The NFL’s salary cap creates a challenge as teams try to build a championship team. Here are some of the highest paid and lowest paid players in each position heading into the 2022 season. Salaries are based on limited visits from Spotrac.com.
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A 15th overall draft pick in 2021, Jones made the Pro Bowl during his rookie season after throwing more than 3,800 yards. However, in his rookie contract, Jones gives the Pats flexibility with a cap of just over $3.5 million this season.
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Tannehill’s play has been inconsistent since he was named the Titans starter in 2019 and is on the verge of heavy fouling. However, he hit the top cap in the NFL this season with $38.6 million, a number that limits Tennessee’s ability to add talent during the season.
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As an untrained free agent out of Illinois in 2020, Robinson continues to be one of the league’s biggest bargains with a cap of just under $900,000. The run back was just 1,000 yards from last season’s scenario after finishing with 1,414 yards in his rookie campaign.
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One of the most active back-to-back runners in the NFL when healthy, McCaffrey has spent more time at the coach’s desk over the past two seasons. He’s played a total of 10 games in that time, but his nearly $8.8 million cap this season is the fifth-highest in the position.
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Jefferson was arguably the best first two seasons of any expansion in NFL history, amassing more than 3,000 yards and 17 touchdowns. The former first choice is still a great bargain with a limited number under $3.6 million.
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Golladay signed a massive four-year, $72 million deal with the Giants last season, but he was a complete jerk in his first season with the team. His limited run will be over $21.1 million this season and New York needs to be better than last year’s 37 catches for 521 yards and no touchdown.
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Freiermuth looked like a steal from the Steelers during his rookie season, as the second pick caught 60 passes for 497 yards and seven touchdowns. His rookie sales need to be limited to nearly $1.4 million this year.
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Overpaid tight end: Jonnu SmithNew England Patriots
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New England’s signing of Smith was unsuccessful in his first season with the team. The former Titan had just 28 catches from 294 yards last year, but his cap hits almost $13.7 million this year, the second-highest in the league among finishes. rigid.
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As a first-round rookie last year, it didn’t take long for Slater to be recognized as one of the best players in the game as a Pro Bowler. He only hit the $3.8 million limit for the Chargers this season.
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Stanley was an All-Pro in 2019, but he hasn’t been able to stay healthy since, playing a total of seven games over two seasons. He’s still making quite a bit of money, with a cap over $18.5 million this year.
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Smith dropped to the sixth round of the draft last year due to health concerns despite his status as an elite former recruit at Tennessee. He rewarded Kansas City for venturing out as a mauling guard, and his cap is around $850,000 this season.
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Seattle acquired Jackson to bolster their offensive line last year, but he struggled for most of the season. Despite those hardships, Jackson remains among the highest-paid bodyguards in the league with a $9 million cap this season.
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A second pick last year, Humphrey had a notable rookie season as an All-Pro, placing third in the Offensive Rookie of the Year poll. The center will have a cap of less than $1.3 million.
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Hudson had a forgettable first season in Arizona, missing five games and struggling to play. The three-time Pro Bowler has the biggest cap hit in his position of over $12.6 million.
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Greenard’s play helped Texas fans get through the loss JJ Watt, when he scored eight dismissals and 19 presses in just 12 games last season. The previous third-round pick had a cap of about $1.2 million this year.
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Redundant Defense Ending: JJ Watt, Arizona Cardinals
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The aforementioned Watt traveled to Arizona for a championship chance last year. He’s hit a $15.9 million cap this season, but Watt hasn’t been able to stay healthy in four of the past six seasons. He’s only played seven games in the last year, scoring one.
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Simmons is quickly becoming a superstar on the Titans defense, winning the Pro Bowl in his third season with 8.5 tackles and 54 tackles. Tennessee still has Simmons on his rookie contract for now, as his cap is just over $4 million.
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Detroit added Brockers last year but didn’t see good results. The veteran has only been fired once and was pressured five times in 16 games, but his cap is a whopping $9 million this year.
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Gary had a breakout season in 2021, his third year in the league. First pick previously scored 9.5 covers and 20 rushes, and his cap remains around $5 million this season.
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Outside overpay: Romeo OkwaraDetroit Lion
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Detroit signed Okwara to a three-year, $37 million deal last season, but the buyer may have come to regret it. He’s only played four games through injury in 2021, scoring once was sacked. Okwara’s limit is 14.5 million USD.
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Parsons started the Cowboys defense after he was picked in the first round of the draft, with 84 tackles and 13 covers. He was rated Defensive Rookie of the Year, and also placed second in the Defensive Player of the Year poll. Parsons is locked in for at least the next three years and has a relatively cheap market cap of $3.9 million this season.
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Overpaid inside the inner supporter: Devin BushPittsburgh Steelers
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Bush received outrage from Steelers loyalists with his efforts last season due to a knee injury. He scored just 70 tackles in 14 games and hit the $6 million limit in his final season with the team.
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Diggs was a breakout performer for Dallas last season, leading the NFL with 11 interceptions and being named All-Pro. He’s just entering his third year, with a cap of about $1.7 million.
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Jackson had a very rough first season with Washington after signing a three-year, $40.5 million deal. He only played 12 games and allowed the opposing QB Rating above 100. Jackson’s cap is over $13.8 million this season.
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Winfield has been an elite performer since the Bucs drafted him in 2020. He was All-Pro in his rookie season and was named his first Pro Bowl last season after scored 88 tackles and two interceptions. Winfield entered its third season with a $2 million under-cap.
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Jackson was an elite performer early in his career, which included an All-Pro title and two Pro Bowls. In the last two years, his play has taken a turn for the worse, as he allows for a QB Rating of 143.6 and a 66% completion rate against facing quarterbacks in 2021. Jackson’s limit is over $15 million this year.