All-Time NFL Positional Career Earners

Michael Ginnitti
Michael Ginnitti, Managing Editor & NFL/MLB ExpertJuly 18, 2023
© USA TODAY Sports

Quarterbacks

Current Leader: Tom Brady ($332,962,392, Retired)

Brady retires from the game (officially) as the current top earning player in NFL history. That honor will be short lived, as both Matthew Stafford ($328.3M) & Aaron Rodgers ($306.8M) are knocking on the door. In fact, once we learn of Rodgers’ newly constructed contract in NY, there’s a very good chance that he surpasses Brady’s figure by the end of this season. FULL RANKINGS

Fullbacks

Current Leader: Kyle Juszczyk ($37,928,083, Active)

Juszczyk’s contract guarantees fall off after 2023 though there’s another $12.5M remaining on the deal if he can convince the 49ers to keep him around. He’s already $17M clear of any other fullback in history, and it’s hard to imagine anyone else even coming close at this point. FULL RANKINGS

Running Backs

Current Leader: Adrian Peterson ($103,215,972, Retired)

Peterson still sits $32.5M north of any other running back in NFL history (Ezekiel Elliott, $70.6M). Even if Christian McCaffrey plays out the final three years of his current contract, he’ll still “only” max out at $89.8M. It’s going to take a special situation for a running back to approach the $100M mark ever again. FULL RANKINGS

Wide Receivers

Current Leader: Larry Fitzgerald ($180,757,239, Retired)

Fitzgerald probably had another $20M of playing time in him, but walked away from the game on his terms after the 2020 season. Active WR leader Julio Jones appears maxed out at $148M, while Davante Adams has an outside chance to take over the top spot - if he plays out all 4 of his remaining contract years. FULL RANKINGS

Tight Ends

Current Leader: Jason Witten ($81,879,722, Retired)

For a minute, it seemed like Witten’s number was going to be eviscerated by the star tight ends in the game. But a blatant financial plateau at this position has slowed the rate of pay immensely. With that said, Travis Kelce should claim the top spot by the time the 2024 season is complete, whether he remains on his current contract or signs a much deserved new one. FULL RANKINGS

Offensive Linemen

Current Leader: Trent Williams ($168,790,970, Active)

The 34-year old sits $41M+ clear of any other lineman in NFL history, and has another $97.5M remaining on his contract. A $225M final career number for Williams is very much within reach.David Bakhtiari & Lane Johnson should continue to climb the Top 5 quickly. FULL RANKINGS

Defensive Tackles

Current Leader: Ndamukong Suh ($168,165,157, Free Agent)

Suh has stood atop this leaderboard for a few years now, but his time there is now very much on notice. Aaron Donald ($157.1M) should cruise past him after 2024 - if he decides to keep playing football. FULL RANKINGS

Edge Defenders

Current Leader: Von Miller ($179,385,534, Active)

Miller’s big deal in Buffalo helped him cruise past longtime leader Julius Peppers ($164.9M), and the 34-year-old still has at least $10.7M coming his way due to a 2024 guarantee. Behind him, Khalil Mack has a strong chance to join the $175M club, but there’s a pretty significant dropoff with many of the active players in the league right now. FULL RANKINGS

Linebackers

Current Leader: Bobby Wagner ($101,008,441, Active)

Wagner’s compensation with the Seahawks/Rams this year will take him north of $100M earned in his illustrious career. There’s certainly a real world where 31-year-old C.J. Mosley surpasses him at some point, while Roquan Smith & Tremaine Edmunds now have a path to get there as well. FULL RANKINGS

Cornerbacks

Current Leader: Darrelle Revis ($124,211,129, Retired)

A sizable rookie deal ($32M) & 3 hefty veteran extensions keep Revis atop the earnings board still. Joe Haden was on track to pass him before falling out of the league last season, but for now, teammates Xavien Howard & Jalen Ramsey appear to have the best chance to surpass Revis. FULL RANKINGS

Safeties

Current Leader: Charles Woodson ($97,899,369, Retired)

Devin McCourty walked away from the game this winter just $5.2M shy of Woodson’s leading number. If Tyrann Mathieu can stick on his contract through 2024, he’ll surpass the $100M and hold the belt for a while. There’s a world where safeties struggle to get to this point going forward. FULL RANKINGS

Kickers

Current Leader: Sebastian Janikowski ($53,285,137, Retired)

40-year-old Robbie Gould ($47.7M) currently stands 3rd on this list and has expressed a desire to continue playing, but Justin Tucker still remains the most likely option to surpass the $54M mark. It’s not a guarantee though, as A) it will require 3 more seasons on his current contract, and B) His numbers dipped drastically in 2022. FULL RANKINGS

Punters

Current Leader: Thomas Morstead ($36,343,893, Active)

Believe it or not, this seems like a number that could stand at the top for quite some time, as Johnny Hekker’s current contract only takes slightly over $31M, when he’ll be 35 years old. FULL RANKINGS

Long Snappers

Current Leader: J.J. Jansen ($15,161,150, Active)

Jansen has been playing out at or near minimum contracts for the better part of a decade now, but will complete his 14th season in Carolina after 2023. FULL RANKINGS


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