Quarterbacks
When it comes to quarterbacks, Joe Burrow stands at the pinnacle with the highest three-year average per year (APY) of $62.9 million. Trailing him is Jared Goff, who has secured a three-year APY of $57.3 million. Trevor Lawrence follows closely behind, with a respectable three-year APY of $55 million.
A key aspect of NFL contracts is the guaranteed money. Deshaun Watson ranks supreme with a staggering $230 million in total guaranteed money. Hot on his heels is Joe Burrow, who has secured $219.01 million guaranteed. Patrick Mahomes, another giant in the quarterback landscape, boasts $208.1 million in guaranteed money.
Running Backs
In the running backs category, Christian McCaffrey solidifies his star status with a three-year APY of $17.2 million. He also leads his positional group with $36.3 million in total guaranteed money. Jonathan Taylor ranks second in three-year APY at $14 million, while Alvin Kamara rounds out the top three, earning a three-year APY of $12.7 million.
Wide Receivers
Shifting focus to wide receivers, Justin Jefferson is the leader with a three-year APY of $35 million and an impressive $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 is not far behind, boasting a three-year APY of $30 million and securing $77 million in guaranteed funds.
Tight Ends
Travis Kelce is the standout among tight ends, drawing a three-year APY of $17.1 million. Notably, T.J. Hockenson leads in guaranteed money among tight ends, with a commitment of $42.5 million.
Offensive Linemen
Penei Sewell is the highest earner among offensive linemen, with an annual compensation of $28 million over the next three years and a total of $85 million guaranteed. Chris Lindstrom is second in three-year APY, earning $21.8 million annually. Frank Ragnow earns $14 million annually over three years, making him another significant earner in this category. Robert Hunt deserves mention for securing the most guaranteed money among guards at $63 million.
Defensive Players
Cornerbacks
Jaire Alexander is a top earner among cornerbacks with a three-year APY of $21.8 million. Denzel Ward and Jalen Ramsey nearly mirror each other, with Ward’s guaranteed money totaling $71.25 million, just edging out Ramsey's $71.2 million.
Safeties
At the safety position, Antoine Winfield Jr. stands out with a three-year APY of $21.03 million and $45 million in guaranteed funds. High earners in this category also include Derwin James Jr. and Minkah Fitzpatrick, who both command significant contracts reflective of their elite status.
Edge Rushers
For edge rushers, Nick Bosa sets the bar high with a three-year APY of $34.7 million, supported by $119.9 million in guaranteed money. T.J. Watt also commands a hefty three-year APY of $30.5 million. These figures reaffirm their elite status and immense impact on the field.
Defensive Tackles
Chris Jones is a standout defensive tackle, earning a three-year APY of $31.7 million with a total of $101 million guaranteed. Aaron Donald and Christian Wilkins are noted as top players, underscoring their value on the defensive line.
Off-Ball Linebackers
Among off-ball linebackers, Roquan Smith leads with a three-year APY of $20 million and $60 million in guaranteed funds. Fred Warner and Tremaine Edmunds are also exceptional talents with contracts that reflect their high value and contributions on the field.
Special Teams
On special teams, Justin Tucker is the highest earning kicker with a three-year APY of $6.2 million and $17.5 million in guaranteed money. Michael Dickson leads among punters, earning $3.9 million in APY and securing $8.5 million in guaranteed funds. Luke Rhodes tops the list of long snappers, with a three-year APY of $1.67 million.
The financial commitments and contractual details outlined above illustrate the considerable investments made by NFL teams to secure and retain top talent across all positions. Whether it's the astronomical figures commanded by star quarterbacks or the substantial guarantees earned by key defensive players, these numbers highlight the pivotal role that financial strategy plays in building competitive rosters in the NFL.