NFL average salary: Startling pay gap between different positions decoded

The NFL is a lucrative sport where some positions earn more than others, creating a pay disparity. NFL quarterbacks are some of the highest-paid players in the world, but at the same time, some players need to play more than a decade even to scratch the league average of salary positions like the wide receivers or the pass rushers.

In the last few years, especially after 2017, the gap between the highest-paid NFL player and the lowest-paid NFL player has widened because of the ever-changing market.

Quarterbacks Dak Prescott and current Super Bowl champion Jalen Hurts are among the highest-paid NFL players in the sport’s history. If the trend follows the same trajectory, then in ten years, fans might see the first NFL player to sign a $1 billion contract.

Highest Paid Quarterbacks in the NFL (Average Annual Salary)

Quarterback

1. Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys): $61.6 million (Average Annual Salary) (Highest-paid QB)
2. Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals): $61.3 million (Average Annual Salary)
3. Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers): $58.3 million (Average Annual Salary)
4. Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars): $56.9 million (Average Annual Salary)
5. Jared Goff (Detroit Lions): $55.4 million (Average Annual Salary)

Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys) $61.6 million (Average Annual Salary) (Highest-paid QB in NFL)

• Drafted: 2016 4th round (135th pick)
• Seasons: 9
• Pro Bowl: 3
• Win/Loss: 76-46 in the regular season & 2-5 in the playoffs

Dak Prescott became the NFL’s highest-paid player and highest-paid quarterback after signing a four-year, $240 million deal with the Dallas Cowboys near the eve of the 2024 NFL season.

Wide Receiver

1. Ja’Marr Chase (Cincinnati Bengals): $40.2 million (Average Annual Salary) (Highest-paid WR)
2. Justin Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings): $35 million (Average Annual Salary)
3. CeeDee Lamb (Dallas Cowboys): $32 million (Average Annual Salary)
4. AJ Brown (Philadelphia Eagles): $32 million (Average Annual Salary)
5. Brandon Aiyuk (San Francisco 49ers): $30 million (Average Annual Salary)
    

Ja’Marr Chase (Cincinnati Bengals): $40.2 million (Average Annual Salary) (Highest-paid WR in NFL)

• Drafted: 2021, 1st round, 5th overall pick
• Seasons: 5
• Pro Bowls: 4
• All Pros: 2
• 2024 NFL Receptions leader, Receiving Yards leader & Receiving Touchdowns leader

Ja’Marr Chase became the NFL’s highest-paid wide receiver after the Cincinnati Bengals agreed to a four-year, $161 million contract in 2025. Chase recorded a career-best 127 receptions for 1708 yards and 17 touchdowns.

Defensive End

1. Myles Garrett (Cleveland Browns): $40 million (Average Annual Salary) (Highest paid defensive end in NFL)
2. Danielle Hunter (Houston Texans): $35 million (Average Annual Salary)
3. Maxx Crosby (Las Vegas Raiders): $35 million (Average Annual Salary)
4. Nick Bosa (San Francisco 49ers): $34 million (Average Annual Salary)
5. Josh Hines-Allen (Jacksonville Jaguars): $28 million (Average Annual Salary)

Myles Garrett (Cleveland Browns): $40 million (Average Annual Salary) (Highest paid DE in NFL)

• Drafted: 2017 1st overall pick
• Seasons: 8
• Pro Bowl: 6
• All Pro: 6
• 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year

Myles Garrett became the NFL’s highest-paid defensive end after he agreed to sign a four-year, $160 million extension with $123.5 million guaranteed and an average salary of $40 million per year. The contract includes a no-trade clause.

Running Back

1. Saquon Barkley (Philadelphia Eagles): $20.6 million (Average Annual Salary) (Highest-paid)
2. Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco 49ers): $19 million (Average Annual Salary)
3. Jonathan Taylor (Indianapolis Colts): $14 million (Average Annual Salary)
4. Alvin Kamara (New Orleans Saints): $12.2 million (Average Annual Salary)
5. Josh Jacobs (Green Bay Packers): $12 million

Saquon Barkley (Philadelphia Eagles): $20.6 million (Average Annual Salary) (Highest paid RB in NFL)

• Drafted: 2018, 1st round 2nd overall pick
• Seasons: 7
• Pro Bowls: 3
• All Pro: 1

NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (2018) NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2024) & Super Bowl Champion (2024)

Saquon Barkley became the NFL’s highest-paid running back in history after the Philadelphia Eagles agreed to a two-year, $41.2 million contract extension with the Eagles that includes $36 million guaranteed and up to $15 million more in incentives. Barkley rushed 345 times for 2,005 yards and 13 rushing touchdowns in 2024.

