Here’s a current list of the NFL’s highest-paid players at each position based on average annual value (AAV) as of the 2025 offseason:

 

In the NFL, the standard for player contracts keeps climbing. Every offseason, elite players sign new deals that reshape the salary expectations for top talent at each position. This year, stars like the Eagles' Saquon Barkley, the Browns' Myles Garrett, and the Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase have continued that trend.

Barkley signed a two-year extension worth $41 million, making him the highest-paid running back in league history. Just a day later, Maxx Crosby briefly became the highest-paid defensive player — and the highest-paid non-quarterback ever — until Garrett's new contract topped his. Cleveland awarded Garrett a record-setting extension with an average annual salary of $40 million.

A few weeks later, Ja'Marr Chase surpassed Myles Garrett with a new deal that pays him an average of $40.25 million per year, making him the highest-paid wide receiver.

And more big contracts could be on the way this offseason. Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons is a strong contender to become the highest-paid player at his position next.

With that in mind, here's a look at the NFL's top earners based on average annual value (AAV), according to Spotrac:

Quarterback: Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys ($60 million AAV)

Prescott became the league’s highest-paid player after signing a four-year, $240 million extension just before the Cowboys’ Week 1 matchup against the Browns last season. The deal followed a tense offseason during which team owner Jerry Jones hesitated to commit to Prescott.

Prescott secured his lucrative extension following a career-best 2023 season, where he completed 69.5% of his passes and led the league with 36 touchdown throws. However, his performance dipped in early 2024, with his completion rate falling to 64.7% through eight games before a partially torn hamstring sidelined him for the remainder of the season.

Running Back: Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles ($20.6 million AAV)

The value of running backs has long been debated, but Barkley made a strong case for the position — and for himself. After the Giants opted not to re-sign him following six seasons, the Eagles capitalized in free agency. Barkley thrived in his debut season with Philadelphia, earning NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors. In response, the Eagles rewarded him with a two-year, $41 million extension. He rushed for a career-high 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns in the regular season, playing a crucial role in the team’s Super Bowl LIX victory.

Wide Receiver: Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals ($40.25 million AAV)

After holding out for a new deal throughout the 2024 season, Ja'Marr Chase finally landed a massive four-year, $161 million contract, including $112 million guaranteed. This not only made him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history — surpassing Myles Garrett — but also the first wide receiver to earn over $40 million annually.

Chase earned the record-setting deal following a dominant 2024 season, during which he led the NFL in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns — becoming just the fifth receiver since the merger to accomplish the receiving triple crown. He joined elite company with Jerry Rice (1990), Sterling Sharpe (1992), Steve Smith Sr. (2005), and Cooper Kupp (2021). Since entering the league in 2021, Chase has caught more touchdowns (46) than any other player.

Tight End: George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers ($19.1 million AAV)

Shortly after the conclusion of the 2025 NFL Draft, George Kittle signed a four-year, $76.4 million extension with the 49ers. The new deal averages $19.1 million per year, narrowly edging out Trey McBride’s recent $19 million AAV contract with the Arizona Cardinals. With this extension, Kittle once again becomes the highest-paid tight end in the league.

Defensive End: Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns ($40 million AAV)

Before Ja'Marr Chase reset the market, Myles Garrett held the title of the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. He signed a four-year, $160 million extension with $123.5 million guaranteed, according to FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz.

The deal followed weeks of tension after Garrett had reportedly requested a trade. Despite that, the Browns made it clear they had no intention of letting their star pass-rusher go. Ultimately, both sides reached a resolution, securing the 2023 AP Defensive Player of the Year’s future in Cleveland.

The Browns made Myles Garrett the No. 1 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, and he’s more than delivered on expectations. Garrett holds the franchise record with 102.5 career sacks, has been named first-team All-Pro four times, and has appeared in six Pro Bowls. In 2024, he led the team with 14 sacks and a league-high 22 tackles for loss. Despite his dominance, the Browns struggled, finishing just 3-14. Over eight seasons, Garrett has only played in three postseason games.

Defensive Tackle: Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs ($31.75 million AAV)

Chris Jones became the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history after signing a five-year, $158.75 million extension with the Chiefs during the 2024 offseason.

Jones has built a strong case for that honor. The six-time Pro Bowler and three-time first-team All-Pro has posted at least nine sacks in five of the past seven seasons. His consistent production and leadership have helped Kansas City capture three Super Bowl titles during his tenure.