Quarterbacks
Quarterback contracts in the NFL have hit astronomical figures, with Joe Burrow leading the pack. Burrow boasts the highest three-year average annual payout (APY) of $62.9 million. Not far behind is Jared Goff, with an impressive three-year APY of $57.3 million. Trevor Lawrence, the promising young quarterback, rounds out the top three with a three-year APY of $55 million.
In terms of guaranteed money, Deshaun Watson takes the top spot with a staggering $230 million secured. Joe Burrow follows, having secured $219.01 million in total guaranteed money. Patrick Mahomes, another cornerstone quarterback, has $208.1 million in total guaranteed amounts.
Running Backs
Running backs, although less handsomely paid than quarterbacks, still see significant contracts. Christian McCaffrey tops this list with a three-year APY of $17.2 million and $36.3 million in total guaranteed money. Jonathan Taylor trails with a three-year APY of $14 million, while Alvin Kamara has a three-year APY of $12.7 million.
Wide Receivers
The wide receiver market has also seen explosive growth. Justin Jefferson commands the highest three-year APY at $35 million and has secured $110 million in total guaranteed money. A.J. Brown follows with a three-year APY of $32 million and $84 million in guaranteed money. Amon-Ra St. Brown, another elite receiver, has a three-year APY of $30 million and $77 million guaranteed.
Tight Ends
Tight ends have some of the most versatile roles on the field, and their contracts reflect their importance. Travis Kelce leads with a three-year APY of $17.1 million. T.J. Hockenson, known for his playmaking ability, has a total guaranteed amount of $42.5 million.
Offensive Linemen
Protecting the quarterback is vital, and offensive linemen are compensated well for their efforts. Penei Sewell stands out with an impressive annual earnings figure of $28 million over the next three years and $85 million in guaranteed money. Chris Lindstrom earns a three-year APY of $21.8 million, while Frank Ragnow earns $14 million. Among guards, Robert Hunt has secured the highest guaranteed amount at $63 million.
Defensive Players
Cornerbacks
The cornerback position demands agility and skill, and their contracts mirror this necessity. Jaire Alexander has a three-year APY of $21.8 million. Denzel Ward tops the guaranteed money list among cornerbacks with $71.25 million, narrowly beating out Jalen Ramsey, who has $71.2 million in guaranteed funds.
Safeties
Safeties are critical to a team's defensive strategy. Antoine Winfield Jr. has a three-year APY of $21.03 million and $45 million in total guaranteed money. Derwin James Jr. and Minkah Fitzpatrick are among the high earners in this category, though specifics on their earnings weren't provided.
Edge Rushers
In the edge rusher category, players are paid for their ability to disrupt the offensive line. Nick Bosa stands at the top with a three-year APY of $34.7 million and $119.9 million in guaranteed money. T.J. Watt follows closely with a three-year APY of $30.5 million.
Defensive Tackles
Defensive tackles play an essential role in stifling the run game and pressuring the quarterback. Chris Jones has a three-year APY of $31.7 million and $101 million in guaranteed money. Elite players such as Aaron Donald and Christian Wilkins are also acknowledged for their substantial contributions, though specific figures were not provided.
Off-Ball Linebackers
Off-ball linebackers are key to a balanced defense. Roquan Smith secures a significant contract with a three-year APY of $20 million and $60 million in guaranteed money. Fred Warner and Tremaine Edmunds are also standout players in this category, though their exact earnings were not detailed.
Special Teams
Special teams players, while not as highly compensated as other positions, still play critical roles. Justin Tucker leads kickers with a three-year APY of $6.2 million and $17.5 million in guaranteed money. Michael Dickson leads among punters with a $3.9 million APY and $8.5 million guaranteed. Long snapper Luke Rhodes earns a three-year APY of $1.67 million.