Who are the highest paid NFL players? As the salary cap climbs, the top NFL player salaries are skyrocketing each year with record-setting contracts resetting the market.
While quarterbacks are the highest-paid NFL players, teams are beginning to spend a lot more money on edge rushers, cornerbacks, offensive tackles, and wide receivers. Between the skyrocketing NFL salary cap, TV rights deals worth more than $100 billion and stadium revenue, the highest-paid players in NFL are cashing in.
Related: Where NFL revenue comes from
Here are the highest paid NFL players in 2024.
10 Highest paid NFL players right now
10. Jaylen Waddle, wide receiver, Miami Dolphins – $28.25 million
- Jaylen Waddle contract: 3 years, $84.75 million
- Jaylen Waddle salary: $28.25 million
- Jaylen Waddle cap hit 2024: $9.094 million
The Miami Dolphins roster several of the highest paid NFL players in 2024. Waddle joined a litany of Dolphins stars – Tyreek Hill, Jalen Ramsey and Tua Tagovailoa – who signed contract extensions leading up to the 2024 NFL season. Waddle agreed to a three-year extension, with a below-market cap hit in 2024 ($9.094 million) and 225 ($19.924 million) before the figures take off in the final three years of his existing contract.
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9. Joshua Hines-Allen, edge rusher, Jacksonville Jaguars – $28.25 million AAV
- Josh Allen contract: 5 years, $141.25 million
- Josh Allen salary 2024: $2 million
- Josh Allen AAV: $28.25 million
- Total Guaranteed: $88 million
- Free Agent: 2029
We’ll start with the obvious. The Joshua Hines-Allen contract would’ve been much cheaper a year ago if the Jacksonville Jaguars extended him in 2023. Instead, they waited and were forced to pay more while also costing themselves the ability to keep Calvin Ridley. At least something positive came out of this, Allen’s outstanding play for the Jaguars’ defense landed a lucrative extension that made him one of the highest paid defensive players in the NFL.
8. Tyreek Hill, wide receiver, Miami Dolphins – $30 million AAV
- Tyreek Hill Contract: 3 years, $90 million
- Tyreek Hill salary (2024): $1.21 million
- Tyreek Hill cap hit (2024): $18.268 million
- Guaranteed Money: $65 million
- Signing Bonus: $25.5 million
- Average Salary: $30.0 million
- Tyreek Hill Career Earnings: $94 million
- Free Agent: 2027
Tyreek Hill led the way for his peers, becoming the first wide receiver to make a $30 million AAV, setting a benchmark for others to follow. While the new deal he received in 2024 didn’t raise his salary, the Miami Dolphins took care of Hill in other ways. As part of the three-year, $90 million contract extension signed in 2024, Hill gets $54 million guaranteed at signing with further guarantees that match the highest paid NFL players.
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7. Brandon Aiyuk, wide receiver, San Francisco 49ers – $30 million AAV
- Brandon Aiyuk contract: 4 years, $120 million
- Brandon Aiyuk salary: $30 million AAV
- Brandon Aiyuk cap hit 2024: $5.725 million
After being floated in NFL trade rumors for months in the summer of 2024, the San Francisco 49ers ended their contract stalemate with Brandon Aiyuk just days before Week 1. The All-Pro wide receiver became one of the highest paid NFL players among non-quarterbacks, pulling in a $30 million average annual salary that matches the Tyreek Hill contract. Aiyuk also secured $76 million guaranteed with a $23 million signing bonus as part of the deal. Aiyuk will be an NFL free agent in 2029, entering is age-31 season.
6. Amon-Ra St. Brown, wide receiver, Detroit Lions – $30.002 million AAV
- Amon-Ra St. Brown contract: 4 years, $120 million
- Amon-Ra St. Brown salary 2024: $1.366 million
- Amon-Ra St. Brown cap hit 2024: $4.862 million
- Signing Bonus: $16.5 million
- Average Salary: $30.002 million
- Free Agent: 2029
- Total Guaranteed: $77 million
Amon-Ra St. Brown at least got to be the highest-paid receiver in the NFL for a few days, until A.J. Brown got paid again. Still, life is good for the former 112th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. St. Brown, one of the best offensive weapons in football, signed a four-year extension worth $120.01 million, just surpassing the AAV of the Tyreek Hill contract. Detroit kept its home-grown star out of NFL free agency, while St. Brown landed one that should only be the first of life-changing contracts to come. Everyone won.
