How Much Do NFL Players Make? A Comprehensive Look at Salaries, Bonuses, and More

Introduction

The National Football League (NFL) is one of the most popular sports leagues in the world, and its players are some of the most well-compensated athletes in the world. But just how much do NFL players make? In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at salaries, bonuses, signing incentives, and more to get a better understanding of how much money NFL players are making.

A Breakdown of the Average NFL Player Salary

According to the NFL Players Association, the average salary for a player in the NFL is $2 million per year. However, the median salary for an NFL player is significantly lower than the average, coming in at around $860,000 per year. This discrepancy exists because of the wide range of salaries in the NFL, from minimum wage players to superstars who earn millions of dollars per year.

Average salaries vary widely by position as well. According to a study conducted by Spotrac, the highest average salaries in the NFL belong to quarterbacks, with an average salary of $4.4 million. Offensive linemen come in second at $3.3 million, followed by defensive ends ($3.2 million), wide receivers ($2.7 million), and linebackers ($2.6 million). Kickers and punters have the lowest average salaries in the NFL, at $1.1 million and $1.2 million, respectively.

The Highest Paid NFL Players in 2020

The top 10 highest paid players in the NFL in 2020 are all quarterbacks, according to Spotrac. The list includes Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks, Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers, Kirk Cousins of the Minnesota Vikings, Jared Goff of the Los Angeles Rams, Jimmy Garoppolo of the San Francisco 49ers, Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons, Carson Wentz of the Philadelphia Eagles, Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys, and Deshaun Watson of the Houston Texans.

Wilson tops the list with an annual salary of $35 million, followed by Roethlisberger at $34 million. Rodgers, Cousins, and Goff round out the top five, each earning $33.5 million per year. The remaining five players in the top 10 all earn between $30 and $32 million per year.

How Bonuses and Signing Incentives Affect an NFL Player’s Total Earnings

In addition to their regular salaries, NFL players can also earn bonuses and signing incentives that can add up to significant amounts of money. There are several different types of bonuses available, including performance bonuses, which are based on individual or team performance; roster bonuses, which are paid out if a player makes the active roster; and signing bonuses, which are paid out when a player signs a new contract.

Signing incentives are also common in the NFL. These are usually one-time payments that are made when a player signs a new contract. The amount of the incentive will depend on the terms of the contract and the player’s performance. These incentives can often add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars or even millions of dollars.

Bonuses and signing incentives can have a major impact on a player’s total earnings. According to the NFLPA, the average bonus for an NFL player was $195,000 in 2019, while the average signing incentive was $816,000. This adds up to an average total earnings of over $2.9 million.

What Determines a NFL Player’s Salary?

There are several factors that go into determining a player’s salary, including role and experience, performance, market size, and other factors. Role and experience are important because they determine how valuable a player is to his team. Performance is also a key factor, as players who consistently perform at a high level will be rewarded with higher salaries.

Market size is also a factor in determining salaries. Teams in larger markets, such as New York and Los Angeles, tend to have larger budgets and can offer higher salaries to their players. Other factors such as a player’s age, injury history, and off-field activities can also impact a player’s salary.

The Difference Between Rookie and Veteran Salaries

Rookies and veterans in the NFL have very different salary structures. Rookies are generally paid much less than veterans, as teams are not willing to invest heavily in young players who may not pan out. The average salary for a rookie in the NFL is around $800,000, while the average salary for a veteran is closer to $2 million.

The main factor that determines the difference between rookie and veteran salaries is experience. Teams want to ensure that they are investing in proven players who can help them win games. Additionally, teams will often use bonuses and signing incentives to sweeten the deal for veteran players who may be considering leaving for another team.

How Does an NFL Player’s Salary Compare to Other Professional Athletes?

When compared to other professional athletes, NFL players are some of the highest paid athletes in the world. According to Forbes, the average salary for an NBA player is $7.7 million, while the average salary for a Major League Baseball player is $4.36 million. NFL players also make significantly more than players in other sports, such as hockey ($2.9 million) and soccer ($3.1 million).

However, it’s important to note that these figures are averages, and there are many players in each sport who make significantly more or less than the average. For example, the highest paid NBA player, Stephen Curry, makes $40 million per year, while the highest paid MLB player, Zack Greinke, makes $34.5 million per year.

Conclusion

In conclusion, NFL players are some of the highest paid athletes in the world. The average salary for a player in the NFL is $2 million per year, although the median salary is much lower at around $860,000 per year. Bonuses and signing incentives can add up to significant amounts of money, and the highest paid players in the league can earn upwards of $35 million per year. Finally, NFL players make significantly more than players in other professional sports such as basketball, baseball, hockey, and soccer.