The NFL wage cap creates challenges as groups attempt to construct a championship squad. Here’s a glance at a number of the most overpaid and underpaid players at every position coming into the 2023 season. Salaries are primarily based on cap hits from Spotrac.com.
![Underpaid quarterback: Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1326,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/f/c/fc74a487925eec0f15efafb44ea34a81903cf11a/underpaid-quarterback-brock-purdy-san-francisco.jpg)
Kyle Terada / USA Today Sports Images
The 49ers might afford to be huge spenders throughout the offseason whereas using seventh-round decide Purdy as their starter underneath heart. Entering his second NFL season, Purdy is ready to make lower than $900,000 this season and will not make greater than $1.1 million by means of the 2025 season. It’s fairly a luxurious that ought to permit San Francisco to proceed constructing round him.
![Overpaid quarterback: Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1522,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/5/c/5caf55ba2b7812df6918a12bad6fafd2e3f4a541/overpaid-quarterback-russell-wilson-denver-broncos.jpg)
Jay Biggerstaff / USA Today Sports Images
Denver is hopeful Sean Payton can repair Wilson after the catastrophe that was final season. His cap hit is tied for the sixth highest at the position ($22 million), however Wilson went 4-11 as a starter with a poor 36.7 QBR final season.
![Underpaid running back: Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1432,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/d/8/d8e828e2f9894a7f1e1589426b29703d6afbf6d6/underpaid-running-back-isiah-pacheco-kansas-city.jpg)
Jay Biggerstaff / USA Today Sports Images
A seventh-round decide final 12 months, Pacheco emerged because the beginning working again for the Super Bowl champion Chiefs. He’s set to make lower than $900,000 this season and trying to capitalize on a season by which he completed with 960 yards from scrimmage and 5 touchdowns.
![Overpaid running back: Cordarrelle Patterson, Atlanta Falcons](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1334,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/d/4/d4f15f3e40dc47a43e28105d2b4d75762cf93c1c/overpaid-running-back-cordarrelle-patterson.jpg)
Brett Davis / USA Today Sports Images
Patterson earned a contract extension after his breakout 2021 season however noticed his manufacturing fall final 12 months, notably within the passing recreation. At age 32, he’ll depend $5.5 million in opposition to the cap this 12 months, however his function might decline additional after the Falcons drafted Bijan Robinson.
![Underpaid wide receiver: Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1422,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/2/f/2f2a4f3390fe7004b7086ea901f62b997b3912d7/underpaid-wide-receiver-amon-ra-st-brown-detroit.jpg)
Tork Mason / USA Today Sports Images
St. Brown seems to be the steal of the 2021 draft as a fourth-round decide, now with 2,000 yards receiving over the past two years. He will depend simply over $1.1 million in opposition to the cap in 2023.
![Overpaid wide receiver: Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/2/4/2403dea8c4942e8cb1d698999c84113696bc8f0a/overpaid-wide-receiver-michael-thomas-new-orleans.jpg)
Brett Davis / USA Today Sports Images
Thomas is now not the highest-paid wideout within the NFL, however his cap hit of over $14 million in 2023 nonetheless places him within the high 10. He’s been unable to remain wholesome over the past three seasons, together with solely three video games performed final 12 months.
![Underpaid tight end: Chig Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1334,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/8/c/8c544c47f18735ab2e89b6cb66026cc155d6cc1c/underpaid-tight-end-chig-okonkwo-tennessee-titans.jpg)
George Walker IV / USA Today Sports Images
Tennessee was thrilled with what they noticed from Okonkwo in his rookie season. The fourth-round rookie emerged late within the 12 months, ending with 32 catches for 450 yards and three touchdowns. He will depend just below $1 million in opposition to the cap this season.
![Overpaid tight end: Will Dissly, Seattle Seahawks](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1334,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/e/b/ebe4b7d7605c16fd0283c8b44013d554168805fe/overpaid-tight-end-dissly-seattle-seahawks.jpg)
Gary A. Vasquez / USA Today Sports Images
Dissly’s contract is an actual head-scratcher, as he counts almost $9.2 million in opposition to the cap in 2023 and shares tight-end duties with Noah Fant. His presence within the passing recreation has been nominal, together with solely 34 catches for 349 yards and three touchdowns in 2023.
![Underpaid offensive tackle: Tyler Smith, Dallas Cowboys](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1513,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/7/9/79d4a48812261f5b77b70b190ac8274d7063ca01/underpaid-offensive-tackle-tyler-smith-dallas.jpg)
Kevin Jairaj / USA Today Sports Images
Smith was extraordinarily beneficial in his rookie season, enjoying everywhere in the line for the Cowboys. The 2022 first-round decide might serve both at guard or deal with this 12 months, and the flexibility by itself makes him a discount with a cap hit of simply over $3 million.
