Who Are the Highest Paid NFL Players? Here's How Much Each Position Makes (Including Who Broke Records with a $240 Million Contract!)

Who Are the Highest Paid NFL Players? Here's How Much Each Position Makes (Including Who Broke Records with a $240 Million Contract!)The NFL boasts some of the highest-paid athletes in the world, including Dak PrescottStory by

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Saquon Barkley ; Ja'Marr Chase ; Dak PrescottNasha SmithSun, November 30, 2025 at 2:00 PM UTC·9 min read

As NFL contracts continue to soar, 2025 has marked a record-breaking year for player salaries across nearly every position.

Quarterbacks and wide receivers remain the most recognizable and lucrative roles, but several offensive linemen, kickers and specialists have also set new benchmarks for their positions.

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While Dak Prescott’s history-making $240 million extension with the Dallas Cowboys made him the highest-paid quarterback by annual salary, the Kansas City Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes has the highest total contract valued at $450 million over 10 years.

Meanwhile, Saquon Barkley’s unprecedented $41.2 million two-year deal redefined the running back market.

Beyond the gridiron, these stars are building empires through endorsement deals, philanthropic efforts and entrepreneurial ventures. Whether it’s George Kittle redefining the value of a tight end or Seattle’s Michael Dickson proving the value of a precise punt, the NFL’s top earners are shaping both the business and culture of the sport.

Here’s a look at the highest-paid players at every position in 2025, based on annual salary.

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01 of 14

The highest-paid quarterback: Dak Prescott

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Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys looks to pass against the Green Bay Packers during the second half of the NFC Wild Card playoff game at AT&T Stadium on January 14, 2024 in Dallas, Texas

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott leads the list with one of the NFL’s most lucrative contracts and a growing list of endorsements.

After being drafted out of Mississippi State University in the fourth round in 2016, Prescott signed a four-year, $160 million deal with Dallas in 2021, which included $126 million guaranteed and a then-record-breaking $66 million signing bonus.

He re-upped in 2024 with a four-year, $240 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history.

02 of 14

The highest-paid running back: Saquon Barkley

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Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles smiles during the Philadelphia Eagles Training Camp at NovaCare Complex on July 28, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley had his best season to date in 2024, culminating in a Super Bowl championship in February 2025.

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The former New York Giants star signed with the Eagles in March 2024 for three years and $38 million and made an immediate impact. He rushed for 2,504 yards in the combined regular and postseason and broke the single-season record.

His efforts were rewarded with a two-year, $41.2 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history. The historic deal includes a guaranteed $36 million, which makes Barkley the first NFL running back to earn more than $20 million per year, according to ESPN.

03 of 14

The highest-paid wide receiver: Ja’Marr Chase

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Ja'Marr Chase #1 of the Cincinnati Bengals lines up for a play in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Paycor Stadium on December 28, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio

Ja’Marr Chase has been electrifying fans at Paycor Stadium and around the league since he was drafted fifth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.

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In 2025, the Cincinnati Bengals’ star wide receiver signed a four-year, $161 million deal that includes $112 million in guaranteed money. His record-setting annual average salary of $40.25 million was the highest for a non-quarterback at the time.

On Nov. 17, Chase was suspended for one game after he spit on another player, costing him his weekly paycheck and bonus, which amounted to $507,156, per CBS Sports.

04 of 14

The highest-paid tight end: George Kittle

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George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates after a touchdown on October 08, 2023 in Santa Clara, California.

George Kittle was a fifth-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in 2017 and has since proved his worth, becoming a six-time Pro Bowler and a first-team All-Pro in 2019 and 2023.

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The 49ers recognized his feats with a whopping four-year $76.4 million extension, making him the highest-paid tight end ever.

05 of 14

The highest-paid offensive tackle: Rashawn Slater

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Rashawn Slater #70 of the Los Angeles Chargers prior to an NFL football game on October 29, 2023 in Inglewood, California.

Rashawn Slater was selected 13th overall by the Los Angeles Chargers in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and the team has been reaping the rewards ever since.

The two-time Pro Bowl selection signed a four-year $114 million contract extension that includes $92 million guaranteed, per ESPN, making him the highest-paid offensive lineman by average annual pay in NFL history.

06 of 14

The highest-paid guard: Tyler Smith

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Tyler Smith #73 of the Dallas Cowboys prior to an NFL football game on September 22, 2024 in Arlington, Texas.

Tyler Smith hit the ground running when the Cowboys drafted him in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft.

