10 highest paid non QBs in NFL including Myles Garrett and $161m Bengals star
Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson are not allowed on this impressive list.
While NFL teams pay their quarterbacks like franchise faces, linebackers, offensive linemen and corner backs are equally important on the long road to the Super Bowl.
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Running backs, including Saquon Barkley, are still underpaid in the modern game.
But edge rushers and wide receivers are financially rewarded at a premium for their athletic achievements.
T.J. Watt, Maxx Crosby and Brandon Aiyuk almost made this list but their total contract values fell short.
Myles Garrett's stunning four-year, $160 million contract with the Cleveland Browns was the latest reminder that the NFL values pass rushers almost as much as championship-winning QBs.
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Then Ja'Marr Chase received his big deal from the division rival Cincinnati Bengals.
Here's talkSPORT's inside look at the highest-paid players in the NFL right now who aren't quarterbacks.
10. D.K. Metcalf, Pittsburgh Steelers
The former Seahawk is now a proud Steeler.
Metcalf also has a contract ready-made for his new home.
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He agreed to a four-year, $132 million deal to leave Seattle behind, despite not knowing who his new quarterback would be.
The two-time Pro Bowler is coming off a down year but has bounce back potential.
He's now the No. 1 receiver in Pittsburgh and is averaging more than $30 million a year.
Contract: $132 million total, $33 million average annual value
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9. CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys
Lamb was paid like an All-Pro last season, inking a huge deal that elevated him into the non-QB top 10.
The four-time Pro Bowler has totaled at least 1,100 receiving yards in four consecutive years, becoming Dak Prescott's most trusted target.
If the Cowboys can rise in 2025, Lamb will again become one of the biggest offensive names in the league.
Contract: $136m total, $34m AAV
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8. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings
When it comes to pure talent, few can top the Vikings' primary target.
Jefferson is so good that it doesn't matter who is throwing him the ball.
The former LSU star has 495 receptions for 7,432 yards and 40 touchdowns in five seasons.
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Sam Darnold's departure leaves a potential hole at the top in Minnesota.
But Jefferson could be even more dangerous if J.J. McCarthy lives up to his first-round draft status this season.
Contract: $140m total, $35m AAV
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7. Tristan Wirfs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It's not all about quarterbacks, wide receivers and rushers.
Offensive linemen can create the foundation for Super Bowl winners, and Wirfs is paid like an All-Pro.
The former Iowa standout has four Pro Bowl honors and a world championship ring.
His $140 million deal is one of the richest in pro football.
Contract: $140m total, $28m AAV
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Tied-6. Brian Burns, New York Giants
The ex-Panther received a huge contract when he joined the Giants.
Burns has 54.5 sacks in six seasons, becoming one of the best linebackers in the league.
He spent his initial five years in Carolina after becoming the No. 16 overall pick of the 2019 draft out of Florida State.
Then a trade to New York handed Burns a massive new contract.
Contract: $141m total, $28m AAV
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T-6. Joshua Hines-Allen, Jacksonville Jaguars
The other Josh Allen has definitely made his name in Jacksonville.
Despite playing on one of the NFL's worst teams in 2024, Hines-Allen took the field with one of the richest non-QB contracts in the league.
He averages $28 million a year, backing up the big money with two Pro Bowl selections.
The former Kentucky defender has 296 tackles, 53 sacks and 122 QB hits in six pro seasons.
Contract: $141m total, $28m AAV
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4. Chris Jones, Kansas City Chiefs
One of the NFL's most intense players is paid like a Super Bowl champ.
Jones has three rings, six Pro Bowl selections and three All-Pro honors.
He's been the centerpiece of Kansas City's defense during the Chiefs' dynasty.
With more than $125 million in career earnings, Jones is still in his prime at 30-years-old.
Contract: $158m total, $31m AAV
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3. Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns
Garrett could have left Cleveland behind.
Instead, one of the best defenders in the game went with the money and was paid like a six-time Pro Bowler.
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The "goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton, it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl," Garrett said.
He obviously believes that the Browns can win the big game, since he backed off a trade demand and took the money in Cleveland.
Contract: $160m total, $40m AAV
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2. Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow got his wish.
The Bengals handed out $276 million in contract extensions in one night, ensuring that Cincy's top two wide receivers are staying in town.
Chase rivals Justin Jefferson as the premier wideout in the NFL -- and now the former LSU receivers are both paid like pro stars.
While Tee Higgins received a strong $115 million extension from Cincinnati, Chase's $161m contract immediately launched him into second place overall among non-QBs.
His AAV of $41.2m took over the top spot, showing the world how important Chase and Burrow are together for the Bengals.
Contract: $161m total, $41.2m AAV
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1. Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers
Joey's brother is paid like a superstar.
Bosa flexes on all non-QBs with the most expensive contract in the NFL.
His $170 million deal averages $34m a year.
He also has five Pro Bowl honors, one All-Pro selection and won Defensive Player in the Year in 2022, after winning Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2019.
Now all Bosa needs is for the 49ers to start winning again in 2025.
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Contract: $170m total, $34m AAV
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