NFL players are getting paid, and many are breaking league records with their offseason deals.
In July, Patrick Mahomes dethroned Russell Wilson as the highest-paid quarterback — and player — in the league with a new contract from the Kansas City Chiefs. The 10-year deal worth up to $503 million with incentives is the biggest deal in sports history and the first signing over half a billion dollars.
San Francisco 49ers tight end and defending NFC champion George Kittle became the highest-paid player in his position after a five-year extension worth $75 million.
Another player seeing dollar signs is Christian McCaffrey, who signed a four-year, $64 million contract extension with the Carolina Panthers and is taking home an average of $16 million a year, with $38 million guaranteed. The dual threat, who had 1,000 rushing and 1,000 receiving last season and joined the Madden “99 Club,” is now the highest-paid running back.
Here is a complete breakdown of the highest-paid players by position by average salary in the NFL:
Quarterback
- Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
- Average annual salary: $45 million
- Guaranteed: $141.428 million
Running back
- Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers
- Average annual salary: $16 million
- Guaranteed: $38 million
Wide receiver
Tight end
- George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers
- Average annual salary: $15 million
- Guaranteed: $40 million
Offensive lineman
Linebacker
Defensive lineman
Safety
- Eddie Jackson, Chicago Bears
- Average annual salary: $14.6 million
- Guaranteed: $33 million