Meet the Highest Paid Offensive Tackles in the NFL: A Closer Look
Hello, football fans! Today, we're diving into the big bucks and taking a closer look at the highest paid offensive tackles in the NFL. These guys are the unsung heroes of the gridiron, protecting their quarterbacks and opening up holes for their running backs. So, buckle up as we explore who's raking in the most cash on the offensive line. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and highest paid offensive tackle.
The Highest Paid Offensive Tackles in the NFL: By the Numbers
Before we dive into the individual players, let's take a quick look at the highest paid offensive tackles in the league, based on average annual salary (via [Spotrac](https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/rankings/cap hits/offensive tackle/)):
1. David Bakhtiari - Green Bay Packers - Average Annual Salary: $23.3 million
2. Trent Williams - San Francisco 49ers - Average Annual Salary: $22.1 million
3. Laremy Tunsil - Houston Texans - Average Annual Salary: $20.8 million
4. Jason Kelce - Philadelphia Eagles - Average Annual Salary: $14.3 million
5. Brandon Scherff - Washington Football Team - Average Annual Salary: $14.0 million
Now that we've got the numbers out of the way, let's get to know these offensive tackle heavy hitters a little better.
David Bakhtiari: The Highest Paid Offensive Tackle in the NFL
At the top of the list, we've got David Bakhtiari, the Green Bay Packers' left tackle. Signed to a four-year, $105.5 million deal in 2020, Bakhtiari has been a staple on the Packers' offensive line since being drafted in 2013. He's a four-time Pro Bowler and was named to the All-Pro team in 2018 and 2019.
Bakhtiari's consistency and elite pass-blocking skills have earned him the title of the highest paid offensive tackle in the NFL. Despite missing most of the 2021 season with an injury, his impact on the field is undeniable. When he's healthy, he's one of the best in the business at keeping Aaron Rodgers' jersey clean.
Trent Williams: The Highest Paid Offensive Tackle (by trade value)
While David Bakhtiari might have the highest average annual salary, Trent Williams is unarguably the highest paid offensive tackle when it comes to trade value. In 2021, the San Francisco 49ers traded a 2022 fifth-round pick and a 2023 third-round pick to the Washington Football Team for Williams. That's a hefty price tag for an offensive lineman, but Williams has more than earned it.
A seven-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro, Williams is widely regarded as one of the best left tackles in NFL history. He's been a dominant force in the trenches since being drafted in 2010, and his presence on the field has been a game-changer for the 49ers. Despite being in his 30s, Williams shows no signs of slowing down, and his contract reflects his elite status on the offensive line.
Laremy Tunsil: The Highest Paid Offensive Tackle (by total value)
In 2020, the Houston Texans signed Laremy Tunsil to a three-year, $66 million extension, making him the highest paid offensive tackle in terms of total value. Tunsil's rise to the top of the tackle market has been a bit of a rollercoaster, but he's undeniably one of the best in the game today.
Drafted eighth overall in 2016, Tunsil's career got off to a rocky start due to off-field issues. However, he's since turned his career around and has become a dominant force on the offensive line. He's a two-time Pro Bowler and has been a key part of the Texans' offense since joining the team in 2019.
Jason Kelce and Brandon Scherff: The Highest Paid Offensive Tackles (by consistency)
While David Bakhtiari, Trent Williams, and Laremy Tunsil might be the highest paid offensive tackles in terms of salary or trade value, Jason Kelce and Brandon Scherff have earned their spots among the league's elite with their consistency and longevity.
Jason Kelce has been the Philadelphia Eagles' starting center since 2011 and has been a model of consistency throughout his career. He's a six-time Pro Bowler and was named to the All-Pro team in 2017, 2019, and 2020. Despite playing a position that often goes unnoticed, Kelce's impact on the Eagles' offense is undeniable.
Brandon Scherff, on the other hand, has been a key part of the Washington Football Team's offensive line since being drafted fifth overall in 2015. He's a seven-time Pro Bowler and has been named to the All-Pro team three times in his career. Like Kelce, Scherff's consistency and impact on the game have earned him a spot among the highest paid offensive tackles in the NFL.
The Highest Paid Offensive Tackles in the NFL: What's Next?
As we look to the future, it'll be interesting to see how the market for highest paid offensive tackles continues to evolve. With more and more teams placing a premium on elite talent on the offensive line, it's likely that we'll see even bigger contracts for these unsung heroes in the coming years.
So, there you have it, folks! A deep dive into the highest paid offensive tackles in the NFL. Whether it's by salary, trade value, or consistency, these guys are the best of the best on the offensive line. Be sure to keep an eye on them as the 2022 season approaches, and as always, thanks for reading!