Top Earning Non-QB NFL Players, Featuring Myles Garrett and the Bengals' $161 Million Superstar
Channeling the Rough-and-Rowdy: Top-Earning Non-QB NFL Stars
While NFL teams splash the cash on quarterbacks like rockstars, linebackers, offensive linemen, and cornerbacks play just as crucial roles on the long road to the Super Bowl. It's a real shame that phenoms like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson won't be featured on this list. But let's give a warm welcome to the big earners who aren't quarterbacks, primarily running backs, edge rushers, and wide receivers.
Saquon Barkley may be underpaid, but the rest of these cats got their hands on some cold, hard cash. Take D.K. Metcalf, for example, who ditched the Steelers for the welcoming arms of Pittsburgh, signing a juicy four-year, $132 million deal. Or CeeDee Lamb, who earned his stripes as a go-to receiver in Dallas, with a massive four-year contract worth $136 million.
There's also Justin Jefferson, a talisman for the Vikings, who brings the bacon home with his impressive 495 receptions, 7,432 yards, and 40 touchdowns in five seasons. Have you heard about J.J. McCarthy? If he lives up to his first-round draft status, Jefferson might become even more dangerous in 2025.
What about the offensive linemen? Tristan Wirfs is getting paid like an All-Pro, with a four-year, $140 million deal, one of the richest in pro football. The defensive players are also seeing green. Brian Burns landed a hefty contract when he joined the Giants, becoming one of the best linebackers in the league.
Joshua Hines-Allen has made a name for himself with the Jaguars, despite playing on one of the NFL's worst teams in 2024. He's averaging a bloated $28 million a year, proving the big money is real.
The defensive stalwarts deserve recognition, too. Chris Jones is an integral part of the Chiefs' dynasty, boasting three rings, six Pro Bowl selections, and three All-Pro honors. He's got more than $125 million in career earnings and is still going strong at 30-years-old.
Then there's Myles Garrett, one of the best defenders in the game, who went with the money and was paid like a six-time Pro Bowler. The "goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton, it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl."
Finally, let's talk about Ja’Marr Chase, who inked a jaw-dropping $161 million contract with the Bengals, instantly skyrocketing him into second place among non-quarterbacks. With an AAV of $41.2 million, he's now one of the top dogs in the NFL.
Nick Bosa remains the most expensive non-quarterback, boasting a $170 million contract, and averaging $34 million a year. He's won both Defensive Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards, making him a force to be reckoned with.
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- In contrast to quarterbacks who receive extravagant salaries, other key NFL players like linebackers, offensive linemen, and cornerbacks also play significant roles in the quest for the Super Bowl.
- D.K. Metcalf, a wide receiver, secured a lucrative four-year, $132 million deal after leaving the Steelers.
- CeeDee Lamb, another star receiver, was rewarded with a whopping four-year contract worth $136 million in Dallas.
- Justin Jefferson, a talented Vikings wide receiver, has amassed an impressive 495 receptions, 7,432 yards, and 40 touchdowns in five seasons.
- Tristan Wirfs, an All-Pro offensive lineman, signed a four-year, $140 million deal, ranking among the richest contracts in professional football.
- Brian Burns, a standout linebacker, landed a hefty contract when he joined the Giants.
- Joshua Hines-Allen, a wide receiver for the Jaguars, is earning a significant $28 million annually despite playing for one of the NFL's poorer teams in 2024.
