The most valuable positions in the NFL

The NFL is a multibillion-dollar industry and players can earn big. However, some certainly earn more than others – it’s not necessarily down to sheer skill, but more the position played and its perceived value. Keep reading for more information on how to get a deal while backing your favorite players and positions.

Quarterbacks

The whole NFL game revolves around quarterbacks and this makes it the highest-paid position. Often, a team will trade up to get a quarterback – and some will even decide to purposely lose to acquire a franchise quarterback. Salary-wise, you’re looking at millions of dollars per year – the average quarterback earns $40m per year. Currently, the highest-paid quarterback is 27-year-old Mason Rudolph, who plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers. It’s believed that he’ll earn a base salary of around $3m in 2022 but in reality, he earns much more than that.

Wide receivers

Wide receivers are well paid because when they make a catch, they can make quarterbacks look good. NFL’s offenses are all built around passing and the quarterbacks need good receivers, making them valuable. The average annual income of a wide receiver is $23m. The highest-paid current wide receiver is Tim Patrick, despite missing the entire 2022-2023 season due to injury. Patrick signed a three-year contract with the Denver Broncos that gives him an average annual salary of $11.3m, just as his base salary.

Edge rushers

Edge rushers seem to increase in value each year. The average salary of the best edge rushers sits at $22m. An example of a very well-paid edge rusher is Joey Bosa, who plays for the Los Angeles Chargers. He signed a five-year contract worth $135m. His average salary each year will be around $27m.

Offensive tackles

Since their role is to protect the quarterbacks, offensive tackles have become a valuable commodity. Without this solid protection for passes, quarterbacks don’t have the time to throw and will be forced to run. Currently, the highest-paid offensive tackle is Tyron Smith, who signed an eight-year contract for a whopping $97,6m for the Dallas Cowboys!

Cornerbacks

Cornerbacks cover the wide receivers wherever they are on the field, and they can be among the NFL’s highest paid. When Jalen Ramsey signed a five-year deal with the Los Angeles Rams, it was a contract worth $100m. Though his base salary is $15m, he will likely earn at least $5m more each year.

Defensive ends

Though quarterbacks are the stars of football, those who chase them earn very well too. The highest-paid defensive end in the NFL is Cameron Heyward, who recently signed a four-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers for $65.6m. This includes an average annual salary of $16.4m.

Defensive tackles

Although players in this position don’t get much attention on the field, they still earn a hefty sum. 28-year-old Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs signed a four-year contract worth $80m, making him the highest-earning defensive tackle. This means an average salary of $20m.

Linebackers

Linebackers have an important role in anchoring the unit and they do a lot of different things on the field. One of the most well-paid linebackers is T.J. Watt, who plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers. When he signed his latest four-year deal, it was for a whopping $112m – though his base salary is $15m.

Safeties

Having a solid safety in a team’s backfield is important to stop passing attacks. These players are the last defense line and are integral to a team’s defense. One of the highest-paid safeties is Justin Simmons, who signed a $61m, four-year contract with the Denver Broncos, giving him a base salary of $15.1m each year.

Punters/kickers

It might come as a surprise to you that punters and kickers are on this list! Though they’re important, they are often not considered because they’re not on the field as much. The highest-paid punter is Rigoberto Sanchez, who has an $11.6m contract with the Indianapolis Colts. The highest-paid kicker is Zane Gonzalez, who signed a two-year deal with the Carolina Panthers for $4.5m.

Final thoughts

No matter the position, it’s safe to say that there’s plenty of money to be had as an NFL player – if you’re good! It’s probably no surprise that quarterbacks are the highest paid, though. After all, they do play an important role in the game! Recently, it has been Deshaun Watson making the news with his new five-year deal worth $230m with the Cleveland Browns!

The most valuable positions in the NFL to NFL Football Blog

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