Quarterbacks usually earn the highest salaries of any player on their team. As such, many fans like to look at the league’s payroll leaving out the QBs so they can get a feel for the most highly valued player in each position. Here are the highest-paid players in the NFL who don’t play as quarterbacks.
Justin Jefferson
The highest-paid wide receiver in the league is the Vikings’ Justin Jefferson, who will be taking home $35 million this year for his agile athleticism. He’s average around 24 points per game in his healthy appearances, making him a serious scoring threat.
Nick Bosa
Defensive end Nick Bosa will earn $34.7 million with the San Francisco 48ers in 2024. Bosa courted controversy when he was picked up by the 49ers in 2019 for his social media posts, many of which included criticism of Colin Kaepernick for protesting police brutality.
Chris Jones
The Chiefs’ defensive tackle, Chris Jones, will earn a stunning $31.7 million for his role with the team. He’s one of many players on the Chiefs’ roster who earns the highest amount in the league for his position, owing partly to his numerous Super Bowl wins.
Penei Sewell
The Lions’ offensive tackle Penei Sewell will earn $30 million in 2024 as part of his ongoing contract. The Lions are looking to make a Super Bowl run this year, so Sewell’s recovery from his rolled ankle will be a hot topic for football fans this season.
Jalen Ramsey
Jalen Ramsey, the cornerback for the Dolphins, will be bringing home $24.1 million this year. He had a good year when he returned from the injured list in 2023, picking up three interceptions in ten starts and defending five passes. Eyes will be on him to improve those numbers and stay healthy for his sky-high salary.
Chris Lindstrom
Guard Chris Lindstrom is the highest-paid man in that role as he offers his services to the Falcons for $21.8 million this year. The six-foot-four, 307-pound athlete is downright unmovable and has proven to be a brick wall for his teammates.
Antoine Winfield Jr.
The Buccaneers’ star safety, Antoine Winfield Jr., will be earning a cool $21.5 million this season. He’s renowned for his speed and quick thinking, making him an ideal competitor. In 2023, he earned NFC Defensive Player of the Week in Week 13 and Player of the Week in Week 18 for his exceptional defensive play.
Roquan Smith
Off-ball linebacker Roquan Smith of the Ravens will earn $20 million this season. Smith, interestingly enough, is the first Ravens player to use the jersey number “0,” making him very easy to spot on a crowded field! Well, that and his six-foot-one frame.
Creed Humphrey
Creed Humphrey, Kansas City’s center, will bring home $18 million this season. The two-time Super Bowl champion and two-time Pro Bowler is known for his durability, muscle, and determination on the field. He’s one of many Kansas City players who earns the most in the league for his role.
Travis Kelce
Tight end Travis Kelce might be the most recognizable football player to people who aren’t fans of football. He’s dating Taylor Swift, which, as everyone knows, is an extremely big deal and something that you should care about. He plays for the Chiefs and will earn $17 million this season.
Read more: The 10 Highest-Paid NFL Quarterbacks of All Time
Harrison Butker
Even the highest-paid kicker in the league, Harrison Bukter, will earn only $6.4 million this season. Don’t feel too bad for him, though, as $6.4 million is far more than most people will make in their entire lifetimes! He’s handling kicking duties for Kansas City this year.
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Luke Rhodes
Long-snapper Luke Rhodes plays for the Indianapolis Colts and is the highest-paid snapper in the league. For his relatively straightforward role on the field, Rhodes will earn $1.67 million this season! That’s a pretty substantial chunk of change for the ability to snap the ball over 15 yards.
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