Quarterbacks
The landscape of NFL quarterbacks is shaped by staggering contracts that highlight both promise and delivery. Joe Burrow leads the pack with the highest three-year average per year (APY) at $62.9 million. His lucrative deal also includes a total guaranteed amount of $219.01 million. Following Burrow is Jared Goff, boasting a three-year APY of $57.3 million. Trevor Lawrence isn't far behind with an APY of $55 million over three years, reflecting confidence in his burgeoning talent.
Among these quarterbacks, Deshaun Watson stands out with $230 million in total guaranteed money, the highest in the league. In comparison, Patrick Mahomes has $208.1 million in guaranteed contracts, signifying his undeniable value to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Running Backs
The running back position, known for its physical toll, sees Christian McCaffrey at the forefront with a three-year APY of $17.2 million and total guaranteed money of $36.3 million. Jonathan Taylor follows with a three-year APY of $14 million, while Alvin Kamara, demonstrating consistent performances for the New Orleans Saints, has an APY of $12.7 million over the next three years.
Wide Receivers
Wide receivers are becoming increasingly valuable in today’s pass-heavy NFL. Justin Jefferson set a high bar with a three-year APY of $35 million and $110 million in total guaranteed money. A.J. Brown, with a three-year APY of $32 million and $84 million guaranteed, shows the investment Philadelphia Eagles have made in his playmaking abilities. Amon-Ra St. Brown rounds out the top performers with an APY of $30 million and guaranteed contracts totaling $77 million.
Tight Ends
Tight ends serve as versatile weapons in modern offenses. Travis Kelce leads in three-year APY at $17.1 million, illuminating his critical role in the Kansas City Chiefs' offense. Meanwhile, T.J. Hockenson stands out with $42.5 million in total guaranteed money, highlighting the premium placed on his reliability and potential.
Offensive Linemen
The backbone of any solid offense is the line. Penei Sewell’s earnings reflect this importance, with an annual $28 million over the next three years and $85 million guaranteed. Chris Lindstrom follows with a three-year APY of $21.8 million. Frank Ragnow makes the list with a $14 million APY. Among guards, Robert Hunt leads in total guaranteed money with $63 million, underscoring his critical role in protecting the quarterback and opening up the run game.
Defensive Players
Cornerbacks
Jaire Alexander is a cornerstone for the Green Bay Packers' secondary, with a three-year APY of $21.8 million. Denzel Ward and Jalen Ramsey are close in total guaranteed money, with $71.25 million and $71.2 million respectively, serving as anchors for their respective defenses.
Safeties
The safety position demands versatile players who can cover ground and enforce the run. Antoine Winfield Jr. exemplifies this, with a three-year APY of $21.03 million and $45 million in guaranteed money. Derwin James Jr. and Minkah Fitzpatrick also remain top earners, reflecting their impact on the game.
Edge Rushers
Nick Bosa dominates the edge with a three-year APY of $34.7 million and an impressive $119.9 million in guaranteed contracts. T.J. Watt closely follows with a three-year APY of $30.5 million, emphasizing the value placed on players who can disrupt the opposing quarterback.
Defensive Tackles
Chris Jones commands the interior with a three-year APY of $31.7 million and $101 million guaranteed. Aaron Donald and Christian Wilkins are also pivotal players in their teams' defensive schemes, continuing to make their presence felt in every game.
Off-Ball Linebackers
Roquan Smith leads off-ball linebackers with a three-year APY of $20 million, supported by $60 million in guaranteed money. Fred Warner and Tremaine Edmunds also secure surpassing contracts, underlining their essential roles in both pass coverage and run defense.
Special Teams
Special teams players often go unnoticed, but their contributions do not go unrewarded. Kicker Justin Tucker sets the standard with a three-year APY of $6.2 million and $17.5 million in guaranteed money. Punter Michael Dickson leads his position with an APY of $3.9 million and $8.5 million guaranteed. Long snapper Luke Rhodes rounds out the special teams, earning $1.67 million in three-year APY.
In conclusion, these contracts underscore the high stakes and immense values placed on NFL players across various positions, reflecting their integral roles in their teams' successes.