Quarterbacks
The financial landscape of the NFL is constantly evolving, with quarterbacks often leading the charge in the league's economic arms race. Joe Burrow tops the current list with a staggering three-year Average Per Year (APY) earnings of $62.9 million. This remarkable figure underscores Burrow's value to his franchise, reflecting his high performance and potential.
Jared Goff follows closely with a three-year APY of $57.3 million, a significant sum that illustrates the premium placed on experienced signal-callers. Trevor Lawrence, a young prodigy, commands a three-year APY of $55 million, demonstrating the immense faith invested in his burgeoning career.
When it comes to guaranteed money, Deshaun Watson stands out with an eye-popping $230 million. This sets a new benchmark in the realm of contractual guarantees. Joe Burrow and Patrick Mahomes are not far behind, with totals of $219.01 million and $208.1 million respectively, showcasing the lucrative nature of elite quarterback deals in today's NFL.
Running Backs
Christian McCaffrey holds the highest three-year APY among running backs at $17.2 million. His guaranteed total stands at $36.3 million, further affirming his status as one of the most valued running backs in the game. Jonathan Taylor, another formidable talent, follows with a three-year APY of $14 million. Alvin Kamara rounds out the top earners with a three-year APY of $12.7 million, highlighting the competitive nature of running back salaries.
Wide Receivers
The wide receiver market is equally bustling. Justin Jefferson leads with a three-year APY of $35 million. His total guaranteed money is an impressive $110 million, a testament to his explosive play and significant role in his team's offense. A.J. Brown is not far behind, boasting a three-year APY of $32 million and guaranteed money totaling $84 million. Amon-Ra St. Brown also commands a substantial three-year APY of $30 million, with $77 million guaranteed, underscoring the high value placed on top-tier wide receivers in the NFL.
Tight Ends
Among tight ends, Travis Kelce leads with a three-year APY of $17.1 million. Known for his consistent performance and game-changing plays, Kelce's earnings reflect his pivotal role on the field. T.J. Hockenson, another significant contributor, has secured $42.5 million in guaranteed money, highlighting the substantial investments made in top-tier tight ends.
Offensive Linemen
Penei Sewell's prowess as an offensive lineman is reflected in his annual earnings of $28 million over the next three years. He also boasts a significant guarantee of $85 million, indicating the importance of securing top talent in the offensive line. Chris Lindstrom and Frank Ragnow, with three-year APYs of $21.8 million and $14 million respectively, further illustrate the financial commitments teams are willing to make to protect their quarterbacks and run robust offensive lines. Notably, Robert Hunt stands out among guards with $63 million in guaranteed money, setting a high bar for his peers.
Defensive Players
Cornerbacks
Among cornerbacks, Jaire Alexander commands a three-year APY of $21.8 million, showcasing his elite status in the secondary. Denzel Ward and Jalen Ramsey follow closely, with guaranteed amounts of $71.25 million and $71.2 million respectively, emphasizing the premium on lockdown defensive backs.
Safeties
In the safety category, Antoine Winfield Jr. leads with a three-year APY of $21.03 million and $45 million in total guarantees. High earners Derwin James Jr. and Minkah Fitzpatrick also highlight the lucrative nature of the safety position, often underlining key defensive strategies.
Edge Rushers
Nick Bosa stands out among edge rushers with a three-year APY of $34.7 million and a significant guaranteed amount of $119.9 million. T.J. Watt follows with a three-year APY of $30.5 million, reinforcing the vital role edge rushers play in disrupting opposition offenses.
Defensive Tackles
Defensive tackle Chris Jones also commands substantial earnings, with a three-year APY of $31.7 million and $101 million guaranteed, asserting his dominance on the defensive line. Players like Aaron Donald and Christian Wilkins continue to set high standards, solidifying their reputations as top performers.
Off-Ball Linebackers
Roquan Smith leads the off-ball linebackers with a three-year APY of $20 million and $60 million in guaranteed money. Fred Warner and Tremaine Edmunds also secure surpassing contracts, highlighting the critical nature of versatile linebacker play in modern defenses.
Special Teams
In special teams, kicker Justin Tucker stands out with a three-year APY of $6.2 million and $17.5 million in guaranteed money, underscoring his reliability and skill. Punter Michael Dickson leads his peers with a $3.9 million APY and $8.5 million guaranteed, while long snapper Luke Rhodes earns $1.67 million in three-year APY, illustrating the specialized nature and high stakes of special teams roles.
In conclusion, the financial dynamics of the NFL continue to reflect the immense value and high stakes associated with top-tier talent across all positions, from quarterbacks to special teams.