Are These the Most Overpaid Players in the NFL?

I don’t know that there are many “underpaid” NFL players, but there are certainly a few who are continuously criticized for costing a team too much. Here are our picks for the 30 most overpaid players. Do you agree with our picks?

Von Miller

The Bills’ edge, Von Miller, is 35 years old and has struggled to put up the kind of defensive play Buffalo wants to see. He has a six-year, $120 million contract and failed to sack any QBs in 2023. He was basically paid $6.7 million per tackle last year. That’s a cushy gig!

Michael Onwenu

No disrespect meant to OT Michael Onwenu of the Patriots, but he’s earning a weirdly high salary for his relatively uneventful career. He’s 26 and has no major accolades or accomplishments under his belt, yet he’s bringing in around $19 million per year. He must have a great agent!

Deshaun Watson

It’s time to check on the Cleveland Browns. How’s the sixth-highest-paid QB in the league doing? Well, Deshaun Watson has thrown 14 touchdown passes and had 11 of them intercepted since 2021, so fans are starting to question his salary.

Cam Robinson

It seems unlikely that the Jaguars will sign Cam Robinson to an extension when his deal with them runs out at the end of this season. He’s costing them $21.9 million and has never been All-Pro or Pro Bowl. He’s unreliable, to say the least.

Jonathan Taylor

The Colts’ running back, Jonathan Taylor, is costing them $28 million over the next two seasons. He’s had one good season so far of the four he’s played, which has led many people to question why he’s bringing in so much money.

Justin Reid

The Chiefs have a lot of the highest-paid players in the league on their roster, so it’s weird that they’ve still got the good-not-great safety Justin Reid chewing up such a massive salary. With their serious dynasty ambitions, it seems like the Chiefs would be more careful with their finances.

Dak Prescott

By some metrics, Dak Prescott is the highest-paid player in the league, given that he’ll be taking home a cool $60 million this season. He’s exceptionally good, there’s no doubt about that. But is he luxury tax good? It’s hard to shake the image of him throwing interceptions during a playoff game that the Cowboys lost last season.

Jaire Alexander

Alexander is good in his role as a CB for the Packers, but he’s having some trouble staying healthy. He’s missed the majority of two of the last three seasons while still taking down a hefty $21 million per year. That’s gotta sting for the Packers!

Grady Jarrett

It isn’t 2019 anymore, so why is Grady Jarrett going to make $40.8 million across the next two seasons? The guy has only 9 sacks since 2021, making him easily one of the most overpaid defensive players in the league. The Falcons need to figure it out.

Nick Bosa

Nick Bosa is a controversial figure, to say the least. He’s also one of the very few players on the 49ers team who is earning an outsized salary compared to his performance. He was excellent in prior years, but his numbers dropped dramatically in 2023. It’s starting to become unclear why he’s the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL.

Russell Wilson

Russell Wilson’s blockbuster contract extension in 2022 was met with high expectations, but his performance with the Broncos was very underwhelming. Now with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Wilson is desperate to get his career back on track.

Kenny Golladay

Kenny Golladay’s tenure with the Giants was a massive disappointment. After signing a four-year, $72 million contract in 2021, he struggled with injuries and poor performance, culminating in his release. His salary was far too high for the minimal production.

Michael Thomas

Once regarded as an elite receiver, injuries have plagued Michael Thomas in recent years. While still commanding a large contract from his 2019 extension, he has been unable to replicate his past success.

Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers is a future Hall of Famer, but his contract in New York carries a hefty price tag for a player nearing the end of his career. His $50 million per year deal weighs heavily on the Jets, especially considering his injury issues in recent seasons.

Ezekiel Elliott

After receiving a massive $90 million extension in Dallas, Ezekiel Elliott’s production began to decline. He eventually parted ways with the Cowboys in 2022, but then returned to the team in 2024.

Christian Kirk

While Christian Kirk has shown flashes of brilliance, his $72 million contract raised eyebrows across the league. Despite his solid performance, he hasn’t established himself as a true WR1, making his deal look excessive.

Baker Mayfield

Baker Mayfield’s career has been inconsistent since being drafted first overall in 2018. Though he has moved between teams, his contracts still reflect the potential he was once thought to have, even if his on-field play hasn’t consistently supported it.

Joey Bosa

Joey Bosa is undeniably talented, but his injuries and inconsistent play have prevented him from living up to his $135 million contract. The Chargers have been patient, but Bosa’s frequent absences have hurt their defense.

Chandler Jones

Chandler Jones signed a lucrative three-year, $51 million deal with the Raiders in 2022 but was released in 2023 following off-the-field issues.

Carson Wentz

After several unsuccessful stints, including with the Colts and Commanders, Carson Wentz continues to earn paychecks based on his past rather than his recent form. Now the backup to Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City, his steep contracts have never quite aligned with his performances post-Philadelphia.

Leonard Williams

Leonard Williams’ talent is undeniable, but his production has not matched the $63 million extension he received from the Giants before being traded to Seattle. For a player with elite potential, he hasn’t delivered the game-changing impact expected.

Khalil Mack

Khalil Mack’s 2022 trade to the Chargers came with a massive contract that his production has not fully justified. Despite still being a great player, his output isn’t in line with his $141 million deal, especially as he enters the latter stages of his career.

Hunter Henry

Hunter Henry signed a hefty deal with the Patriots in 2021 but hasn’t lived up to the high price tag. While his performance has been decent, he hasn’t been playing at a level that justifies his $37.5 million contract.

Jared Goff

This may be controversial, to say the least. While Jared Goff has played very solid since joining the Detroit Lions, his $134 million extension still looms large over the team. But, if they manage to win a Super Bowl in the next couple of years, no one will question a thing!

Amari Cooper

While Amari Cooper is still productive, his $100 million deal with the Cowboys (before being traded to Cleveland) set an unsustainable market value. His current contract is still hefty for a player whose production, while solid, isn’t game-changing.

DeMarcus Lawrence

DeMarcus Lawrence’s $105 million contract extension in 2019 set a high bar, but unfortunately, injuries and inconsistent play have made it difficult for him to justify the massive paycheck.

J.C. Jackson

J.C. Jackson was highly sought after in 2022, landing a five-year, $82.5 million contract with the Chargers before being traded back to New England. His lack of production and injuries have made his contract one of the most regrettable in recent years.

Bud Dupree

Dupree signed a five-year, $85 million deal with the Titans in 2021 but didn’t live up to the price tag due to injuries and inconsistent play. Now with the Chargers, his previous deal still stands as one of the more questionable contracts.

Robby Anderson

Anderson signed a two-year, $29.5 million extension with the Panthers in 2021 but failed to live up to expectations. He’s bounced around in recent years but now plays for the Miami Dolphins.

D’Andre Swift

The Chicago Bears signed D’Andre Swift in free agency, offering him a three-year contract worth $84 million. While D’Andre has been a great player throughout his career, he has never been able to play a full 17-game NFL season.