As the NFL offseason shifts into a quieter gear post-draft, attention now turns to contract extensions. With roster building largely complete, front offices across the league are evaluating which cornerstone players to lock up long-term. Here’s a comprehensive look at who’s poised to get paid in 2025—and what kind of deals they might land.
Quarterbacks: $60M Club on the Horizon
With Dak Prescott currently owning the league’s top average annual salary at $60 million, several quarterbacks are positioning themselves to join—or even surpass—that elite financial tier.
- Brock Purdy is deep in talks with the 49ers and expected to command $50M+ annually. A deal could come soon.
- Lamar Jackson may be next to top the QB salary charts due to upcoming cap hits of $74.5M in 2026 and 2027, prompting Baltimore to act fast.
- Josh Allen already signed a six-year, $330M extension, further raising the ceiling at the position.
Running Backs: Seeking New Ground in a Capped Market
Only six running backs currently make more than $10 million annually, and market growth remains limited.
- James Cook’s demands are reportedly well above Buffalo’s valuation, stalling negotiations.
- Derrick Henry, entering a contract year in Baltimore, is widely expected to secure a raise or extension.
- Breece Hall and Kyren Williams remain names to watch, but nothing is imminent.
Wide Receivers: New Stars Chasing the Chase Benchmark
Jamar Chase’s recent $40.25M annual deal reset the receiver market. While no one is expected to hit that figure this year, several top-tier WRs are next in line.
- Terry McLaurin is aiming to eclipse $30M per year with Washington.
- Courtland Sutton (Denver) is in his final contract year and won’t play for the $14M currently on the table.
- Garrett Wilson (Jets) and Drake London (Falcons) are strong candidates for early extensions, even with two years left on their rookie deals.
Tight Ends: Quietly Climbing
The tight end market saw a minor reset recently:
- George Kittle hit $22.9M/year, though with a balloon year that inflates the average.
- Trey McBride‘s extension is seen as more structurally favorable.
- Younger players like Cade Otton, Isaiah Likely, and Jake Ferguson could soon sign team-friendly extensions to lock in long-term security.
Offensive Linemen: Major Deals Coming
With protection always in demand, several offensive linemen are in line for lucrative extensions:
- Tyler Linderbaum could command $20M+ due to the franchise tag loophole for centers.
- Rashawn Slater, Charles Cross, Ikem Ekwonu, and Bernhard Raimann all project to earn top-tier left tackle deals.
- Joe Thuney (Bears) and Luke Goedeke (Buccaneers) are interior linemen worth watching.
Defensive Tackles: Fewer Names, Big Numbers
This offseason’s defensive tackle class is smaller but potent.
- Zach Allen (Broncos) could command $25M+ as Denver’s extension priority.
- Jordan Davis (Eagles) might get a proactive extension from Philadelphia, consistent with their front-office strategy.
Edge Rushers: 2025’s Deepest Extension Class
Myles Garrett’s new $40M/year deal sets the ceiling for this elite group.
- Micah Parsons and T.J. Watt are both expected to surpass Garrett’s number.
- Aidan Hutchinson may wait another year but could also crack the $40M club.
- Trey Hendrickson, Nick Benito, and Travon Walker are also due for significant pay bumps, with varying salary ranges from $25M–$35M.
Linebackers: Fred Warner Could Reset the Market
The off-ball linebacker market has been quiet since Roquan Smith’s $20M/year deal.
- Fred Warner is poised to break that barrier with a contract restructure that lowers his massive cap hits in 2025 and 2026.
- Other linebackers like Nick Bolton and Zach Baun re-signed recently but didn’t touch the top of the market.
Cornerbacks: Stingley’s Deal Sets the Bar
With Derek Stingley Jr. signing for $30M/year, other 2022 draftees are expected to follow:
- Sauce Gardner and Trent McDuffie are top candidates to match or surpass that number.
- Zyon McCollum (Bucs) and Cobie Durant (Rams) are more under-the-radar names that could get solid mid-tier deals.
Safeties: Hamilton, James Due for Big Money
- Kyle Hamilton (Ravens) is expected to top $21M/year, though injury history could factor into guarantees.
- Derwin James may seek a new deal with little guaranteed money left and an aging profile entering his age-29 season.
Kickers: Aubrey’s Rise
- Brandon Aubrey (Cowboys) is expected to challenge Harrison Butker’s record-setting $6.4M/year salary. After two All-Pro nods and NFL scoring leadership, he’s earned a massive raise.
Final Word
As the NFL heads deeper into the offseason, expect a wave of high-profile contract extensions. From Brock Purdy and Lamar Jackson to Micah Parsons and Fred Warner, stars across every position are poised to reset the market. While some deals may wait until late summer, the groundwork is already in motion—and many will get done before the 2025 regular season kicks off.