Tight End

1. Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs): $17.1 million (Average Annual Salary) (Highest Paid TE)
2. T.J. Hockenson (Minnesota Vikings): $16.5 million (Average Annual Salary)
3. George Kittle (San Francisco 49ers): $15.5 million (Average Annual Salary)
4. Dallas Goedert (Philadelphia Eagles): $14.2 million (Average Annual Salary)
5. Mark Andrews (Baltimore Ravens): $14 million (Average Annual Salary)

Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs): $17.1 million (Average Annual Salary) (Highest Paid TE in NFL)

• Drafted: 2013, 3rd round, 63rd pick
• Seasons: 12 seasons (didn’t play rookie year due to injury)
• Pro Bowls: 10
• All Pros: 4
  3x Super Bowl Champion

Travis Kelce became the NFL’s highest-paid tight end after the Kansas City Chiefs agreed to a two-year, $34.25 million deal in 2024. Kelce will earn the remaining amount of his contract after the 35-year-old announced that he will not be retiring this year.

Offensive Tackle (Right & Left)

1. Penei Sewell (Detroit Lions): $30 million (Average Annual Salary) (Highest paid offensive tackle)
2. Tristan Wirfs (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): $28.6 million (Average Annual Salary)
3. Trent Williams (San Francisco 49ers): $27.6 million (Average Annual Salary)
4. Christian Darrisaw (Minnesota Vikings): $26 million (Average Annual Salary)
5. Laremy Tunsil (Washington Commanders): $25 million (Average Annual Salary)

Penei Sewell (Detroit Lions): $30 million (Average Annual Salary) (Highest paid OT in NFL)

• Drafted: 2021, 1st round 7th pick
• Seasons: 4
• Pro Bowl: 3
• All Pro: 2

Penei Sewell became the highest-paid NFL offensive tackle after the Detroit Lions agreed to a four-year, $112 million contract extension in 2024.

Offensive Guard (Right & Left)

1. Trey Smith (Kansas City Chiefs): $23.6 million (Average Annual Salary) (Highest paid offensive guard)
2. Landon Dickerson (Philadelphia Eagles): $21 million (Average Annual Salary)
3. Chris Lindstrom (Atlanta Falcons): $20.5 million (Average Annual Salary)
4. Robert Hunt (Carolina Panthers): $20 million (Average Annual Salary)alary)
5. Quenton Nelson (Indianapolis Colts): $20 million (Average Annual Salary)

Trey Smith (Kansas City Chiefs): $23.6 million (Average Annual Salary) (Highest paid offensive guard in NFL)

• Drafted: 2021, 6th round, 226 pick
• Seasons: 4
• Pro Bowl: 1
• 2 Super Bowls

Trey Smith became the NFL’s highest-paid offensive guard after the Kansas City Chiefs placed a one-year franchise tag on him. Under the tag, Smith is set to earn $23.6 million during the 2025 NFL season.

Center

• Creed Humphrey (Kansas City Chiefs): $18 million (Average Annual Salary) (Highest paid Guard)
• Drew Dalman (Chicago Bears): $14 million (Average Annual Salary)
• Frank Ragnow (Detroit Lions): $13.5 million (Average Annual Salary)
• Lloyd Cushenberry (Tennessee Titans): $12.5 million (Average Annual Salary)
• Erik McCoy (New Orleans Saints): $12 million (Average Annual Salary)

Creed Humphrey (Kansas City Chiefs): $18 million (Average Annual Salary) (Highest paid Guard in NFL)

• Drafted: 2021, 2nd round, 63rd pick
• Seasons: 4
• Pro Bowl: 3
• All Pro: 2
• 2x Super Bowl Champion

Creed Humphrey became the NFL’s highest-paid guard after the Kansas City Chiefs agreed to a four-year contract extension worth $72 million, $50 million guaranteed, in 2024.

Cornerback

• Derek Stingley Jr. (Houston Texans): $30 million (Annual Average Salary) (Highest paid NFL cornerback)
• Jaycee Horn (Carolina Panthers): $25 million (Annual Average Salary)
• Jalen Ramsey (Miami Dolphins): $24.1 million (Annual Average Salary)
• Patrick Surtain II (Denver Broncos): $24 million (Annual Average Salary)
• Jaire Alexander (Green Bay Packers): $21 million (Annual Average Salary)

Derek Stingley Jr. (Houston Texans): $30 million (Average Annual Salary) (Highest paid NFL CB)

• Drafted: 2022, 1st round 3 pick
• Seasons: 3
• Pro Bowl: 1
• All Pro: 1

Derek Stingley Jr. became the NFL’s highest-paid cornerback after signing a three-year, $90 million contract extension in March 2025. Stingley recorded 136 tackles and 11 interceptions from 37 NFL appearances.