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As a rookie, he started in all 17 games and was part of the PFWA All-Rookie Team. In September 2025, Smith signed a four-year contract extension worth $96 million, including $81.2 million guaranteed.

The guard became the highest-paid interior lineman in NFL history with the most guaranteed money ever for a guard in the league.

07 of 14

The highest-paid center: Creed Humphrey

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Creed Humphrey #52 of the Kansas City Chiefs walks off the field during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on January 7, 2024 in Inglewood, California.

Creed Humphrey brought his talents from the University of Oklahoma to the Chiefs in 2021 as a second-round draft pick.

In Humphrey’s tenure with the team, he made the 2021 PFWA All-Rookie Team, has been named to three Pro Bowls and is a two-time Super Bowl Champion. The Chiefs made him the highest-paid center in NFL history in 2024 with a four-year, $72 million contract extension, $50 million guaranteed.

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08 of 14

The highest-paid cornerback: Sauce Gardner

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Sauce Gardner speaks following the NFL 2025 game between Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts at Olympiastadion on November 09, 2025 in Berlin

Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner had a splashy NFL debut. The New York Jets made the cornerback the fourth overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, and he lived up to the hype.

While the Jets reaffirmed their commitment to Gardner with a four-year, $120.4 million extension in July 2025, they traded the player to the Indianapolis Colts in a shocking move the following November.

Per ESPN, the Colts are responsible for paying only a prorated amount of Gardner's $1.25 million base salary in 2025, but their financial commitment will increase in 2026.

09 of 14

The highest-paid safety: Kyle Hamilton

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Kyle Hamilton #14 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts during an NFL Football game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on November 25, 2024 in Inglewood, Califorina

Safety Kyle Hamilton has established himself as one of the most versatile players in the game. The Baltimore Ravens’ fourth-year star has made the Pro Bowl and All-Pro teams each of the past two seasons.

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His persistence paid off when the Ravens offered him a four-year, $100.4 million extension, with $82 million guaranteed. It is the largest contract for a safety in NFL history, and the guarantee shatters the previous record of $45 million for a safety.

10 of 14

The highest-paid edge rusher: Micah Parsons

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Micah Parsons #1 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates after the Packers beat the Detroit Lions 27-13 at Lambeau Field on September 07, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin

The Cowboys pulled off a blockbuster trade in 2025 when they dealt their four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers.

The Packers didn’t waste any time in signing Parsons to a four-year, $188 million contract that includes $120 million of guaranteed money at signing and $136 million in total guarantees.

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The large compensation package makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, surpassing Chase.

11 of 14

The highest-paid defensive tackle: Chris Jones

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Chris Jones #95 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Huntington Bank Field on December 15, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Chris Jones has been a powerhouse for the Chiefs ever since they drafted him as a second-round pick (37th overall) in 2016. He is a six-time Pro Bowl selection and has also been named to the All-Pro team six times.

His production has helped lead the Chiefs to three Super Bowl championships. The Chiefs have continued to back him with big-money extensions over the years. The latest came in 2024: a five-year, $158.75 million deal with $101 million guaranteed.

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12 of 14

The highest-paid off-ball linebacker: Fred Warner

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Fred Warner #54 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates a fumble recovery against the New Orleans Saints during the second half in the game at Caesars Superdome on September 14, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Linebacker Fred Warner has been a key piece in the 49ers’ two most recent Super Bowl appearances in 2020 and 2024.

The 49ers acknowledged his strong performances with a three-year, $63 million contract extension in 2025. The deal keeps the player in the Bay Area through the 2029 season.

13 of 14

The highest-paid kicker: Harrison Butker

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Harrison Butker #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs warms up prior to Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, NV

The Chiefs signed Harrison Butker to a four-year, $25.6 million extension in 2024, making him the highest-paid kicker in NFL history.

The deal includes $17.75 million guaranteed, averaging $6.4 million per year. Butker represented himself and confirmed the news on X, writing, “There’s no place I’d rather be than with the Chiefs.”

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Since joining Kansas City in 2017, Butker has built a reputation for clutch postseason performances, including game-winning field goals in two Super Bowls.

14 of 14

The highest-paid punter: Michael Dickson

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Seattle Seahawks punter Michael Dickson #4 looks on before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lumen Field on November 23, 2023 in Seattle, Washington

Michael Dickson has been a steady hand, or rather foot, for the Seattle Seahawks since they drafted him in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Dickson earned a Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro selection as a rookie and has remained a cornerstone of Seattle’s special teams unit. In June 2025, the Seahawks rewarded his consistency with a four-year, $16.2 million contract extension, including $10.2 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid punter in the NFL.

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