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. Laremy Tunsil, offensive tackle, Houston Texans – Highest paid offensive lineman
- Laremy Tunsil contract: 3 years, $75 million
- Laremy Tunsil AAV: $25 million
- Laremy Tunsil salary 2024: $18 million
- Laremy Tunsil cap hit 2024: $25.855 million
- Laremy Tunsil free agent: 2027
Laremy Tunsil might be one of the best agents in the NFL. Representing himself in contract negotiations, he negotiated a three-year deal after being traded to the Houston Texans that made him the highest-paid offensive tackle in the NFL. A few years later, with that deal two years in and the NFL salary cap exploding, Tunsil negotiated a new three-year contract that again made him the highest paid offensive lineman in the NFL. Entering his age-30 season, as long as Tunsil keeps playing at an All-Pro level, he’ll likely get one final crack at another record-breaking contract before his contract expires after 2026.
Related: Best NFL players of all time
9. Cooper Kupp, wide receiver, Los Angeles Rams
- Cooper Kupp contract: 3 years, $80.1 million
- Cooper Kupp salary (2024): $15 million
- Cooper Kupp cap hit (2024): $29.78 million
- Signing Bonus: $20 million
- AAV: $26.7 million
- Cooper Kupp Career Earnings: $73.6 million
- Free Agent: 2027
Much like Aaron Donald, the Los Angeles Rams rewarded Cooper Kupp with a new contract after he helped them win a Super Bowl. Kupp signed a three-year contract worth $80.1 million, receiving $75 million in total guarantees. However, entering his age-30 season, Kupp is coming off two down years with just 1,549 receiving yards in his last 21 games played. If the Rams cut Kupp in 2025, they’ll receive $12 million in cap savings.
Related: Highest-paid NFL coaches
8. Joey Bosa, edge rusher, Los Angeles Chargers
- Joey Bosa Contract: 5 years, $135 million
- Joey Bosa Salary (2024): $15 million
- Joey Bosa cap hit (2024): $30.611 million
- Signing Bonus: $35 million
- Average Salary: $27 million
- Joey Bosa Career Earnings: $128 million
- Free Agent: 2026
The Los Angeles Chargers signed Joey Bosa to a five-year contract extension in 2020, making him one of the highest paid NFL players. Unfortunately, the contract isn’t working out. Bosa has earned just one Pro Bowl selection since signing the deal and he played in just 14 games over the last two seasons. He’s currently on the trade block and is likely to be cut before finishing the remainder of his deal.
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7. Christian Wilkins, defensive tackle, Las Vegas Raiders
- Christian Wilkins contract: 4 years, $110 million
- Christian Wilkins AAV: $27.5 million
- Total Guaranteed: $84.75 million
The Las Vegas Raiders struck big on the first day of NFL free agency, signing former Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. Wilkins, who was not franchised tagged by Miami due to its salary-cap issues, received a four-year contract with a base value of $110 million including $84.75 million guaranteed. Wilkins becomes the third-highest paid defensive tackle in the NFL.
6. Davante Adams, wide receiver, Las Vegas Raiders
- Davante Adams contract: 5 years, $140 million
- Davante Adams salary (2024): $16.89 million
- Davante Adams cap hit (2024): $25.25 million
- Signing Bonus: $19.25 million
- AAV: $28 million
- Davante Adams Career Earnings: $112 million
- Free Agent: 2027
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams is one of the highest-paid wide receivers in NFL history. Following his trade from the Green Bay Packers to the Raiders, Adams signed a five-year deal worth $140 million. Following a $25.35 million cap hit in 2024, Adams will carry a $44.1 million cap hit with a $35.64 million base salary in 2025 and ’26. Adams will be a gree agent in 2027 as a 35-year-old.
Related: NFL power rankings
5. T.J. Watt, edge rusher, Pittsburgh Steelers
- T.J. Watt Contract: 4 years, $112.011 million
- T.J. Watt Salary (2024): $21.05 million
- T.J. Watt cap hit (2024): $30.418 million
- Signing Bonus: $35.593 million
- Average Salary: $28,002,750
- T.J. Watt Career Earnings: $90 million
- Free Agent: 2026
Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt is one of the highest-paid NFL players in 2024. Selected with the 30th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Watt is a four-time first-team All-Pro selection and a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate. He is poised to record his 100th career sack during the 2024 NFL season. Watt has two years left on his contract, becoming an NFL free agent in 2026 as a 32-year-old.
