• Loading stock data...
Thursday, October 9, 2025

NFL Non-QB Salary Record Broken for 3rd Time This Month. Who’s Next?

For wide receivers and defensive ends, one of the biggest contract achievements possible is becoming the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback.

Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Bengals star receiver Ja’Marr Chase is now the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL—but for how long?

News of Chase’s new deal, a four-year, $161 million extension, broke late Sunday night, just one week after the Browns had made disgruntled defensive end Myles Garrett the league’s richest non-QB. Chase’s new average annual salary comes out to $40.25 million—that’s $250,000 more per year than the $40 million salary Garrett agreed to.

Last week, Garrett took the mark from Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby, who just four days earlier had become the NFL’s highest-paid skill position player with a new $35.5 million salary, as part of a three-year, $106.5 million extension. That makes three new highest-paid non-quarterbacks just this month.

Before that, Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson had held the mark at $35 million per season since his four-year, $140 million extension last June. Jefferson had taken the record from 49ers pass rusher Nick Bosa, on a $34 million average annual salary since his five-year, $170 million extension signed just before the 2023 NFL season began.

Who’s Got Next?

The logical choice for which player could be the next to become the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback is Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons. 

Parsons is currently set to make $24 million in 2025 playing on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract. But giving Parsons a raise to $40 million–plus annually will be expensive for Dallas, which is paying quarterback Dak Prescott the NFL’s highest annual salary, $60 million, as well as a $34 million average salary for receiver CeeDee Lamb. It’s worth noting that the QB market itself has not been reset since Prescott’s deal last September. Reigning MVP Josh Allen signed an extension worth $55 million per year.

Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, the No. 2 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, is also now eligible for a contract extension, and he could challenge the high end of the non-quarterback market.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 1, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Bill Belichick on the field before the game at Kenan Stadium

UNC’s Disastrous Season Continues With Report of NCAA Rules Violation

A UNC cornerbacks coach reportedly gave sideline passes to a player’s family.
Hymie Elhai

Jets Say Execs Tried to Sink Team President in Bumbling Conspiracy

The team says thousands of deleted text messages show the plot.

NFL and College Football TV Ratings Continue to Surge, Especially for CBS

The network’s singleheader coverage Sunday drew huge viewership.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
Bucks

Bucks Reportedly Discussed Giannis Deal With Knicks This Summer

Antetokounmpo’s future will be a major NBA storyline this year.
Caitlin Clark
October 3, 2025

Cathy Engelbert Denies Saying Caitlin Clark Should Be ‘Grateful’ For WNBA

“Obviously I did not make those comments.”
Napheesa Collier
October 5, 2025

WNBA Tensions Heat Up With Canceled Collier–Engelbert Meeting

The commissioner denied Collier’s version of events at a press conference Friday.
Sponsored

How Jenny Just Is Shaping the Future of Sports Ownership

Jenny Just on bringing her investment experience to sports ownership.
Caitlin Clark
exclusive
October 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark Will Not Join Second Season of Unrivaled

The Fever star struggled with several injuries in her second WNBA season.
Caitlin Clark
October 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark Backs Napheesa Collier in Fight With WNBA

Clark had her exit interview on Thursday after an injury-riddled season. 
Kuminga
October 1, 2025

With Kuminga Deal, Steve Kerr Now Warriors’ Biggest Looming Free Agent

Kuminga finally agreed to a new deal with the Warriors on Tuesday. 
LeBron James
September 30, 2025

LeBron, Giannis, Jokić All Weigh In on Contract Situations

James is on an expiring contract with the Lakers.