![Overpaid offensive tackle: Ronnie Stanley, Baltimore Ravens](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/d/d/dd20c495d47093d2d85030a732c0b1b2408e042a/overpaid-offensive-tackle-ronnie-stanley.jpg)
Sam Greene / USA Today Sports Images
Stanley is succesful when he is on the sphere, however the veteran has seen one damage after one other over the past three seasons. He performed solely 11 video games final season, however his cap hit stays the fourth highest amongst all tackles this 12 months at almost $23.7 million.
![Underpaid offensive guard: Teven Jenkins, Chicago Bears](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1334,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/e/3/e33e43faa828256504591b4aa1ec3d1cbf1798db/underpaid-offensive-guard-teven-jenkins-chicago.jpg)
Kamil Krzaczynski / USA Today Sports Images
Jenkins missed most of his rookie season attributable to damage however made up for misplaced time final 12 months with elite play at guard for the Bears. The former second-round decide has a cap hit of almost $2.3 million in 2023.
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Overpaid offensive guard: Andrus Peat, New Orleans Saints
![Overpaid offensive guard: Andrus Peat, New Orleans Saints](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/0/3/03bab14d9aeae1f552016640e41f78cb707ae4a9/overpaid-offensive-guard-andrus-peat-new-orleans.jpg)
Kyle Terada / USA Today Sports Images
Peat is among the highest-paid guards within the recreation, drawing a cap hit of almost $9 million this season. The veteran has missed time in every season of his profession and has performed a mixed 17 video games over the past two seasons.
![Underpaid center: Creed Humphrey, Kansas City Chiefs](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1415,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/3/c/3cb0fe7eb39e48d63e659924ad8b56f9bb386233/underpaid-center-creed-humphrey-kansas-city-chiefs.jpg)
Denny Medley / USA Today Sports Images
Humphrey’s play has been at or close to the highest of the league since he was drafted within the second spherical in 2021. He made his first Pro Bowl final season, however his cap hit is roughly $1.5 million in 2023.
![Overpaid center: Brian Allen, Los Angeles Rams](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/b/7/b717351c3816978d3ad2281e28bc18ad82ee430b/overpaid-center-brian-allen-los-angeles-rams.jpg)
Kirby Lee / USA Today Sports Images
Allen has been stable when accessible, however the Rams heart has missed vital time in two of the final three seasons. He performed solely seven video games in 2022, however his cap hit is over $3 million this 12 months.
![Underpaid defensive end: Greg Rousseau, Buffalo Bills](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1475,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/6/6/6645ad3e432c7948e7392af0bc3b0e28f0111564/underpaid-defensive-end-greg-rousseau-buffalo.jpg)
Jamie Germano / USA Today Sports Images
Rousseau has developed into the participant Buffalo hoped for once they spent a first-round decide in 2021. He recorded eight sacks in solely 13 video games, creating a terrific pass-rushing tandem early within the season with Von Miller.
![Overpaid defensive end: Emmanuel Ogbah, Miami Dolphins](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1334,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/5/b/5b53232e3f4b3d015a0673bf8ab243e557caab0f/overpaid-defensive-end-emmanuel-ogbah-miami.jpg)
Sam Navarro / USA Today Sports Images
Ogbah wish to neglect about 2022, enjoying solely 9 video games attributable to damage and recorded only one sack. His cap hit heading into this season is over $17 million as he hopes to rebound.
![Underpaid defensive tackle: DaVon Hamilton, Jacksonville Jaguars](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1334,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/0/b/0bd489d4079eca2c5f8e3cd9aeda38fe4d63ecca/underpaid-defensive-tackle-davon-hamilton.jpg)
Eric Hartline / USA Today Sports Images
Hamilton noticed a pleasant uptick in snaps and manufacturing for the Jaguars season, ending with 46 tackles and a couple of.5 sacks. The fourth-year participant has turn out to be a drive, however his cap hit stays lower than $3.9 million this season.
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Overpaid defensive deal with: D.J. Jones, Denver Broncos
![Overpaid defensive tackle: D.J. Jones, Denver Broncos](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/7/d/7d193fb6b5e06a07d26d19d91c8e6dda0a96918a/overpaid-defensive-tackle-dj-jones-denver-broncos.jpg)
Stephen R. Sylvanie / USA Today Sports Images
Denver paid Jones like an elite defensive deal with when he was introduced over from the 49ers final 12 months, however the early returns aren’t nice. He had solely 34 tackles and two sacks in 15 video games, and his cap hit is almost $13 million in 2023.
