The National Football League (NFL) is a multi-billion-dollar industry, with its top players raking in massive salaries. The league’s salary cap has more than doubled in the last decade, reaching over $300 million per team heading into the 2026 season. This significant increase in pay has led to a surge in contract negotiations, with teams willing to spend big to retain their star players.

Quarterbacks

Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs’ star quarterback, tops the list of highest-paid players at his position. His revised contract, signed in 2026, adds two years to his existing deal and makes him the highest-paid quarterback in average annual value, with a total contract worth $504.75 million. Mahomes’ new deal surpasses Dak Prescott’s previous record of $60 million per year, making him the first player in NFL history to sign a contract worth over $500 million.

Other notable quarterbacks on the list include Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Trevor Lawrence, Jordan Love, and Matthew Stafford, who all hold $55 million average annual value (AAV) deals. These players have proven themselves to be among the best in the league, and their contracts reflect their value to their respective teams.

Running Backs

At the running back position, Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles takes the top spot. His two-year, $41.2 million contract, signed in 2025, reflects his outstanding performance in the 2024 season, during which he earned NFL Offensive Player of the Year, an All-Pro honor, and was the rushing leader. Barkley’s historic season included setting the league record for most rushing yards in a single season (2,504), including playoffs.

Other notable running backs on the list include Dalvin Cook, Christian McCaffrey, Alvin Kamara, and Ezekiel Elliott, who all hold significant contracts. These players have demonstrated their ability to dominate on the field, and their salaries reflect their value to their teams.

Wide Receivers

Jaxon Smith-Njigba of the Seattle Seahawks leads the list of highest-paid wide receivers, with a four-year, $168.8 million contract signed in 2026. Smith-Njigba’s breakout season in 2025, during which he had 119 receptions and 1,793 receiving yards, a league high, along with 10 touchdowns in the regular season, earned him the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year award.

Other notable wide receivers on the list include Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams, DeAndre Hopkins, and Stefon Diggs, who all hold significant contracts. These players have consistently demonstrated their ability to make big plays on the field, and their salaries reflect their value to their teams.

Tight Ends

At the tight end position, George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers takes the top spot. His four-year, $76.4 million contract, signed in 2025, reflects his outstanding performance on the field, during which he earned seven Pro Bowl honors and two first-team All-Pro awards. Kittle’s injuries in 2025 did not detract from his overall value, and he remains one of the best tight ends in the league.

Other notable tight ends on the list include Travis Kelce, Zach Ertz, and Kyle Pitts, who all hold significant contracts. These players have consistently demonstrated their ability to make big plays on the field, and their salaries reflect their value to their teams.

Offensive Linemen

The highest-paid offensive linemen on the list include Laremy Tunsil of the Washington Commanders, with a two-year, $60.2 million contract signed in 2026. Tunsil’s five Pro Bowl honors and 139 consecutive starts demonstrate his exceptional ability on the field. Other notable offensive linemen on the list include David Bakhtiari, Ronnie Stanley, and Brandon Scherff, who all hold significant contracts.

These players have consistently demonstrated their ability to protect their quarterbacks and open up holes for their running backs, and their salaries reflect their value to their teams.

Defensive Linemen

At the defensive line position, Will Anderson Jr. of the Houston Texans takes the top spot. His three-year, $150 million contract signed in 2026 makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Anderson’s exceptional performance on the field, during which he was seventh in run-stop rate (12.6%), third in run stuffs (13), and second in pressures (85) among defenders with at least 150 run defensive snaps in 2025, earned him the second spot in NFL Defensive Player of the Year voting.

Other notable defensive linemen on the list include Aaron Donald, Nick Bosa, and Chase Young, who all hold significant contracts. These players have consistently demonstrated their ability to dominate on the field, and their salaries reflect their value to their teams.

Linebackers

At the linebacker position, Fred Warner of the San Francisco 49ers takes the top spot. His three-year, $63 million contract, signed in 2025, reflects his exceptional performance on the field, during which he earned four first-team All-Pro awards and four Pro Bowl honors. Warner’s ability to lead his team’s defense and make big plays on the field has earned him a significant contract.

Other notable linebackers on the list include Luke Kuechly, Bobby Wagner, and Jaylon Smith, who all hold significant contracts. These players have consistently demonstrated their ability to make big plays on the field, and their salaries reflect their value to their teams.

Defensive Backs

The highest-paid defensive backs on the list include Trent McDuffie of the Los Angeles Rams, with a four-year, $124 million contract signed in 2026. McDuffie’s exceptional performance on the field, during which he had 246 tackles, 34 pass deflections, eight forced fumbles, 5.5 sacks, and three interceptions, earned him a significant contract.

Other notable defensive backs on the list include Jalen Ramsey, Xavien Howard, and Patrick Surtain II, who all hold significant contracts. These players have consistently demonstrated their ability to make big plays on the field, and their salaries reflect their value to their teams.

Kickers

At the kicker position, Brandon Aubrey of the Dallas Cowboys takes the top spot. His four-year, $28 million contract, signed in 2025, reflects his exceptional performance on the field, during which he earned two Pro Bowl honors. Aubrey’s ability to make big kicks in clutch situations has earned him a significant contract.

Other notable kickers on the list include Justin Tucker, Harrison Butker, and Greg Zuerlein, who all hold significant contracts. These players have consistently demonstrated their ability to make big kicks on the field, and their salaries reflect their value to their teams.

Special Teams

The highest-paid special teams player on the list is Jordan Stout of the New York Giants, with a three-year, $12.3 million contract signed in 2026. Stout’s exceptional performance on the field, during which he led the league with a net average of 44.9 yards, earned him a Pro Bowl spot and a significant contract.

Other notable special teams players on the list include Tress Way, Bradley Pinion, and Cameron Johnston, who all hold significant contracts. These players have consistently demonstrated their ability to make big plays on the field, and their salaries reflect their value to their teams.