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5. Chris Jones, defensive tackle, Kansas City Chiefs – $31.75 million AAV
- Chris Jones Contract: 5 years, $158.75 million
- Chris Jones salary (2024): $1.25 million
- Chris Jones cap hit (2024): $7.35 million
- Signing Bonus: $30 million
- Average Salary: $31.75 million
- Chris Jones Career Earnings: $90.172 million
- Free Agent: 2029
Chris Jones is the highest paid defensive tackle in NFL history. After winning his third Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs, Jones landed a new deal that topped the Aaron Donald contract as the largest contract ever for an interior lineman. While Jones fell just short of matching the Nick Bosa contract, he still walked away with $95 million guaranteed in the first three years of his deal.
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4. A.J. Brown, wide receiver, Philadelphia Eagles – $32 million AAV
- A.J. Brown contract: 3 years, $96 million
- A.J. Brown salary 2024: $1.125 million
- A.J. Brown cap hit 2024: $11.828 million
- Signing Bonus: $19.875 million
- Average Salary: $32 million
- Free Agent: 2030
A.J. Brown is the second-highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL. He shattered the previous record held by Tyreek Hill then Amon-Ra St. Brown, agreeing to a three-year contract extension with the Philadelphia Eagles that pushes his annual average value to $32 million. For comparison, no receiver even cleared a $30.1 million AAV until Brown’s deal. Given the length of the contract and that he’ll be 33 years old when he’s eligible for NFL free agency, Philadelphia is probably where Brown will call home for the majority of his NFL career.
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3. Nick Bosa, edge rusher, San Francisco 49ers – – $34 million AAV
- Nick Bosa contract: 5 years, $170 million
- Nick Bosa salary (2024): $1.15 million
- Nick Bosa cap hit (2024): $14.671 million
- Signing Bonus: $50 million
- Average Salary: $34 million
- Career Earnings: $85 million
- Free Agent: 2026
Nick Bosa is the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history. The San Francisco 49ers signed the All-Pro edge rusher to a five-year, $170 million contract extension in 2023. Bosa is the only defensive player in the NFL to make more than $32 million per season. He also holds the NFL records among defensive players for total guarantees ($122.5 million), guaranteed at signing ($88 million) and signing bonus ($50 million).
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2. CeeDee Lamb, wide receiver, Dallas Cowboys – $34 million AAV
- CeeDee Lamb contract: 4 years, $136 million
- CeeDee Lamb salary: $34 million AAV
- CeeDee Lamb signing bonus: $38 million
- CeeDee Lamb free agent: 2029
The Dallas Cowboys made CeeDee Lamb one of the highest paid NFL players ever on August 26, 2024, agreeing to a four-year deal worth $136 million total. Lamb’s average annual salary ($34 million) falls just behind Justin Jefferson to become the second highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. While Lamb came under Jefferson’s AAV, he did receive a $38 million signing bonus, the largest ever for a wide receiver. With the new deal, Lamb will be under contract with the Cowboys through the 2028 season.
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1. Justin Jefferson, wide receiver, Minnesota Vikings – $35 million AAV
- Justin Jefferson contract: 4 years, $140 million
- Justin Jefferson guarantees: $110 million
- Signing Bonus: $36.938 million
- Free Agent: 2029
- Justin Jefferson salary (2024: $1.25 million
Justin Jefferson is the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. On June 3, per ESPN, the Minnesota Vikings signed Jefferson to a four-year contract extension worth $140 million. It makes Jefferson the highest paid NFL player, outside of quarterbacks, and will reset the market for other positions. Jefferson receives $110 million guaranteed, the most-ever for a non-quarterback, and his $88.743 million signing bonus is the highest in NFL history among non-quarterbacks.
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20 highest paid NFL players in 2024
Here is a full rundown of the 20 highest-paid NFL players entering the 2024 season. We have excluded quarterbacks from our lists of highest paid NFL players.
