![Justin Jefferson[L] and CeeDee Lamb [R]](https://www.totalprosports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Justin-JeffersonL-and-CeeDee-Lamb-R-3-1024x563.jpg)
In the NFL, quarterbacks have traditionally dominated the salary charts, but in recent years, other positions have seen a surge in lucrative contracts. The increasing value of elite talent has led to record-breaking deals for players who don’t take snaps under center. Wide receivers, defensive ends, and even offensive linemen have started earning contracts that were once reserved only for the league’s best quarterbacks.
On Monday, the Dallas Cowboys made headlines by signing wide receiver CeeDee Lamb to a four-year, $136 million contract, making him the second-highest-paid receiver and non-quarterback in NFL history. This landmark deal marks the league’s evolving landscape, where non-QBs are cashing in big time.
Here’s A Look At The Top Five Highest Paid Non-QBs In NFL
5) Chris Jones, Defensive Tackle, Kansas City Chiefs
Chris Jones, the dominant defensive tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs, missed the team’s first game of the 2023 season while holding out for a new contract. His decision to stay off the field paid off when he finally secured a new one-year deal in early September. Once back in action, Jones delivered one of the most impressive seasons of his career.
In the 2023 season, Jones recorded 10.5 sacks, proving his relentless ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. He also contributed 13 tackles for a loss, demonstrating his impact in disrupting the run game. His 30 total tackles and 29 quarterback hits underscored his presence as a game-changing force on the defensive line. This outstanding performance earned him his fifth consecutive Pro Bowl selection and second straight first-team All-Pro nod, solidifying his reputation as one of the NFL’s premier defensive players.
Jones’ exceptional season prompted the Chiefs to reward him with a historic contract this offseason, making him the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history, surpassing the previous benchmark set by Aaron Donald.
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4) A.J. Brown, Wide Receiver, Philadelphia Eagles
A.J. Brown, already under contract with the Philadelphia Eagles through the 2026 season, secured his future with the team by signing another extension in April, extending his stay in Philadelphia through 2029. Brown briefly held the title of the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL, a record that lasted just five and a half weeks.
The Eagles’ decision to trade for Brown on draft day in 2022 has proven to be a game-changing move. Brown quickly became a critical part of the Eagles’ offense, delivering standout performances that solidified his status as one of the league’s elite receivers. He earned Pro Bowl selections in his first two seasons with Philadelphia and was named a second-team All-Pro both years.
The 27-year-old surpassed 1,400 receiving yards in his first two seasons with the Eagles, showcasing his ability to stretch the field and make big plays consistently. He also found the end zone 18 times during this period, making him a go-to target in the red zone. Brown’s impact in Philadelphia has been profound, and his new contract extension ensures that he will continue to be a cornerstone of the Eagles’ offense for years to come.
3) CeeDee Lamb, Wide Receiver, Dallas Cowboys
Lamb’s contract standoff with the Dallas Cowboys ended with a four-year, $136 million extension. Lamb’s deal includes a $100 million guaranteed contract and a record $38 million signing bonus for a wide receiver. His $34 million average annual salary ranks second only to Justin Jefferson’s $35 million.
Lamb skipped OTAs to secure this new deal before the season, sparking headlines and tension when Cowboys owner Jerry Jones initially downplayed the urgency of negotiations. Lamb responded with frustration on social media. However, Jones later reversed course, and as the preseason closed, a deal was struck.
Lamb’s numbers justify the investment. Over four seasons, he recorded 395 catches for 5,145 yards and 32 touchdowns. His career-best 2023 season saw him haul in 135 catches for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns, solidifying his status as one of the NFL’s top receivers. This extension ensures Lamb remains a crucial weapon for quarterback Dak Prescott heading into a pivotal 2024 season. With the deal in place, the Cowboys aim to defend their NFC East title.
2) Nick Bosa, Edge, San Francisco 49ers
Bosa‘s contract is one of the most lucrative in the NFL, particularly in terms of guaranteed money. While CeeDee Lamb’s new deal fell short of surpassing Bosa’s total contract value, the 2022 Defensive Player of the Year secured a more substantial financial commitment, with $122.5 million guaranteed compared to Justin Jefferson’s $110 million.
Bosa’s dominance on the field has been undeniable since entering the league. In 2021, he led the NFL in tackles for loss with 21, showing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses consistently. The following year, he took his game to another level by leading the league in sacks with 18.5, earning him the prestigious Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award. His relentless pursuit of quarterbacks and disruptive presence on the edge made him one of the most feared defenders in the league.
In the 2023 season, Bosa continued to excel, recording another double-digit sack campaign. He set new career highs in tackles, registering 53 total tackles, and proved his versatility by defending four passes, the most in his career. His outstanding performance earned him a fourth Pro Bowl selection, further solidifying his status as one of the NFL’s premier edge rushers. Bosa’s ability to consistently produce at an elite level justifies his record-breaking contract, making him a cornerstone of the San Francisco 49ers’ defense.
1) Justin Jefferson, Wide Receiver, Minnesota Vikings
Jefferson, a wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings, secured a massive four-year, $140 million contract, boasting an average annual value (AAV) of $35 million. This deal catapulted him beyond the previous record set by Tyreek Hill, who signed a four-year, $120 million extension with the Miami Dolphins just two years earlier.
Jefferson’s performance on the field more than justifies this historic contract. Since the Minnesota Vikings drafted him 22nd overall in 2020, he has been one of the NFL’s elite receivers. He earned three consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2020 to 2022 and achieved First-Team All-Pro honors thrice during those years. Jefferson led the league in his breakout 2022 season with 128 receptions and 1,809 receiving yards, earning the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award.
The Vikings’ decision to secure Jefferson’s future was influenced by their choice to let veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins enter free agency. With Cousins potentially moving on, the Vikings clearly stated that Jefferson is the cornerstone of their offense for the foreseeable future.
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