Quarterbacks
The financial landscape for quarterbacks in today's NFL is as competitive as the sport itself. Joe Burrow has emerged on top with the highest three-year average per year (APY) of $62.9 million. Jared Goff follows closely behind, boasting a three-year APY of $57.3 million, while Trevor Lawrence rounds out the top three with $55 million in three-year APY.
When we look at the total guaranteed money, Deshaun Watson takes the lead with a staggering $230 million. Joe Burrow secures $219.01 million, which also places him ahead of Patrick Mahomes, who has $208.1 million guaranteed.
Running Backs
The running back position doesn't see the eye-popping numbers that quarterbacks do, but it remains lucrative for top-tier talent. Christian McCaffrey tops the list with a three-year APY of $17.2 million and $36.3 million in total guaranteed money. Jonathan Taylor follows with a three-year APY of $14 million, while Alvin Kamara's three-year APY stands at $12.7 million.
Wide Receivers
Wide receivers continue to see their financial worth skyrocket, paralleling their impact on the field. Justin Jefferson is leading the pack, enjoying a three-year APY of $35 million and $110 million in guaranteed money. A.J. Brown comes in next with a three-year APY of $32 million and $84 million guaranteed. Amon-Ra St. Brown also posts impressive numbers with a three-year APY of $30 million and $77 million in guaranteed funds.
Tight Ends
Travis Kelce remains one of the highest-paid tight ends, earning a three-year APY of $17.1 million. T.J. Hockenson, though not leading in APY, boasts $42.5 million in total guaranteed money, a testament to his value to his team.
Offensive Linemen
When it comes to those protecting the quarterbacks, Penei Sewell stands out with an impressive annual earning of $28 million over the next three years and $85 million guaranteed. Chris Lindstrom follows with a three-year APY of $21.8 million, while Frank Ragnow earns $14 million in the same metric. Robert Hunt also makes his mark, securing $63 million in guaranteed money, the highest among guards.
Defensive Players
Cornerbacks
In the defensive backfield, Jaire Alexander commands a three-year APY of $21.8 million. On the guaranteed money front, Denzel Ward edges out his peer with $71.25 million, closely followed by Jalen Ramsey's $71.2 million.
Safeties
Antoine Winfield Jr. is a top earner among safeties, with a three-year APY of $21.03 million and $45 million in guaranteed money. Derwin James Jr. and Minkah Fitzpatrick are also notable names mentioned among the high earners, reflecting their significant impact on the field.
Edge Rushers
Edge rushers command high salaries given their crucial role in today's game. Nick Bosa leads with a three-year APY of $34.7 million, complemented by $119.9 million in guaranteed money. T.J. Watt is not far behind, earning 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 $101 million in guaranteed money. Aaron Donald and Christian Wilkins are among the top players in this position, further emphasizing their elite status in the league.
Off-Ball Linebackers
Roquan Smith is a dominant figure among off-ball linebackers, having a three-year APY of $20 million and $60 million in guaranteed money. Fred Warner and Tremaine Edmunds are also noted for securing surpassing contracts, underlining their importance to their respective teams.
Special Teams
Special teams players often fly under the radar, but their financial figures tell a story of their own. Justin Tucker, the stalwart kicker, earns $6.2 million in three-year APY with $17.5 million in guaranteed money. On the punting side, Michael Dickson leads with $3.9 million in APY and $8.5 million in guaranteed funds. Long snapper Luke Rhodes rounds out the discussion with a three-year APY of $1.67 million.
In sum, while the figures vary substantially from position to position, what remains consistent is the increasing financial commitment NFL teams are making to secure elite talent across the board. The numbers reflect not just the players' past performances, but also the high expectations placed on their future contributions to their teams' successes.