NFL Player Salaries: Highest Paid at Every Position

The landscape of the NFL is continuously evolving, with player salaries reflecting the changing priorities and values across various positions. As we delve into the highest-paid players at each position for 2025, it becomes apparent that specific roles, once considered supplementary, are garnering significant financial recognition, alongside traditionally dominant positions like quarterback and wide receiver. This list explores these financial milestones, indicating both individual excellence and broader trends within the league. Figures provided by SI.com.

Special Teams Player: KaVontae Turpin, Dallas Cowboys

Full guarantee: $5.5 million

KaVontae Turpin holds the distinction of being the highest-paid special teams player in the NFL after signing a three-year, $18 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys in 2025. Known for his explosive return ability and versatility, Turpin has earned two Pro Bowl selections for his special teams impact.

Punter: Michael Dickson, Seattle Seawhawks

Full guarantee: $7.5 million

Michael Dickson of the Seattle Seahawks is the highest-paid NFL punter in 2025, earning $3.7 million annually under a new four-year extension through 2029 worth up to $16.2 million. He leads the position with accolades including First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections. Despite this, punters still earn far less than other skill positions.

Place-Kicker, Harrison Butker, Kansas City Chiefs

Full guarantee: $17.7 million

In 2025, Harrison Butker leads all NFL place-kickers with an annual salary of $6.4 million, signing a four-year, $25.6 million extension with the Kansas City Chiefs. Butker boasts the second-highest field goal accuracy in NFL history at 88.6% and holds the Super Bowl record for most field goals made with nine. Not far behind are Jake Elliott and Justin Tucker, earning $6 million each, with Tucker recognized as the most accurate kicker historically but currently unsigned due to a suspension.

Safety: Antoine Winfield Jr., Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Full guarantee: $45 million

Winfield is an All-Pro safety who is leading a Buccaneers defense worthy of reaching the playoffs every year since 2020. At 26 years old, it’s arguable Winfield is only going to get better for the next few seasons. Through five years, he has racked up 17 sacks, 11 forced fumbles and seven interceptions.

Cornerback: Derek Stingley Jr., Houston Texans

Full guarantee: $89 million

Stingley signed a new deal this offseason, worth $89 million guaranteed across five seasons, including the last two of his rookie deal, giving him a five-year contract worth $114 million.  

Outside Linebacker: Josh Hines-Allen, Jacksonville Jaguars

The highest-paid linebacker in the NFL is Josh Allen of the Jacksonville Jaguars, earning $28.25 million per year after signing a five-year, $141.25 million deal. Outside linebackers like Allen and T.J. Watt, who earn over $28 million annually, dominate top salaries due to their pass-rushing impact. Inside linebackers generally earn less, though players like Fred Warner hold significant contracts at $21 million.

Inside Linebacker: Roquan Smith, Baltimore Ravens

Full guarantee: $60 million

The Bears dealt Smith to the Ravens in 2022, and he’s been awesome ever since. Given a five-year, $100 million deal including $60 million guaranteed, Smith has been a first-team All-Pro each of his two years in Baltimore.

Defensive tackle, Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs

Full guarantee: $95 million

Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs is the highest-paid defensive tackle in 2025, earning $31.75 million per year. His 5-year, $158.75 million extension in 2024 set a new standard for interior defenders, reflecting his status as a dominant force on the defensive line. This contract highlights the premium placed on elite interior defensive play in today’s NFL.

Defensive End/Edge Rusher: Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns

Full guarantee: $123.5 million

Garrett leads as the highest-paid defensive end, earning a historic $40 million annually after signing a four-year, $204.7 million extension in 2025. Maxx Crosby follows with $35.5 million per year with Las Vegas. Other top earners include Danielle Hunter ($35.6M) and Nick Bosa ($34M), reflecting the premium placed on elite edge rushers in today’s NFL.

Center: Creed Humphrey, Kansas City Chiefs

Full guarantee: $50.3 million

Creed Humphrey of the Kansas City Chiefs holds the highest-paid center title in the NFL for 2025, earning $18 million per year. Humphrey’s blend of strength, agility, and leadership makes him an essential anchor for the Chiefs’ offensive line, reflecting the growing strategic importance of the center position. His contract surpasses other top centers like Cam Jurgens ($17 million) and Drew Dalman ($14 million), highlighting Humphrey’s elite status and the premium teams place on centers who manage protections and read defenses effectively.

Guard: Robert Hunt, Carolina Panthers

Full guarantee: $63 million

Hunt signed with Carolina after spending his first four years with the Miami Dolphins. He reached his first Pro Bowl in 2024 with with the Panthers, helping anchor and improve one of the worst offensive lines from the previous season.

Offensive Tackle: Tristan Wirfs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Full guarantee: $88.2 million

Wirfs was a first-round pick in 2020, and he’s become one of the best players in the league. He’s a four-time Pro Bowler and been named All-Pro twice.

Tight End: Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals

Full guarantee: $43 million

McBride has been great for the Cardinals since entering the league in 2022. A second-round pick out of Colorado State, McBride had his best season in ’24, posting 111 receptions for 1,146 yards and two touchdowns, earning him his first Pro Bowl nod. In April, the Cardinals rewarded him with a contract extension totaling $76 million over four seasons.

Running Back: Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles

Full guarantee: $36 million

Saquon Barkley is the highest-paid running back in 2025 after signing a two-year, $41.2 million extension with the Philadelphia Eagles. He earned nearly $36 million guaranteed, reflecting his historic 2,504 rushing yards and 2,857 scrimmage yards in one season. Christian McCaffrey and Derrick Henry follow at $19 million and $15 million per year, respectively.

Wide Receiver: Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals

Full guarantee: $112 million

The highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL for 2025 is Ja’Marr Chase of the Cincinnati Bengals. He signed a historic four-year, $161 million contract with $112 million guaranteed, earning an average annual salary of $40.25 million. Chase led the league in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns in 2024, making him the top-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.

Quarterback: Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills

Full guarantee: $250 million

The highest-paid NFL quarterbacks in 2025 dominate the salary charts, with Dak Prescott leading at $60 million per year on a $240 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys. Other top earners include Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, and Patrick Mahomes, whose historic $450 million deal averages $45 million annually. These elite QBs reflect their positional value, all ranking among the top 15 highest NFL salaries by average yearly pay.

Conclusion

These significant contracts underscore the financial evolution within the NFL, highlighting not only the star power of individual athletes but also the league’s shifting strategies and priorities. The increasing salaries across diverse positions display a commitment to rewarding exceptional skill and strategic importance in both offensive and defensive roles. As the game progresses, so too does its investment in those who define its future, affirming the league’s dynamic nature and the rising value of emerging talents.