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Every offseason brings about contract negotiations and trade talks between teams and players. Last season saw some outrageous contracts signed by players in different positions that broke records.
Deshaun Watson signed with the Cleveland Browns for a fully guaranteed $230 million, breaking the record for the most guaranteed NFL contract. This offseason won't be any different with some big names up for deal extensions or free agency.
The biggest contract talk this offseason will have to be that of Lamar Jackson. He and the Baltimore Ravens have been going back and forth since the 2022 offseason.
It looks like the Ravens will have to offer Jackson a deal that might offset Watson's deal or trade him to teams in need of a franchise quarterback. Here is a list of the highest contracts for players in different positions using their annual average contract.
Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers - $50.2 million
On March 16, 2022, Aaron Rodgers signed a three-year deal worth $150.8 million. This contract includes $101.5 million in guaranteed money, as well as a signing bonus of $40.8 million.
Additionally, there is an option for the deal to be extended for an additional two years. With an annual average salary of $50.2 million, this makes Rodgers the highest-paid player in the league.
Running Back: Christian McCaffrey - $16 million
On April 16, 2020, Christian McCaffrey signed a four-year contract with the Carolina Panthers worth $64 million. The deal includes a guarantee of $38.1 million and a signing bonus of $21.5 million.
However, during the 2022 regular season, McCaffrey was traded to the San Francisco 49ers. This deal makes him the highest-paid running back in the league.
Wide Receiver: Tyreek Hill - $30 million
Tyreek Hill, nicknamed "Cheetah," is widely considered one of the fastest and most talented wide receivers in the NFL. Recognizing this, the Miami Dolphins signed him away from the Kansas City Chiefs during the 2022 off-season.
Hill's contract is for four years and worth $120 million, with $72.2 million guaranteed. Additionally, the deal includes a $25 million signing bonus and a $10 million roster bonus for 2023.
This deal makes him the highest-paid wide receiver in the league.
Tight Ends: Darren Waller - $17 million
The Las Vegas Raiders have signed tight end Darren Waller to a three-year contract worth $51 million. This includes a guaranteed amount of $22 million, as well as a signing bonus of $825,000.
Waller's deal also includes a base salary of $11 million in 2023, as well as a roster bonus of $1.275 million. This deal makes him the highest-paid tight end in the league.
Left Tackle: Trent Williams - $23 million
After a dispute with the Washington Redskins regarding the treatment of a growth on his head, which was later diagnosed as life-threatening, Trent Williams was traded to the San Francisco 49ers on April 25, 2020.
On March 23, 2021, the 49ers signed Williams to a six-year contract worth $138 million. The contract is guaranteed for $55.1 million, with a signing bonus of $30.1 million. Williams' base salary for 2023 is $19.4 million.
Right Tackle: Ryan Ramczyk - $19.2 million
After being drafted in the first round of the 2017 NFL draft as the 32nd overall pick, Ramczyk was signed to a contract extension on June 30, 2021. The contract was a five-year, $96 million deal, with $60.2 million guaranteed.
The contract also included a signing bonus of $19 million. Ramczyk will earn $14 million as a base salary in 2023. The deal made Ramczyk the highest-paid right tackle.
Guard: Quenton Nelson - $20 million
Quenton Nelson is widely considered one of the best guards in the league and plays for the Indianapolis Colts. He is only the second Colts player in history to have earned four Pro Bowl honors in their first four seasons.
Nelson signed a contract extension on September 10, 2022, worth $80 million for four years. The deal includes a guaranteed amount of $60 million, a signing bonus of $31 million, and a 2023 base salary of $6 million.
The deal makes Nelson the highest-paid guard in the NFL.
Center: Frank Ragnow - $13.5 million
Frank Ragnow plays for the Detroit Lions and has signed a four-year deal worth $54 million, with $42 million guaranteed.
This means that Ragnow will have the opportunity to earn up to $13.5 million per year, with a base salary of $11.55 million for the year 2023, and a signing bonus of $6 million.
Defensive Tackle: Aaron Donald - $31.6 million
Former Super Bowl champion and three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (an NFL record), Aaron Donald, plays for the Los Angeles Rams and is widely considered one of the greatest defensive players in league history.
Donald signed a three-year deal worth $95 million, which is fully guaranteed, with a signing bonus of $25 million. In 2023, Donald will earn a base salary of $13.5 million and a signing bonus of $15 million.
Defensive End: Myles Garrett - $25 million
Myles Garrett was selected first overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 2017 NFL Draft. He has been named to the Pro Bowl four times. Garrett signed a five-year contract worth $125 million, with $100 million guaranteed. In 2023, Garrett will earn a base salary of $17.25 million.
Inside Linebacker: Roquan Smith - $20 million
Roquan Smith, a Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker, became the highest-paid inside linebacker in the NFL when he signed a five-year deal worth $100 million, with $60 million guaranteed and a signing bonus of $22.5 million.
After feeling undervalued by his former team, the Chicago Bears, Smith requested a trade. On October 31, he was traded to the Ravens, where he signed his contract extension.
In 2023, Smith is expected to earn a base salary of $4.5 million and a signing bonus of $22.5 million.
Outside Linebacker: T.J. Watts - $28 million
T.J. Watt is an NFL outside linebacker who plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is the brother of Derek Watt, who is also a Steelers teammate, and JJ Watt, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year.
T.J. recently signed a four-year, $112 million deal with the Steelers, which includes $80 million in guaranteed money and a signing bonus worth $35.6 million. In 2023, T.J. will earn a base salary of $20 million.
Cornerback: Jaire Alexander - $21 million
Jaire Alexander had a spectacular season as a cornerback for the Green Bay Packers in 2022. The team signed him to a four-year, $84 million deal, which includes $30 million in guaranteed money and a $30 million signing bonus.
In 2023, Alexander will earn a base salary of $1.2 million and a roster bonus of $12.1 million.
Safety: Derwin James - $19.1 million
Darwin James is a safety for the Los Angeles Chargers. He was recently signed to a four-year, $76.5 million deal, which includes $42 million in guaranteed money. Additionally, he received a $20.5 million signing bonus.
In 2023, James will earn a base salary of $2 million and a signing bonus of $12 million.
