Highest-paid NFL linebackers: See the top salaries for LBs for 2024 season

A midseason trade in 2022 from the Chicago Bears to the Baltimore Ravens worked out quite well for Roquan Smith.

Smith escaped Chicago, a non-contending team, for a squad that regularly qualifies for the playoffs. In January 2023, the Ravens awarded Smith with a contract extension that made him the league's highest-paid linebacker. Smith was the NFL's third-leading tackler last season and was voted the team MVP despite playing only nine games for the Ravens.

DO YOU LIKE FOOTBALL? Then you'll enjoy getting our NFL newsletter delivered to your inbox

Who is the highest-paid linebacker in the NFL?

In the extension signed in January 2023, Smith received a five-year, $100 million contract from the Ravens, with $45 million in guarantees.

2024 NFL linebacker salary rankings

Here are the linebacker salary rankings based on average annual value, according to Over The Cap:

1. Roquan Smith, Baltimore Ravens: $20 million (5 years, $100 million)

2. Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers: $19 million (5 years, $95.2 million)

3. Tremaine Edmunds, Chicago Bears: $18 million (4 years, $72 million)

4. Matt Milano, Buffalo Bills: $14.2 million (2 years, $28.3 million)

5. Patrick Queen, Pittsburgh Steelers: $13.7 million (3 years, $41 million)

6. Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Cleveland Browns: $12.5 million (3 years, $37.5 million)

7. Azeez Al-Shaair, Houston Texans: $11.3 million (3 years, $34 million)

8. Zaire Franklin, Indianapolis Colts: $10.4 million (3 years, $31.3 million)

9 (tie). Bobby Okereke, New York Giants: $10 million (4 years, $40 million)

9 (tie). Foyesade Oluokun, Jacksonville Jaguars: $10 million (3 years, $30 million)

11. Logan Wilson, Cincinnati Bengals: $9 million (4 years, $36 million)

12. Jordyn Brooks, Miami Dolphins: $8.8 million (3 years, $26.3 million)

13 (tie). C.J. Mosley, New York Jets: $8.6 million (2 years, $17.3 million)

13 (tie). Demario Davis, New Orleans Saints: $8.6 million (2 years, $17.3 million)

15. Lavonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $8.5 million (1 year, $8.5 million)

16. Dre Greenlaw, San Francisco 49ers: $8.2 million (2 years, $16.4 million)

17 (tie). Kenneth Murray, Tennessee Titans: $7.8 million (2 years, $15.5 million)

17 (tie). Blake Cashman, Minnesota Vikings: $7.8 million (3 years, $22.5 million)

19. Kaden Elliss, Atlanta Falcons: $7.2 million (3 years, $21.5 million)

20. Jerome Baker, Seattle Seahawks: $7 million (1 year, $7 million)

21 (tie). Ja'Whaun Bentley, New England Patriots: $6.8 million (2 years, $13.5 million)

21 (tie). Germaine Pratt, Cincinnati Bengals: $6.8 million (3 years, $20.3 million)

23 (tie). T.J. Edwards, Chicago Bears: $6.5 million (3 years, $19.5 million)

23 (tie). Bobby Wagner, Washington Commanders: $6.5 million (1 year, $6.5 million)

25. Drue Tranquill, Kansas City Chiefs: $6.3 million (3 years, $19 million)

26 (tie). Alex Anzalone, Detroit Lions: $6.3 million (3 years, $18.8 million)

26 (tie). Josey Jewell, Carolina Panthers: $6.3 million (3 years, $18.8 million)

Here’s the highest-paid list for all the positions

• Highest-paid NFL players

• Quarterbacks

• Running backs

• Wide receivers

• Tight ends

• Offensive tackles

• Offensive guards

• Centers

• Edge rushers

• Interior defensive linemen

• Cornerbacks

• Safeties

• Kickers

• Punters

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Highest-paid NFL linebackers: Top-paid LBs in 2024 salary rankings