If the quarterback is the most important position in the game of football, then it stands to reason that those tasked with preventing quarterbacks from being successful would be tremendously vital.
A dominant pass rusher can dramatically alter a game, enhancing his defense's ability to disrupt the passing game. A good edge rusher demands multiple blockers in order to keep the quarterback upright, thus freeing up teammates to make plays. A quarterback under pressure is also susceptible to errant throws and, even better for the defense, turnovers.
Edge rushers can either be a defensive end or an outside linebacker, with a primary objective to seek and destroy.
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Who is the highest-paid edge rusher in the NFL?
Nick Bosa 's five-year, $170 million contract signed in 2023 with the San Francisco 49ers makes him not only the top-paid edge rusher, but also the NFL's highest-paid defensive player.
2024 NFL edge rusher salary rankings
Here are the edge rusher salary rankings based on average annual value, according to Over The Cap :
1.Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers : $34 million (5 years, $170 million)
2.Joshua Hines-Allen, Jacksonville Jaguars : $28.3 million (5 years, $141.3 million)
3.Brian Burns, New York Giants: $28.2 million (5 years, $141 million)
4. T.J. Watt , Pittsburgh Steelers : $28 million (4 years, $112 million)
5. Myles Garrett , Cleveland Browns : $25 million (5 years, $125 million)
6 (tie). Montez Sweat , Chicago Bears : $24.5 million (4 years, $98 million)
6 (tie). Danielle Hunter , Houston Texans : $24.5 million (2 years, $49 million)
8. Rashan Gary , Green Bay Packers : $24 million (4 years, $96 million)
9. Maxx Crosby , Las Vegas Raiders : $23.5 million (5 years, $94 million)
10. Bradley Chubb , Miami Dolphins : $22 million (5 years, $110 million)
11. Trey Hendrickson , Cincinnati Bengals : $21 million (1 year, $21 million)
12. Joey Bosa , Los Angeles Chargers : $20.2 million (2 years, $40.4 million)
13. Von Miller , Buffalo Bills : $19.1 million (4 years, $76.4 million)
14 (tie). Khalil Mack , Los Angeles Chargers: $19 million (1 year, $19 million)
14 (tie). Jonathan Greenard , Minnesota Vikings : $19 million (4 years, $76 million)
16. Harold Landry , Tennessee Titans : $17.5 million (5 years, $87.5 million)
17. Bryce Huff , Philadelphia Eagles : $17.03 million (3 years, $51.1 million)
18. Alex Highsmith , Pittsburgh Steelers: $17 million (4 years, $68 million)
19 (tie). Uchenna Nwosu , Seattle Seahawks : $15 million (3 years, $45 million)
19 (tie). Haason Reddick , New York Jets : $15 million (3 years, $45 million)
Here's the highest-paid list for all the positions
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Highest paid NFL edge rushers: Top salaries for pass rushers in 2024