Related: NFL defense rankings
4. Brian Burns, edge rusher, New York Giants
- Brian Burns contract: 5 years, $141 million
- Brian Burns AAV: $28.2 million
- Total Guaranteed: $87.5 million
Less than two years after the Carolina Panthers turned down multiple first-round picks from the Los Angeles Rams for edge rusher Brian Burns, they traded him to the New York Giants for second- and fifth-round picks. Burns landed a new contract with the deal, signing a five-year, $11 million extension. He joins the growing list of the highest-paid NFL players in 2024 landing market-setting contracts. In the first two years of his contract, Burns is receiving $66.25 million with $90 million total coming in the first three seasons.
Related: NFL stadium rankings
3. Tyreek Hill, wide receiver, Miami Dolphins – Highest paid NFL receiver
- Tyreek Hill Contract: 4 years, $120 million
- Tyreek Hill salary (2024): $19.665 million
- Tyreek Hill cap hit (2024): $31.323 million
- Signing Bonus: $25.5 million
- Average Salary: $28.25 million
- Tyreek Hill Career Earnings: $93 million
- Free Agent: 2027
Tyreek Hill is the highest paid wide receiver in NFL history. Acquired by the Miami Dolphins ahead of the 2022 season from the Kansas City Chiefs, Hill set the NFL record for the highest-paid pass-catcher, becoming the first wide receiver to average a $30 million salary. Heading into his age-30 season, Hill has hinted that he may retire when his contract expires after 2026.
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2. Chris Jones, defensive tackle, Kansas City Chiefs
- 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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1. Nick Bosa, edge rusher, San Francisco 49ers – Highest-paid defensive player
- 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).
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, which you can find here.
- Nick Bosa, 49ers — $34.0 million AAV
- Chris Jones, Chiefs – $31.75 million AAV
- Tyreek Hill, Dolphins – $30M AAV
- Brian Burns, Giants – $28.2M AAV
- T.J. Watt, Steelers – $28.02M AAV
- Davante Adams, Raiders – $28M AAV
- Christian Wilkins, Raiders – $27.5M AAV
- Joey Bosa, Chargers – $27M AAV
- Cooper Kupp, Rams – $26.7M AAV
- Laremy Tunsil, Texans – $25M AAV
- Myles Garrett, Browns – $25M AAV
- A.J. Brown, Eagles – $25M AAV
- Montez Sweat, Bears – $24.5M AAV
- Justin Madubuike, Ravens – $24.5M AAV
- Danielle Hunter, Texans – $24.5M AAV
- Josh Allen, Jaguars – $24.007M AAV
- Rashaan Gary, Packers – $24M AAV
- Stefon Diggs, Bills – $24M AAV
- D.K. Metcalf, Seahawks – $24M AAV
- Quinnen Williams, Jets – $24M AAV
- Derrick Brown, Panthers — $24M 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 – $16.016 million AAV,
- Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints – $15 million AAV
- Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts – $14 million AAV
- Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns – $12.2 million AAV
- Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles — $12.58 million AAV
- Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers – $12 million AAV
Related: Best NFL Draft classes ever
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 $16.016 million per season.
Highest paid wide receivers in NFL
- Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins — $30 million average annual value
- Davante Adams, Las Vegas Raiders — $28 million AAV
- Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams — $26.7 million AAV
- A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles — $25 million AAV
- DK Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks — $24 million AAV
- Stefon Diggs, Buffalo Bills — $24 million AAV
- Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers — $23.85 million AAV
- Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts – $23.3 million AAV
- Calvin Ridley, Tennessee Titans — $23.0 million AAV
- Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders — $22.788 million AAV
Who is the paid wide receiver in the NFL?
Tyreek Hill is the highest paid wide receiver in the NFL in 2023, earning a $30 million average salary each season. The Miami Dolphins wide receiver signed a four-year, $120 million contract in 2022.
Highest paid tight ends in NFL
- Darren Waller, New York Giants – $17 million AAV
- T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings – $16.5 million AAV
- George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers – $15 million AAV
- Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs – $14.312 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
- Dawson Knox, Buffalo Bills — $13 million AAV
- Cole Kmet, Chicago Bears – $12.5 million AAV
Who is the paid tight end in the NFL?
Darren Waller is the highest paid tight end in the NFL, earning a $17 million average annual salary from the New York Giants entering the 2024 season.