Linebacker

• Roquan Smith (Baltimore Ravens): $20 million (Average Annual Salary) (Highest paid linebacker in NFL)
• Fred Warner (San Francisco 49ers): $19 million (Average Annual Salary)
• Tremaine Edmunds (Chicago Bears):  $18 million (Average Annual Salary)
• Zack Baun (Philadelphia Eagles): $17 million (Average Annual Salary)
• Nick Bolton (Kansas City Chiefs): $15 million (Average Annual Salary)

Roquan Smith (Baltimore Ravens): $20 million (Average Annual Salary) (Highest paid LB in NFL)

• Drafted: 2018, 1st round 8th pick
• Seasons: 7
• Pro Bowl: 3
• All Pro: 5

Roquan Smith became the NFL’s highest-paid linebacker after signing a five-year, $100 million extension with the Ravens, including $45 million fully guaranteed with $60 million in total guarantees with the Baltimore Ravens in 2022.

Safety

• Antoine Winfield Jr. (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): $21 million (Average Annual Salary) (Highest paid safety in NFL)
• Derwin James (Los Angeles Chargers): $19 million (Average Annual Salary)
• Minkah Fitzpatrick (Pittsburgh Steelers): $18.2 million (Average Annual Salary)
• Budda Baker (Arizona Cardinals): $18 million (Average Annual Salary)
• Tre’von Moehrig (Carolina Panthers): $$17 million

Antoine Winfield Jr. (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): $21 million (Average Annual Salary) (Highest paid S in NFL)

• Drafted: 2020, 2nd round 45th pick
• Seasons: 5
• Pro Bowl: 1
• All Pro: 1
• Won Super Bowl in the 2020-21 season

Antoine Winfield Jr. became the highest-paid NFL safety after signing a four-year, $84.10 million contract extension that includes $45.00 million guaranteed upon signing and an initial signing bonus of $20.00 million with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2024. Winfield Jr. recorded 444 tackles and 7 interceptions from 68 NFL receptions.

Kicker

1. Harrison Butker (Kansas City Chiefs): $6.4 million (Average Annual Salary) (Highest paid NFL Kicker)
2. Jake Elliott (San Francisco 49ers): $6 million (Average Annual Salary)
3. Justin Tucker (Baltimore Ravens): $6 million (Average Annual Salary)
4. Matt Gay (Indianapolis Colts): $5.6 million (Average Annual Salary)
5. Cameron Dicker (Los Angeles Chargers): $5 million (Average Annual Salary)

Harrison Butker (Kansas City Chiefs): $6.4 million (Average Annual Salary) (Highest paid NFL K)

• Drafted: 2017, 7th round 233rd pick
• Seasons: 8
• 3x Super Bowl winner

Harrison Butker became the highest-paid NFL kicker after signing a four-year, $25.6 million extension with the Kansas City Chiefs. Butker appeared in 122 NFL games and recorded a field goal completion rate of 88.6.

Punter

1. Michael Dickson (Seattle Seahawks): $3.6 million (Average Annual Salary) (Highest paid NFL punter)
2. Jack Fox (Detroit Lions): $3.4 million (Average Annual Salary)
3. Bryan Anger (Dallas Cowboys): $3.2 million (Average Annual Salary)
4. Tommy Townsend (Houston Texans): $3 million (Average Annual Salary)
5. Riley Dixon (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): $3 million (Average Annual Salary)

Michael Dickson (Seattle Seahawks): $3.6 million (Average Annual Salary) (Highest paid NFL punter)

• Drafted: 2018, 5th round, 149th pick
• Seasons: 7
• Pro Bowl: 1
• All Pro: 1

Michael Dickson became the NFL’s highest-paid punter after signing a four-year, $14.5 million contract extension with the Seattle Seahawks in 2021. Dickson has 24 thousand+ punting yards in 116 games for the Seahawks.

Long Snapper

1. Mitchell Fraboni (Denver Broncos): $4.1 million (Average Annual Salary) (Highest paid NFL Punter)
2. James Winchester (Kansas City Chiefs): $1.6 million (Average Annual Salary)
3. Reid Ferguson (Buffalo Bills): $1.6 million (Average Annual Salary)
4. Luke Rhodes (Indianapolis Colts): 1.6 million (Average Annual Salary)
5. Zach Wood (New Orleans Saints): 1.5 million (Average Annual Salary)

Mitchell Fraboni (Denver Broncos): $4.1 million (Annual Average Salary) (Highest paid NFL Punter)

• Drafted: Undrafted Free Agent
• Seasons: 4

Mitchell Fraboni became the NFL’s highest-paid long-snapper after signing a three-year, $4.175 million extension with the Denver Broncos. Fraboni entered the NFL with the Houston Texans.

Related: NFL average quarterback salary: Massive gap shows how some players are overpaid