- Justin Jefferson, Vikings – $35 million AAV
- CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys – $34 million AAV
- Nick Bosa, 49ers — $34 million AAV
- A.J. Brown, Eagles – $32 million AAV
- Chris Jones, Chiefs – $31.75 million AAV
- Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions – $30.002M AAV
- Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers – $30 million AAV
- Tyreek Hill, Dolphins – $30M AAV
- Joshua Hines-Allen, Jaguars – $28.25M AAV
- Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins – $28.25M AAV
- Brian Burns, Giants – $28.2M AAV
- Tristan Wirfs, Buccaneers – $28.12M AAV
- T.J. Watt, Steelers – $28.002M AAV
- Penei Sewell, Lions – $28M AAV
- Davante Adams, Raiders – $28M AAV
- Trent Williams, 49ers – $27.553 AAV
- Christian Wilkins, Raiders – $27.5M AAV
- DJ Moore, Bears – $27.5M AAV
- Cooper Kupp, Rams – $26.7M AAV
- Christian Darrisaw, Vikings – $26M AAV
Highest paid NFL players by position
Contracts courtesy Spotrac. All salary figures and cap hits for the highest paid NFL players are for 2024.
Highest paid running backs in NFL
- Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers – $19 million AAV,
- Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints – $15 million AAV
- Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts – $14 million AAV
- Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles — $12.583 million AAV
- Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers – $12 million AAV
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Who is the paid running back in the NFL?
Christian McCaffrey is the highest paid running back in the NFL right now. McCaffrey earns an average salary of $19 million per season. McCaffrey is the highest-paid NFL running back by $4 million ($15 million, Alvin Kamara).
Highest paid wide receivers in NFL
- Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings – $35 million average annual value
- CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys – $34 million AAV
- A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles – $32 million AAV
- Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions – $30.002 million AAV
- Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers – $30 million AAV
- Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins — $30 million AAV
- Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins — $28.25 million AAV
- Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders — $28 million AAV
- D.J. Moore, Chicago Bears – $27.5 million AAV
- Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams — $26.7 million AAV
- DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles — $25 million AAV
- Nico Collins, Houston Texans- $24.25 million AAV
Who is the paid wide receiver in the NFL?
Justin Jefferson is the highest paid wide receiver in the NFL with a $35 million salary, which also makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL today.
Highest paid tight ends in NFL
- Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs – $17.125 million AAV
- T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings – $16.5 million AAV
- George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers – $15 million AAV
- Dallas Goedert, Philadelphia Eagles – $14.25 million AAV
- Mark Andrews, Baltimore Ravens – $14 million AAV
- Evan Engram, Jacksonville Jaguars — $13.75 million AAV
- David Njoku, Cleveland Browns – $13.687 million AAV
- Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears – $12.5 million AAV
- Dalton Schultz, Houston Texans – $12 million AAV
- Noah Fant, Seattle Seahawks – $10.5 million AAV
Who is the paid tight end in the NFL?
Travis Kelce is the highest paid tight end in the NFL right now. The Kansas City Chiefs signed Kelce to a two-year, $34.25 million contract making him the highest paid tight end in NFL history with a $17.125 million AAV.
Highest paid offensive linemen in NFL
- Tristan Wirfs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – $28.12 million AAV
- Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions – $28 million AAV
- Trent Williams, San Francisco 49ers – $27.553 million AAV
- Christian Darrisaw, Minnesota Vikings — $26 million AAV
- Laremy Tunsil, Houston Texans – $25 million AAV
- Andrew Thomas, New York Giants – $23.5 million AAV
- Jordan Mailata, Philadelphia Eagles — $22 million AAV
- Landon Dickerson, Philadelphia Eagles – $21 million AAV
- Chris Lindstrom, Atlanta Falcons – $20.5 million AAV
- Lane Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles – $20.187 million AAV
Who is the highest paid offensive lineman in the NFL?
Penei Sewell is the highest paid offensive lineman in the NFL, earning a $28.12 million annual average salary.
Who is the highest paid offensive guard in the NFL?
Landon Dickerson is the highest paid offensive guard in the NFL, receiving a $21 millions average annual salary from the Philadelphia Eagles.
Who is the highest paid center in the NFL?
Kansas City Chiefs’ Creed Humphrey is the highest paid center in the NFL right now, signed to a four-year extension worth $18 million per season.
