Offensive lineman are getting record breaking contracts and it’s a beautiful site. This trend is reshaping team strategies and salary cap allocation all across the league. The men in the trenches finally securing lucrative deals that reflect their critical role in team building.
As lineman salaries continue to soar, teams are faced with new challenges in managing their roster budgets. NFL teams are investing heavily in their offensive line to create a foundation for long-term success, signaling a shift in how teams value these pivotal players.
Recent Record-Breaking Contracts
Every big contract is usually followed up by a slightly larger contract. This time, it was Tristan Wirfs of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers; he secured a five-year, $140.63 million deal, making him the highest-paid offensive lineman in football. This contract narrowly surpasses the four-year, $112 million extension signed by Detroit Lions’ right tackle Penei Sewell earlier in the year.
Factors Driving Salary Increases
Several factors contribute to the escalating salaries of offensive linemen. The NFL’s revenue projections play a significant role, with the 2024 salary cap expected to exceed $240 million per club, marking another substantial increase from the record $224.8 million in 2023. The lucrative new TV deals kicked in this year at the right time allowing franchises to splurge where it matters.
The collective bargaining agreement includes a “media kicker” that can increase players’ share of projected revenue from 48% up to 48.8%, further driving up salaries. Additionally, the scarcity of top-tier offensive line talent has created a market where demand outweighs supply, pushing contracts upward. The “Pay Now, Pray Later” method of paying QBs and then OL may be on its way out.
NFL’s highest-paid OL’s in per year average:
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 1, 2024
🏈Tristan Wirfs: $28.1 million.
🏈Penei Sewell: $28M
🏈Christian Darrisaw: $26M
🏈Laremy Tunsil: $25M
🏈Andrew Thomas: $23.5M https://t.co/LDBVnf0Mui
Highest-paid guards in the NFL by annual salary ⤵️
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) July 17, 2024
1. Landon Dickerson - $21M
2. Chris Lindstrom - $20.5M
T-3. Quinn Meinerz - $20M
T-3. Robert Hunt - $20M
T-3. Quenton Nelson - $20M
6. Mike Onwenu - $19M
7. Zack Martin - $18.4M
T-8. Elgton Jenkins - $17M
T-8. Jonah… https://t.co/scwWMvFahj pic.twitter.com/eIvvXfcjPg
Comparison to Other Positions
Offensive tackle has long been a lucrative position in the NFL. Currently, five tackles in the league earn $20 million or more per season, with eleven more making at least $17 million annually. This trend extends to interior linemen, with some guards now commanding salaries comparable to tackles. Quenton Nelson of the Colts and Chris Lindstrom of the Falcons both earn over $20 million per season.
It is worth noting that while offensive line salaries have risen dramatically, they still lag behind some other positions in terms of percentage of the salary cap. Wirfs’ new contract, which averages $28.126 million per year, represents 11.01% of this year’s $255.4 million salary cap, ranking fifth among all offensive line contracts since the 2011 collective bargaining agreement. As teams continue to recognize the critical role of offensive linemen in their success, it’s likely that we’ll see more record-breaking contracts in the future, further solidifying the position’s status as one of the most valued in the NFL.
Tristan Wirfs’ $140.63 million contract
Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Tristan Wirfs now owns the benchmark for offensive linemen contracts. His five-year, $140.63 million extension, making him the highest-paid offensive lineman in NFL history. The deal, which runs through 2029, includes $88.24 million guaranteed. Wirfs has been a cornerstone of the Buccaneers’ offensive line since being drafted 13th overall in 2020. He played a crucial role in the team’s Super Bowl victory during his rookie season and has found himself to be one of the leaders of the Bucs.
Christian Darrisaw’s $113 million Deal
The Minnesota Vikings have made a significant investment in their offensive line by agreeing to a four-year contract extension with left tackle Christian Darrisaw. The deal is worth up to $113 million, with $77 million guaranteed. This extension comes well before Darrisaw’s current contract was set to expire. Darrisaw has proven his worth on the field allowing only 11 sacks combined between 2022 and 2023 .
Penei Sewell’s $112 million extension
The Detroit Lions secured their offensive line’s future by extending Penei Sewell’s contract. The four-year, $112 million deal includes $85 million guaranteed, keeping Sewell with the team through the 2029 season. This extension made Sewell the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL based on new-money average, surpassing Laremy Tunsil’s $25 million per year mark. As previously mentioned, this didn’t last very long. Sewell’s impact on the Lions’ offense has been significant, helping the team boast the NFL’s fifth-ranked scoring offense last season. Rewarded for part of the Lions quick turnaround, his presence has contributed to quarterback Jared Goff’s improved performance and the success of the Lions’ running game.
Honorable Mentions
Here’s a summary of other major offensive line contract extensions in the NFL in the 2024 offseason.
Taylor Decker – Detroit Lions
- Contract length: 3 years
- Total value: $60 million
- Average annual salary: $20 million
Andrew Thomas – New York Giants
- Contract length: 5 years
- Total value: $117.5 million
- Average annual salary: $23.5 million
Jordan Mailata – Philadelphia Eagles
- Contract length: 3 years
- Total value: $66 million
- Average annual salary: $22 million
Landon Dickerson – Philadelphia Eagles
- Contract length: 4 years
- Total value: $84 million
- Average annual salary: $21 million
Robert Hunt – Carolina Panthers
- Contract length: 5 years
- Total value: $100 million
- Average annual salary: $20 million
Quinn Meinerz – Denver Broncos
- Contract length: 4 years
- Total value: $80 million
- Average annual salary: $20 million
Contract Structure
To maintain long-term financial flexibility, teams are adopting various strategies when it comes to offensive line contracts. Some organizations are front-loading contracts, offering higher guarantees in the early years to provide cap relief in later seasons. Others are structuring deals with built-in team options or performance-based incentives to mitigate risk.
Injuries are a constant concern, and the physical nature of the position means that even top performers can see a decline in performance as they age. Teams must carefully evaluate the long-term value of these investments, considering factors such as a player’s injury history, age, and projected performance over the life of the contract .
In the Trenches
The surge in offensive linemen salaries is causing a revolution in NFL team-building strategies. Big contracts for players like Tristan Wirfs, Christian Darrisaw, and Penei Sewell show how much teams value these unsung heroes. This trend has an impact on salary cap management, pushing teams to be more creative in how they build their rosters. As a result, we’re seeing a mix of high-paid stars and budget-friendly options on offensive lines across the league.
Looking ahead, it’s clear that offensive linemen will keep playing a crucial role in team success. Their ability to protect quarterbacks and create opportunities for running backs is essential to winning games. Fans who are used to watching good offensive line play, quickly get slapped in the face when it is bad. In the end, when you see your favorite team finding the right balance between offensive line investments and other positions pray the pieces fall together in the building of championship-caliber football team.
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