The NFL's salary structure is in flux, with wide receivers, edge rushers, and cornerbacks experiencing significant pay hikes over the last two years. The next positions up for substantial increases are offensive tackles and guards, following a pattern that has persisted since Lawrence Taylor's era. The rise in edge rusher pay has already led to a corresponding jump for offensive tackles, with Laremy Tunsil and Tyler Smith signing lucrative deals. However, the league's top veteran tackles are under contract for at least two years, limiting the ability of younger players like Tristan Wirfs and Penei Sewell to negotiate substantial raises.
The Bears' Darnell Wright, a top 2023 draftee, is eligible for an extension off his rookie deal and has a strong case for a top-of-the-market extension. However, he is unlikely to secure a $5MM-plus raise over Tunsil's deal. Such a jump may need to wait until 2024's strong draft class reaches extension eligibility next season.
As for younger players, Chargers right tackle Joe Alt, Jets left tackle Olu Fashanu, and Titans left tackle JC Latham could push for $35MM per year or more. Guards should benefit from the increase in defensive tackle pay, but none have eclipsed Chris Jones' $31.25MM AAV deal, which may limit the jump for guards.
2023 first-rounder Peter Skoronski is the top extension-eligible guard from his draft class, but his pedigree does not support a market-setting deal. Colts left guard Quenton Nelson, entering a contract year, is well-positioned to demand a big raise, given his Pro Bowl and All-Pro recognition. Guards have long been paid more than centers, so Linderbaum's jump to $27MM per year should give Nelson plenty of leverage.
Linderbaum's contract with the Raiders includes a unique guarantee structure, with the first two seasons fully guaranteed at signing and the third season's guarantees vesting at the beginning of the second. This could influence other offensive linemen to pursue three-year deals with similar guarantees, rather than the four-year deals that have been more popular. Additionally, the Raiders' investment in Linderbaum could signal a trend of teams with young quarterbacks aggressively investing in their offensive lines.
The Jets, with their expected rookie quarterback draft next year, and the Titans, with Cam Ward, may also benefit from this trend. The NFL's salary structure is evolving, with a focus on investing in the offensive line to protect young quarterbacks and improve team performance.