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Underpaid exterior linebacker: Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys
![Underpaid outside linebacker: Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/c/b/cbdf1723d2b613f0700e8bb6c4ab62da8be8786d/underpaid-outside-linebacker-micah-parsons-dallas.jpg)
Jerome Miron / USA Today Sports Images
Parson’s payday will come quickly sufficient, however till then, he’ll stay one of many most underpaid players within the NFL as an elite cross rusher. He’s been an All-Pro in each of his NFL seasons, totaling 26.5 sacks. Parsons’ cap hit is lower than $4.7 million this season.
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Overpaid exterior linebacker: Randy Gregory, Denver Broncos
![Overpaid outside linebacker: Randy Gregory, Denver Broncos](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1356,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/e/a/eadbfe541841044d067a54dca89c92abb5af1652/overpaid-outside-linebacker-randy-gregory-denver.jpg)
Ron Chenoy / USA Today Sports Images
Gregory struggled in his first season away from Dallas, with solely two sacks in six video games whereas lacking most of the 12 months attributable to damage. His cap hit is over $16 million this season, thirteenth highest amongst edge rushers.
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Underpaid inside linebacker: Nick Bolton, Kansas City Chiefs
![Underpaid inside linebacker: Nick Bolton, Kansas City Chiefs](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/f/d/fd9f7d157d3c0cc74d063eebce9b68ef17877d8b/underpaid-inside-linebacker-nick-bolton-kansas.jpg)
Bill Streicher / USA Today Sports Images
Bolton was one of many heroes of the Super Bowl for the Chiefs in addition to a workforce captain all through the season. He recorded 180 tackles and two sacks throughout the common season. As Bolton enters his third 12 months, the previous second-round decide has a cap hit of lower than $1.6 million.
![Overpaid inside linebacker: Kenneth Murray, Los Angeles Chargers](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/6/5/65f1aa78d519e9e1200af00f729f2a3af3b8799c/overpaid-inside-linebacker-kenneth-murray-los.jpg)
Trevor Ruszkowski / USA Today Sports Images
The run protection and inside linebacker have been an issue for the Chargers lately, and Murray’s struggles are a part of the explanation. The former first-round decide might lose snaps to Eric Kendricks this season, however his cap hit is over $4.1 million this season.
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Underpaid cornerback: Tariq Woolen, Seattle Seahawks
![Underpaid cornerback: Tariq Woolen, Seattle Seahawks](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1263,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/c/a/ca8fa00427b47d2ec5c7e25324c5becd86170b85/underpaid-cornerback-tariq-woolen-seattle-seahawks.jpg)
Philip G. Pavely / USA Today Sports Images
Woolen was a revelation for the Seahawks as a rookie from the fifth spherical, making the Pro Bowl and ending third within the Defensive Rookie of the Year balloting. He led the league with six interceptions, coming into his personal at nook. Woolen’s cap hit continues to be lower than $1 million in 2023.
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Overpaid cornerback: J.C. Jackson, Los Angeles Chargers
![Overpaid cornerback: J.C. Jackson, Los Angeles Chargers](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1333,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/8/9/89c8e2d2c2bacf197c32664a21fb79f3f586975b/overpaid-cornerback-jc-jackson-los-angeles.jpg)
Kirby Lee / USA Today Sports Images
The Chargers made Jackson one of many highest-paid defensive backs within the NFL final 12 months, however the first 12 months was a nightmare. He performed solely 5 video games attributable to a number of accidents. Jackson’s cap hit is $17 million this season.
![Underpaid safety: Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore Ravens](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1331,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/c/f/cfe923052a6eee98f437b8713f413a27b1994bf6/underpaid-safety-kyle-hamilton-baltimore-ravens.jpg)
Tommy Gilligan / USA Today Sports Images
Baltimore’s high decide within the 2022 draft, Hamilton was terrific in his rookie marketing campaign as the highest security within the NFL, based on Pro Football Focus. His cap hit is just below $3.7 million this season.
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Overpaid security: Jamal Adams, Seattle Seahawks
![Overpaid safety: Jamal Adams, Seattle Seahawks](https://i0.wp.com/res.cloudinary.com/ybmedia/image/upload/c_crop,h_1334,w_2000,x_0,y_0/c_scale,f_auto,q_auto,w_700/v1/m/b/5/b58f8cedd40c9a838539c286827c2096b35b9252/overpaid-safety-jamal-adams-seattle-seahawks.jpg)
Brace Hemmelgarn / USA Today Sports Images
If Adams did not have unhealthy luck, he’d haven’t any luck at all with one damage after one other lately. He performed just one recreation final season, and is trying to rebound in 2023. His cap hit is over $18 million, third highest amongst safeties.
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