APY of $32 million and has a total guaranteed sum of $84 million. Not to be overlooked, Amon-Ra St. Brown is locking in his future with a three-year APY of $30 million and $77 million in guaranteed funds.
Tight Ends
Tight ends, while sometimes undervalued, can be game-changers. Travis Kelce, long regarded as one of the best in the game, has secured a three-year APY of $17.1 million. The emerging star, T.J. Hockenson, boasts a significant amount of $42.5 million in guaranteed money, highlighting his importance to his team's offensive strategies.
Offensive Linemen
Protecting the quarterback is a critical task, and teams have not shied away from paying premiums for top offensive linemen. Penei Sewell leads the charge with an impressive $28 million in annual earnings over the next three years, along with $85 million in total guaranteed money.
Chris Lindstrom and Frank Ragnow are also high earners among interior linemen, with three-year APYs of $21.8 million and $14 million respectively. Robert Hunt sets a notable bar among guards with $63 million in guaranteed money.
Defensive Players
Cornerbacks
Defensive backfields are fortified by high-value contracts for top-performing cornerbacks. Jaire Alexander leads with a three-year APY of $21.8 million. Meanwhile, Denzel Ward and Jalen Ramsey are nearly neck and neck in guaranteed funds, with Ward securing $71.25 million and Ramsey slightly trailing with $71.2 million.
Safeties
In the crucial safety position, Antoine Winfield Jr. stands out with a three-year APY of $21.03 million and total guaranteed money of $45 million. Derwin James Jr. and Minkah Fitzpatrick are also among the high earners, though specific numbers for their contracts were not provided.
Edge Rushers
Edge rushers command some of the highest salaries on the defensive line. Nick Bosa leads this group with a three-year APY of $34.7 million and $119.9 million in guaranteed funds. T.J. Watt is not far behind, boasting a three-year APY of $30.5 million.
Defensive Tackles
Chris Jones stands out among defensive tackles with a three-year APY of $31.7 million and a total guaranteed amount of $101 million. While Aaron Donald and Christian Wilkins are recognized as top players, specific contract details for them were not disclosed.
Off-Ball Linebackers
Roquan Smith commands $20 million annually in a three-year APY, with $60 million in guaranteed funds. Fred Warner and Tremaine Edmunds also secure significant contracts, confirming their pivotal role in their respective defenses.
Special Teams
In the often overlooked special teams category, Justin Tucker leads with a three-year APY of $6.2 million and $17.5 million in guaranteed money. Not far behind is Michael Dickson with $3.9 million APY and $8.5 million in guaranteed funds. Luke Rhodes also makes his mark with a three-year APY of $1.67 million.
This financial landscape offers a comprehensive view of the highest earners at each position, showcasing the impressive contracts secured by top players across the NFL.