Top 10 bargain deals among NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterbacks, including Vikings’ Justin Jefferson

Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson made NFL history on Monday, becoming highest paid non-quarterback of all time with a new deal averaging an estimated $35 million per year. But Jefferson’s historic on-field production registers Minnesota’s lucrative commitment as quite reasonable. Sometimes, it seems, even the most lucrative deals can seem like bargains, as immeasurable talent often proves invaluable in the eyes of NFL prospects.

With that in mind, which well-compensated players could still be considered underpaid? Excluding quarterbacks, who tend to break contract records at an unmatched rate, here are 10 notable NFL stars who currently rank in the top 10 at their position in terms of annual earnings, but already appear ripe for a pay raise, thanks to its value in the field:

Note: Salary cap values ​​courtesy of Over the Cap.

Per annum: US$7 million | Position classification: 9th

The former Green Bay Packers standout has yet to make a single play in Minnesota and has missed a lot of time due to injury in 2023, but his electric all-purpose skill set helped fuel the Pack’s surprise playoff run, and he has surpassed 1,100 rushing yards from scrimmage four times. At half the cost of the New Orleans Saints’ Alvin Kamara, he has the potential to be a great playmaker for a well-stocked Vikings offense in 2024.

Per annum: US$ 10 million | Position classification: T-8th

Linebacker isn’t as important as it once was, but Okereke has been a do-it-all machine since becoming a full-time player, excelling as a wing presence for both the Indianapolis Colts and New York Giants. Since 2021, he has averaged over 90 tackles and nearly five takeaways per season. And he did so by producing significantly less than less durable counterparts like Matt Milano and Tremaine Edmunds.

Per annum: US$ 20 million | Position classification: 1st

Baltimore redefined the off-ball linebacker market by extending the former Chicago Bears player in a $100 million deal. But it is already matching, or even exceeding, this investment. A year and a half into his Ravens tenure, Smith has been an unmissable Defensive Player of the Year candidate, helping to anchor a stingy unit and elevate teammates like the late Patrick Queen.

Per annum: US$ 22.5 million | Position classification: T-7th

In five years as the anchor of New York’s defensive front, Lawrence has gone from a solid presence to an elite interior presence, combining for 12 sacks, 14 tackles for loss and 49 quarterback hits over the past two seasons. At just 26 years old, the former first-round pick just signed a $90 million extension ahead of the 2023 campaign, but he’s already making $5 million less per year than fellow 2019 draft pick Christian Wilkins .

Per annum: US$ 19.1 million | Position classification: 6th

Newly paid by Tennessee after the Titans acquired him from the Kansas City Chiefs, Sneed may have been more solid than special before K.C.’s back-to-back game Super Bowl runs in 2022-2023, but has played a big part in Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive dominance over the past two seasons. With physical coverage while maintaining quality ball skills (10 picks in four years), he could help fuel Tennessee’s own recovery.

Per annum: US$ 16 million | Position classification: T-4th

The former New England Patriots inside man has been one of Patrick Mahomes’ most consistent blockers since arriving at KC in 2021, and not even his four Super Bowl rings do justice to his personal role in their championship efforts. An All-Pro honoree in three of his last five seasons, the steely Thuney is tied for seventh among interior linemen in annual earnings if we also include right guards.

Per annum: US$ 20 million | Position classification: T-2nd

Philadelphia isn’t stingy when it comes to paying Johnson, the Birds’ longtime right tackle, but that doesn’t mean the five-time Pro Bowler doesn’t represent supreme value. While durability is a constant concern, Johnson is one of the most respected big men in the sport when healthy, especially as a run blocker. In a league where the Chiefs pay Jawaan Taylor $20 million a year, he’s still a financial steal.

Per annum: US$ 13.5 million | Position classification: 9th

The Chiefs did well to move on from Ward in 2022 free agency, but the corner went from serviceable to championship-caliber staple with San Francisco, turning a solid debut into a dominant 2023. While he could benefit from the rest of the 49ers’ physical defense, Ward’s NFL-leading 23 pass deflections last year plus a career-high five picks were instrumental in helping San Francisco challenge for the Finals crown.

2. Vikings WR Justin Jefferson

Per annum: US$35 million | Position classification: 1st

Wait what? The highest-paid non-quarterback in history is…a bargain? Obviously, the “Jets” must maintain their prolific pass-catching production to justify such a lofty deal, but at full speed, there is little denying that Jefferson is one of, if not the most consistently explosive playmaker in the entire NFL. He makes getting open – and breaking deep scores – look easier than all of his peers. And considering peers like AJ Brown and Amon-Ra St. Brown just raked in $30 million a year in new trades, imagine what he could have accomplished if he had actually hit free agency.

Per annum: US$ 23.5 million | Position classification: 8th

Edge rusher may be more important for NFL teams than everyone except quarterbacks and receivers, and Crosby has been ferociously effective in the role, averaging nearly 10.5 sacks, 18 tackles for loss and 25 quarterback hits per year over five seasons. However, peers like Brian Burns and Montez Sweat, who combined for two double-digit sack seasons, earn significantly more with superior defenses. Think Raiders and you’ll think of Crosby’s tenacity. The wild man’s eternal persistence makes him one of the game’s greatest values.