Highest-paid players at every NFL position: Darnell Wright joins top earners with historic RT contract

by | Aug 4, 2026 | Sports

Highest-paid players at every NFL position: Darnell Wright joins top earners with historic RT contract

As NFL training camps commenced, numerous players agreed to lucrative contract extensions, reflecting the league’s continued financial growth. The salary cap has surpassed $300 million per team heading into the 2026 season, enabling franchises to invest significantly in their rosters.

Patrick Mahomes reached an agreement this offseason on a revised contract that extends his tenure and establishes him as the highest-paid quarterback in average annual value. His deal represents the first contract in NFL history to exceed $500 million in total value. Several other quarterbacks command substantial salaries, with Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Trevor Lawrence, Jordan Love, and Matthew Stafford each holding deals worth $55 million in average annual value.

Across other positions, notable contracts have reshaped the market. Bijan Robinson secured a record-setting deal for running backs following a brief training camp holdout, achieving $22.25 million in average annual value. Will Anderson Jr. became the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history with a three-year, $150 million agreement. At right tackle, Darnell Wright signed a four-year extension featuring $93 million guaranteed and $29 million per year, making him the highest-paid right tackle ever. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, coming off a season in which he led the league in receiving yards with 1,793 and earned Offensive Player of the Year honors, has established himself among the league’s top earners at the wide receiver position.

Other significant agreements include those for tight end George Kittle, edge rusher Jalen Carter, and multiple defensive backs. The contracts illustrate how teams continue prioritizing long-term commitments to their cornerstone players while navigating the expanding salary cap landscape.

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