Average NFL salary for each position in 2023

The NFL is one of the most profitable sports leagues in the country, where each player earns a massive amount of money. The sport of football is watched by almost everyone in the country.

With so much love for the NFL, it’s safe to assume that its players get the best treatment and salaries. On the other hand, it is also one of the most physical leagues in the world.

Therefore, the athletes are compensated for risking their lives week in and week out. Interestingly, their salaries are also top-notch. Currently, the highest-paid player in the NFL is Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, who just signed a humongous deal with his team.

The pay disparity between each position in the team is still prevalent, and a player from a certain position earns much more than his counterpart from another position. Therefore, let’s take a look at the average NFL salary for each position in 2023.

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1. Quarterback

The QBs are the focal point of and always take center stage during each game in the NFL. Therefore, it is expected that they earn the most amount. Currently, the average salary of a quarterback is somewhere in the region of $4,855,892.

Interestingly, there are many elite QBs who earn a lot more than that, earning up to $50 million each year. Currently, Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes, and Jalen Hurts hold such lucrative contracts.

2. Left Tackle

When averages are considered, Left Tackles earn the most amount of money in the NFL. Their average salary is somewhere in the region of $8,952,680 which is a lot compared to other positions in the league.

Laremy Tunsil is currently the highest-paid Left Tackle in the league and plays for the Houston Texans. He recently signed a 3-year deal worth $75 million.

3. Right Tackle

Compared to Left Tackles, Right Tackles earn significantly less. However, they still hold one of the best average salaries in the NFL, with $5,128,198. The highest-paid Right Tackle in the league is Johnson Lane, who plays for the Philadelphia Eagles and earns around $20 million annually.

4. Linebacker

There are two types of linebackers in the NFL, inside linebackers and outside linebackers. They play in a difficult position and are very instrumental to the team.

Comparatively, they also earn more than the majority of other positions and have an average salary in the region of $3,703,880 – $3,856,602. The highest-paid linebacker in the league is Roquan Smith, who earns an average annual salary of $20 million from the Ravens.

5. Edge Rusher

Edge Rusher is one of the prime defensive positions in the NFL and holds lots of value in the game. However, their salaries are significantly lower than other positions. Still, some players have a massive contracts, like Von Miller. The average salary of an edge rusher is somewhere in the region of $3,234,289.

6. Guard

The Guard is a defensive position in the NFL, and an average player in this position earns an annual salary of $2,500,421. The highest-paid guard in the league is Chris Linstrom from the Dallas Cowboys, who will earn $20 million next season.

7. Defensive End/Tackle

Defensive players in the NFL are at most risk of getting injured or concussed. Therefore, they should be the ones with the most benefits and salary.

Nonetheless, this isn’t the case with Defensive end/tackle, who earn an average salary of 2,496,660 – $2,996,247. However, it is expected that their average salary is soon going to get a major bump.

8. Safety

The safeties are often the deepest player in the defense and have the critical job of stopping a touchdown. Therefore, an ideal safety should be strong and fast at the same time.

Safeties earn an average salary of $2,196,749 annually, and the highest-paid safety in the league is Steelers’ Derwin James, who earns $19 million yearly.

9. Tight End

Tight End is soon turning out to be one of the most controversial positions in the NFL. TEs are extremely instrumental to the team but get paid marginally lower than other positions. On average, a TE earns around $2,055,238 annually.

However, that will soon change as the best TE in the league currently, Travis Kelce, has been extremely outspoken about the pay disparity and has vowed to change.

10. Running backs

The Running backs are in the same ships as the TEs and aren’t getting paid what they deserve. Recently, a massive controversy took place where three proficient RBs in the league didn’t get their desired contract and were franchise tagged for a 5th-year option. On average, an RB earns $1,789,687, one of the league’s lowest salaries.

11. Wide Receiver

The Wide Receiver market was completely different a couple of seasons ago, and they used to get paid significantly less. However, that has changed, and WRs earn one of the highest salaries in the league currently.

On average, a WR earns around $2,277,703. Interestingly, there are many who earn a lot more, and the highest-paid WR in the league is Tyreek Hill from the Miami Dolphins, who earns $30 million each year.

12. Kicker/Punter

The Kicker and Punter are special team players who have a comparatively different salary structure. Their pay varies a lot, and getting a decent average is pretty difficult.

Still, on average, a kicker/punter earns around $1,520,940 – $2,228,472 in salaries. The highest-paid kicker in the NFL is Justin Tucker, who has an annual salary of $6 million.

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