Highest paid defensive linemen in NFL
- Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers — $34 million AAV
- Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs – $31.75 million AAV
- Christian Wilkins, Las Vegas Raiders – $27.5 million AAV
- Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns – $25 million AAV
- Danielle Hunter, Houston Texans – $24.5 million AAV
- Montez Sweat, Chicago Bears — $24.5 million AAV
- Justin Madubuike, Baltimore Ravens – $24.5 million AAV
- Quinnen Williams, New York Jets – $24 million AAV
- Derrick Brown, Carolina Panthers – $24 million AAV
- Rashan Gary, Green Bay Packers – $24 million AAV
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Highest paid edge rushers in NFL
- Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers — $34 million AAV
- Josh Allen, Jacksonville Jaguars – $28.25 million AAV
- Brian Burns, New York Giants – $28.2 million AAV
- T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers – $28.002 million AAV
- Joey Bosa, Los Angeles Chargers – $27 million AAV
- Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns – $25 million AAV
- Montez Sweat, Chicago Bears — $24.5 million AAV
- Rashan Gary, Green Bay Packers – $24 million AAV
- Maxx Crosby, Las Vegas Raiders – $23.5 million AAV
- Bradley Chubb, Miami Dolphins – $22 million AAV.
Who is the highest paid defensive end in the NFL?
Nick Bosa is the highest-paid defensive end in the NFL at $34 million after signing his extension with the San Francisco 49ers.
Highest paid linebackers in NFL
- Roquan Smith, Baltimore Ravens — $20 million AAV
- Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers – $19.045 million AAV
- Tremaine Edmunds, Chicago Bears — $18 million AAV
- Patrick Queen, Chicago Bears – $13.667 million AAV
- Azeez Al-Shaair, Houston Texans – $11.333 million
Who is the highest paid linebacker in the NFL?
Roquan Smith is the highest paid linebacker in the NFL. After being traded to the Baltimore Ravens last season, Smith signed a contract extension worth $20 million per season.
Highest paid cornerbacks in NFL
- Jalen Ramsey, Miami Dolphins – $24.1 million AAV
- Patrick Surtain II, Denver Broncos – $24 million AAV
- Jaire Alexander, Green Bay Packers – $21 million AAV
- AJ Terrell, Atlanta Falcons – $20.25 million AAV
- Denzel Ward, Cleveland Browns – $20.1 million AAV
- Marshon Lattimore, New Orleans Saints – $19.52 million AAV
- Marlon Humphrey, Baltimore Ravens – $19.5 million AAV
- Trevon Diggs, Dallas Cowboys – $19.4 million AAV
- Tyson Campbell, Jacksonville Jaguars – $19.125 million AAV
- L’Jarius Sneed, Kansas City Chiefs – $19.1 million AAV
Who is the highest paid cornerback in the NFL?
Jalen Ramsey is the highest-paid NFL cornerback, earning a $24.1 million average annual salary.
Highest paid safety in NFL
- Antoine Winfield Jr, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – $21.025 million AAV
- Derwin James, Los Angeles Chargers – $19 million AAV
- Minkah Fitzpatrick, Pittsburgh Steelers – $18.4 million AAV
- Xavier McKinney, Green Bay Packers – $17 million AAV
- Jessie Bates, Atlanta Falcons — $16.005 million AAV
Who is the highest paid safety in the NFL?
Antoine Winfield Jr is the highest paid safety in the NFL. In May 2024, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed Winfield to a four-year extension worth $84.1 million, including $45 million guaranteed. Winfield Jr. is the highest-paid safety in NFL history.
10 longest field goals in NFL history
Highest paid kicker in NFL
- Harrison Butker, Kansas City Chiefs – $6.4 million
- Justin Tucker, Baltimore Ravens – $6 million AAV
- Jake Elliott, Philadelphia Eagles — $6 million AAV
- Matt Gay, Indianapolis Colts – $5.625 million AAV
- Cameron Dicker, Los Angeles Chargers – $5.501 million AAV
- Graham Gano, New York Giants – $5.5 million AAV
- Ka’imi Fairbairn, Houston Texans – $5.3 million AAV
- Dustin Hopkins, Cleveland Browns – $5.3 million
- Jason Myers, Seattle Seahawks – $5.275 million AAV
- Tyler Bass, Buffalo Bills – $5.1 million AAV
Related: NFL kicker rankings
Who is the highest paid kicker in the NFL?
Harrison Butker is the highest paid kicker in the NFL, earning. a $6.4 million average annual salary.
Who is the highest paid punter in the NFL?
Michael Dickson is the highest paid punter in the NFL, earning a $3.675 million average annual salary from the Seattle Seahawks.
