2022 NFL season: Ranking top players at each position with a massive payday coming

Which NFL stars are readying for a massive payday in the near future? With the summer approaching and contract extension negotiations bound to heat up, Anthony Holzman-Escareno of NFL.com took a look at who has some money coming to them at each position.

Ranking top players at each position with a massive payday coming, via NFL.com:

Quarterback — Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens

He may not have an agent, but the former Louisville star is preparing to negotiate a gigantic contract for himself.

“The Browns gave Watson a fully guaranteed, five-year deal worth $46 million per season. Jackson is over a year younger and has a much higher QB win percentage (.755) than Watson (.528). He also has an MVP award in his trophy case,” wrote Holzman-Escareno. “The Ravens will apply the franchise tag on Jackson should an agreement not be reached by next offseason.”

On the Radar — Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos; Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals

Running Back — Jonathon Taylor, Indianapolis Colts

While running backs haven’t been living up to their billing after receiving huge contracts in recent seasons, the breakout star of the 2021-22 season could be an exception.

“Multiple factors are working to devalue running backs in 2022, including a lack of marquee names, general disinterest in paying big money at the position, and the performance (or lack thereof) of those who have been paid,” wrote Holzman-Escareno. “Taylor will be just 25 years old when his contract expires after 2023.”

On the Radar — Saquon Barkley, New York Giants; Derrick Henry, Tennessee Titans

Wide Receiver — Deebo Samuel, San Francisco 49ers

It has to be the former South Carolina star. Currently in the middle of a standoff with the 49ers, Samuel is looking for a huge payday — and somebody will give it to him.

“Whether it’s the 49ers or not, some team will compensate Samuel extremely well on his second contract,” explained Holzman-Escareno. “Using A.J. Brown’s deal with the Eagles ($25 million per year) as a floor in negotiations seems like a fair starting point.”

On the Radar — Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams; DK Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks; Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders

Tight End — Darren Waller, Las Vegas Raiders

One of the best stories in the entire league, Waller has earned his “Waller the Baller” nickname, and he’ll earn the big dollar signs bound to come his way.

“The Raiders have gotten a discount on Waller’s production over the last few seasons, but the soon-to-be 30-year-old tight end should strike it big with a new extension,” wrote Holzman-Escareno. “He has two seasons remaining on his current deal.”

On the Radar — Mike Gesicki, Miami Dolphins; David Njoku, Cleveland Browns; Dalton Schultz, Dallas Cowboys; T.J. Hockenson, Detroit Lions

Offensive Tackle — Orlando Brown, Kansas City Chiefs

While the former Oklahoma star isn’t yet on the level of the top offensive tackles, Holzman-Escareno believes he’ll be paid like one.

“When Trent Williams became the NFL’s highest-paid offensive lineman in March 2021, he did so by procuring a mere $10,000 more per season ($23.01 million) than Packers OT David Bakhtiari ($23.0 million),” explained the writer. “Brown should be the next player jockeying for that title, even though he’s not yet the same caliber of player as Williams or Bakhtiari.”

On the Radar — Laremy Tunsil, Houston Texans

Interior Offensive Lineman — Quenton Nelson, Indianapolis Colts

History will be made when the former Notre Dame star finally signs a well-deserved extension.

“Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Nelson should be very confident in his leverage at the moment,” explained Holzman-Escareno. “The current high-water mark in the guard market is Brandon Scherff’s deal with the Jaguars for $16.5 million per year. There is no reason to think that Nelson can’t become the first interior O-lineman to sign a contract worth $20 million annually.”

On the Radar — Zack Martin, Dallas Cowboys; Elgton Jenkins, Green Bay Packers

Interior Defensive Lineman — Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams

While the list doesn’t feature players who have been in the league as long or have experienced the level of success Donald has, it’s impossible for Holzman-Escareno not to include him.

“Just to put into perspective how much of an anomaly Donald is: He’s the only member of this “team” who is also already on the 2022 All-Paid Team. With Donald and the Rams already working on an extension, he needs to be present here,” he wrote.

On the Radar — Jeffrey Simmons, Tennessee Titans; Quinnen Williams, New York Jets

Edge Rusher — Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers

Don’t worry Bosa family, the title of highest-paid defensive player in the NFL will be returning to your surname soon.

“Joey Bosa spent the 2020 season as the NFL’s highest-paid defensive player after he signed a five-year, $135 million pact with the Chargers. T.J. Watt surpassed him last offseason, but the title should return to the Bosa family soon,” wrote Holzman-Escareno. “Joey’s younger brother, Nick, is just as proficient in the family business of pass rushing.”

On the Radar — Brian Burns, Carolina Panthers; Danielle Hunter, Minnesota Vikings; Rashan Gary, Green Bay Packers

Linebacker — Roquan Smith, Chicago Bears

According to Holzman-Escareno, Smith is the next in a line of Bears to become the highest-paid at their respective position.

“Smith, like Lamar Jackson, does not have an agent. His fifth-year option sits at $9.7 million for 2022, but Smith should easily get a deal at or near the top of the positional market,” he wrote. “The Bears have notably made Khalil Mack (since traded) and Eddie Jackson the highest-paid players at their respective positions in recent seasons. Smith will likely be next.”

On the Radar — Tremaine Edmunds, Buffalo Bills; Devin White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Cornerbacks — Trevon Diggs, Dallas Cowboys; A.J. Terrell, Atlanta Falcons

Evidently, both breakout star cornerbacks can expect huge deals following Packers star Jaire Alexander inking a massive extension.

“Terrell and Diggs will each be eligible to rework their deals after the final regular season game of the 2022 season,” wrote Holzman-Escareno. “The Falcons can exercise Terrell’s fifth-year option after the coming season. The Cowboys don’t have the same luxury, since Diggs wasn’t a first-round pick.”

On the Radar — Byron Murphy, Arizona Cardinals

Safety — Derwin James, Los Angeles Chargers

While Holzman-Escareno recognizes there’s some injury concerns with the former Florida State star, he’s simply too special to let walk.

“Surely, there are some past injury concerns for James, but he’s an elite hybrid player who impacts the Chargers’ defense in numerous ways,” he wrote. “There aren’t many players who can stop a back in the hole, sack the quarterback and line up mano a mano with a slot receiver. James can.”

On the Radar — Minkah Fitzpatrick, Pittsburgh Steelers; Jessie Bates III, Cincinnati Bengals