Quarterbacks
In the world of professional football, quarterbacks often command the highest salaries, and recent figures highlight this trend. Joe Burrow currently holds the highest three-year average annual pay (APY) at $62.9 million. His total guaranteed money stands at an impressive $219.01 million, reflecting his value to his team.
Close behind Burrow, Jared Goff has a three-year APY of $57.3 million, while Trevor Lawrence is slightly lower with $55 million. Deshaun Watson, known for his strong performance and potential, secured a staggering $230 million in total guaranteed money, the highest among his peers. Patrick Mahomes, one of the league's most electrifying players, boasts $208.1 million in total guaranteed money, underscoring his importance to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Running Backs
The financial landscape for running backs is markedly different from that of quarterbacks. Christian McCaffrey leads his position with a three-year APY of $17.2 million and total guaranteed money of $36.3 million. This places him at the pinnacle of running back earnings.
Following McCaffrey, Jonathan Taylor has secured a three-year APY of $14 million, while Alvin Kamara earns $12.7 million over the same period. The significant drop from quarterback figures to those of running backs highlights the difference in perceived value at these positions.
Wide Receivers
Wide receivers, another crucial element of any offense, also see substantial compensation. Justin Jefferson stands out with a three-year APY of $35 million and total guaranteed money of $110 million, making him one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the league.
A.J. Brown follows Jefferson with a three-year APY of $32 million and $84 million in total guaranteed money. Amon-Ra St. Brown rounds out the top earners in this category with a three-year APY of $30 million and $77 million in total guaranteed money.
Tight Ends
At the tight end position, Travis Kelce leads with a three-year APY of $17.1 million, showcasing his value as a premier player in his role. Meanwhile, T.J. Hockenson has secured $42.5 million in total guaranteed money, reflecting his rising stature.
Offensive Linemen
Among offensive linemen, Penei Sewell stands out with a remarkable $28 million annual earning over the next three years, along with $85 million in total guaranteed money. Chris Lindstrom earns $21.8 million in three-year APY, reflecting his key role in the offensive line setup. Frank Ragnow's three-year APY stands at $14 million.
Among guards, Robert Hunt leads with an impressive $63 million in guaranteed money, highlighting his importance on the offensive line.
Defensive Players
Turning to defense, not all positions see equivalent compensation. Cornerbacks like Jaire Alexander have a three-year APY of $21.8 million. Denzel Ward and Jalen Ramsey have $71.25 million and $71.2 million in guaranteed money, respectively, making them some of the most financially secured defensive players.
At safety, Antoine Winfield Jr. has a three-year APY of $21.03 million, with $45 million in total guaranteed money. Additionally, Derwin James Jr. and Minkah Fitzpatrick are recognized among the high earners in the safety position.
Edge rushers see some of the highest earnings among defensive players. Nick Bosa leads with a three-year APY of $34.7 million and $119.9 million in total guaranteed money. T.J. Watt follows with a three-year APY of $30.5 million.
Defensive tackles such as Chris Jones command high salaries, with a three-year APY of $31.7 million and $101 million in guaranteed money. Aaron Donald and Christian Wilkins are also noted as top players in this category.
For off-ball linebackers, Roquan Smith is a standout with a three-year APY of $20 million and $60 million in guaranteed money. Fred Warner and Tremaine Edmunds are also recognized for their surpassing contracts.
Special Teams
Special teams players, though often less highlighted, also secure notable earnings. Kicker Justin Tucker leads the way with a three-year APY of $6.2 million and $17.5 million in guaranteed money. Punter Michael Dickson follows with a $3.9 million APY and $8.5 million in guaranteed funds. Long snapper Luke Rhodes rounds out the special teams top earners with a three-year APY of $1.67 million.
In conclusion, player salaries in professional football vary widely across positions, reflecting the differing impacts each role has on the game. Quarterbacks continue to command the highest pay, while other positions have standout earners who set the bar in their respective roles. This financial landscape underscores the diverse valuation of talent and roles within the sport.