Highest paid punters 2024
- Michael Dickson, Seattle Seahawks – $3.675 million AAV
- Jack Fox, Detroit Lions – $3.516 million AAV
- Tress Way, Washington Commanders – $3.412 million AAV
- A.J. Cole, Las Vegas Raiders – $3 million AAV
- Logan Cooke, Jacksonville Jaguars – $3 million AAV
- Bryan Anger, Dallas Cowboys – $3 million AAV
NFL practice squad salary
- Non-veteran practice squad salary – $12,000 per week or $216,000 for full season
- Veteran practice squad salary
- $16,100 per week minimum salary or $289,000 for the season
- $20,500 per week maximum salary or $370,8000 for the season
What is the minimum salary for NFL practice squad players?
How much do NFL practice squad players make?
Veterans players on an NFL practice squad make a minimum salary of $289,000 per season ($16,100 per week) and a maximum salary of $370,800 ($20,500 per week). Non-veterans receive an NFL practice squad salary of $216,000 per season ($12,000 per week).
Highest paid NFL players FAQ
What is the minimum NFL salary?
The lowest salary in the NFL is $750,000, which is the base salary for rookies that aren’t selected with one of the top picks in the NFL Draft. In a player’s second season under a base value contract, they would earn $870,000 in their second year and $940,000 in year three.
The minimum salary for NFL veterans, those with at least seven years of experience, is $1.165 million. The lowest NFL salary in 2023, per Spotrac, is $1.08 million. Heading into the 2023 season, 185 players have a base salary of $1.08 million.
Who is the highest paid NFL player right now now?
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is the highest paid NFL player right now, thanks to a five-year contract worth $262.5 million.
Who are the 2 highest paid NFL players?
Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert are the two highest paid NFL players in 2024.
Who are the five highest paid players in the NFL?
Joe Burrow ($55 million salary), Justin Herbert ($52.5 million salary), Lamar Jackson ($52 million salary), Jalen Hurts ($51 million salary) and Kyler Murray ($46.1 million salary) are the five highest-paid NFL players in the NFL right now.
Do NFL players get paid in the offseason?
Outside of signing bonuses and roster bonuses, which are paid out on specific dates, NFL players are not paid during the offseason. NFL teams expect them to use that time off to prepare for the upcoming season. Once training camp starts, players then start receiving payments.
Do NFL players get paid weekly?
NFL players are paid each week during the regular season, receiving a weekly percentage of their annual base salary. They can also earn additional incentives in a given week if they reach certain contract incentives that are in place.
Is Patrick Mahomes the highest paid NFL player?
Patrick Mahomes isn’t among the highest-paid NFL players in 2023. The Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback ranks seventh in average annual salary ($45 million) and eighth in total guaranteed money ($141 million).
Do NFL players pay for their Super Bowl rings?
NFL players do not pay for their Super Bowl ring. The NFL covers the estimated cost ($5,000-$7,000) for up to 150 Super Bowl rings. Any additional rings a team wants after that must be paid for by the organization and team owner.
What is happening with NFL running back contracts?
You might notice that running backs are not among the highest paid NFL players. The devaluation of this position has continued. Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers is the highest paid running back in the NFL. He’s also the 104th highest paid NFL player on a per-year basis. Three Pro Bowl running back in that of Josh Jacobs, Saquon Barkley and Tony Pollard failed to come to terms on contract extensions, too. This means that they’ll play 2023 under the franchise tag with a value of a mere $10.09 million.
What is Aaron Rodgers salary?
Aaron Rodgres is earning a 41.838 million base salary in 2023. He also receives a $7 million signing bonus and has $75 million guaranteed in salary and roster bonuses across 2023 and 2024.
Is every NFL player a millionaire?
No, there are many NFL players who aren’t millionaires. With 53-man rosters, there are dozens of players in both the NFC and AFC who aren’t millionaires. While the minimum NFL salary is greater than $1 million, that figure is inflated by the highest-paid NFL players.
How much money did Tom Brady make?
Tom Brady received $332.962 million in career earnings, according to Spotrac, across 23 seasons in the NFL. This doesn’t account for the record-setting deal he signed with FOX Sports to serve as a color analyst and brand ambassador, which is worth $375 million over 10 years. Brady’s net worth in 2023 is estimated to be over $500 million.
