What Position Makes The Most in the NFL?- Average NFL Salary List & Highest Paid
We all are familiar with the billion dollar business that is the NFL and the massive amounts of money being made, but which position typically secures more money. This article breaks down the average earners at each position and will highlight the current top earning player at their respective position.
Which NFL position pays the best?
The left tackle is typically paid the most on the team with a league average sitting at $10,878,305.
READ MORE: HOW MUCH ARE UFL PLAYERS PAID?
Average Salary List by Position
According to sources, here is a list of the median average salary in the NFL by position. While there are outliers on the high and low end , this list focuses on the general “pay rate” in 2024.
- Left Tackle: $10,878,305
- Quarterback: $8,817,067
- Right Tackle: $6,341,105
- Strong Safety: $5,869,242
- Free Safety: $5,437,716
- Outside Linebacker: $5,165,598
- Inside Linebacker : $4,380,468
- Edge: $4,286,780
- Defensive End: $3,797,938
- Defense Tackle: $3,599,440
- Wide Receiver: $3,516,042
- LineBacker: $3,454,206
- Guard: $3,450,727
- Center: $3,098,976
- Kicker: $2,866,872
- Safety; $2,847,342
- Tight End: $2,805,837
- Cornerback: $2,757,388
- Running Back: $2,109,488
- Punter: $1,964,909
- Full Back: $1,961,489
- Long Snapper: $1,167,583
Does the Offense or Defense Make More?
On average, the offense makes more with an average median salary of $4,093,817 compared to defensive positions coming in at $3,451,262.
READ MORE : WHAT IS THE MINIMUM NFL SALARY?
Highest Paid NFL Player at Each Position
These numbers reflect the highest paid NFL Players at each position looking at 2024 base salary. Keep in mind that full contract details may account for more money in some cases.
Deshaun Watson (CLE) – $46,000,000
2. Kyler Murray (ARI) – $37,000,000
3. Daniel Jones (NYG) – $35,500,000
Christian McCafferey (SF) – $11,800,000
2. Nick Chubb (CLE) – $11,775,000
3. Alvin Kamara (NO) – $10,200,000
Tee Higgins (CIN) – $21,816,000
2. Deebo Samuel (SF) – $20,972,000
3. Amari Cooper (CLE) – $20,000,000
Travis Kelce (KC) – $12,000,000
2. Darren Waller (NYG) – $10,525,000
3. Taysom Hill (NO) – $10,000,000
Ryan Kelly (IND) – $11,375,000
2. James Daniels (PIT) – $8,250,000
3. Frank Ragnow (DET) – $7,900,000
Jawann Taylor (KC) – $19,500,000
2. Brian O’Neill (MIN) – $14,400,000
3, Taylor Moton (CAR) – $14,300,000
Trent Williams (SF) – $20,050,000
2. Tristan Wirfs (TBB) – $18,244,000
3. Laremy Tunsil (HOU) – $18,000,000
Quenton Nelson (IND) – $19,000,000
2. Joey Thuney (KC) – $15,500,000
3. Chris Lindstrom (ATL) – $12,500,000
Patrick Richard (BAL) – $4,000,000
2. Andrew Beck (HOU) – $2,750,000
3. C.J. Ham (MIN) – $2,400,000
Charvarius Ward (SF) – $12,560,000
2. A.J. Terrell (ATL) – $12,344,000
3. Jamel Dean (TBB) – $12,000,000
Minkah Fitzpatrick (PIT) – $14,500,000
2.Kyle Dugger (NE) – $13,815,000
3. Derwin James (LAC) – $12,750,000
Antoine Winfield Jr. (TBB) – $17,123,000
2. Budda Baker (ARI) – $14,200,000
3. Jessie Bates (ATL) – $13,000,000
DeForest Buckner (IND) – $20,250,000
2. Jeffrey Simmons (TEN) – $16,500,000
3. Kenny Clark (GB) – $15,550,000
Montez Sweat (CHI) – $20,900,000
2. Max Crosby (LV) – $19,010,000
3. Cameron Hayward (PIT) – $16,000,000
Josh Allen (JAC) – $24,007,000
2. T.J. Watt (PIT) – $21,050,000
3. Montez Sweat (CHI) – $20,900,000
Younghoe Koo (ATL) – $4,000,000
2. Harrison Butler (KC) – $3,945,000
3. Matt Gay (IND) – $3,920,000
Josh Harris (LAC) – $1,210,000
2. Reid Ferguson (BUF) – $1,210,000
3. Tyler Ott (WAS) – $1,210,000
A.J. Cole (LV) – $3,017,000
2. Tress Way (WAS) – $3,000,000
3. Bryan Anger (DAL) – $3,000,000