Highest paid offensive linemen in NFL
- Laremy Tunsil, Houston Texans – $25 million AAV
- Andrew Thomas, New York Giants – $23.5 million AAV
- Trent Williams, San Francisco 49ers – $23.01 million AAV
- Jordan Mailata, Philadelphia Eagles — $22 million AAV
- Chris Lindstrom, Atlanta Falcons – $20.5 million AAV
- Lane Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles – $20.187 million AAV
- Robert Hunt, Carolina Panthers – $20 million AAV
- Quenton Nelson, Indianapolis Colts – $20 million AAV
- Jawaan Taylor, Kansas City Chiefs – $20 million AAV
- Ronnie Stanley, Baltimore Ravens – $19.75 million AAV
Who is the highest paid offensive lineman in the NFL?
Laremy Tunsil is the highest paid offensive lineman in the NFL, earning an average annual salary of $25 million per season. Tunsil is under contract through 2026.
Who is the highest paid offensive guard in the NFL?
Chris Lindstrom is the highest paid guard in the NFL right now, earning an average annual salary of $20.5 million per season. The Atlanta Falcons guard signed a five-year, $102.5 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons in 2023 and is under contract through 2028.
Who is the highest paid offensive tackle in the NFL?
Houston Texans left tackle Laremy Tunsil is the highest paid offensive tackle in the NFL. Tunsil has twice signed contracts that made him one of the highest paid NFL players.
Highest paid defensive linemen in NFL
- Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers — $34 million AAV
- Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs – $31.75 million AAV
- Brian Burns, New York Giants – $28.2 million AAV
- Christian Wilkins, Las Vegas Raiders – $27.5 million AAV
- Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns – $25 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
- Maxx Crosby, Las Vegas Raiders – $23.5 million AAV
- Jeffery Simmons, Tennessee Titans – $23.5 million AAV
Related: Highest-paid WNBA players
Highest paid edge rushers in NFL
- Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers — $34 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
- Josh Allen, Jacksonville Jaguars – $24.007 million AAV (franchise tag)
- Rashan Gary, Green Bay Packers – $24 million AAV
- Maxx Crosby, Las Vegas Raiders – $23.5 million AAV
- Khalil Mack, Los Angeles Chargers – $23.5 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
- C.J. Mosley, New York Jets – $17 million AAV
- Foyesada Oluokun, Jacksonville Jaguars – $15 million AAV
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
- Jaire Alexander, Green Bay Packers – $21 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
- L’Jarius Sneed, Kansas City Chiefs – $19.1 million AAV
- Jaylon Johnson, Chicago Bears – $19 million AAV
- Jalen Ramsey, Miami Dolphins – $18.33 million AAV
- Carlton Davis, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – $14.833 million AAV
- Darius Slay, Philadelphia Eagles – $14 million AAV
Who is the highest paid cornerback in the NFL?
Jaire Alexander is the highest-paid NFL cornerback, earning a $21 million average annual salary. Alexander is under contract through 2026, earning $30 million guaranteed over the life of his contract.
Highest paid safety in NFL
- Derwin James, Los Angeles Chargers – $19 million AAV
- Minkah Fitzpatrick, Pittsburgh Steelers – $18.4 million AAV
- Antoine Winfield Jr, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – $17.123 million AAV (franchise tag)
- 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?
Derwin James is the highest paid safety in the NFL. The Los Angeles Chargers All-Pro safety has a $19 million average annual salary, with $42 million guaranteed. Derwin James will be a free agent in 2027.
10 longest field goals in NFL history
Highest paid kicker in NFL
- Justin Tucker, Baltimore Ravens – $6 million AAV
- Jake Elliott, Philadelphia Eagles — $6 million AAV
- Matt Gay, Indianapolis Colts – $5.625 million AAV
- Graham Gano, New York Giants – $5.5 million AAV
- Ka’imi Fairbairn, Houston Texans – $5.3 million AAV
- Jason Myers, Seattle Seahawks – $5.275 million AAV
- Tyler Bass, Buffalo Bills – $5.25 million AAV
- Chris Boswell, Pittsburgh Steelers — $5 million AAV
- Younghoe Koo, Atlanta Falcons – $4.85 million AAV
- Daniel Carlson, Las Vegas Raiders – $4.6 million AAV
- Jason Sanders Miami Dolphins – $4.4 million AAV
Related: NFL kicker rankings
Who is the highest paid kicker in the NFL?
Justin Tucker is the highest paid kicker in the NFL, earning. a $6 million average annual salary. Tucker is also the highest paid kicker in NFL history. Tucker isn’t a free agent until 2028.
Who is the highest paid punter in the NFL?
Michael Dixon 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.
