The NFL's salary structure is in flux, with wide receivers and edge rushers leading the charge in recent years. However, the spotlight is now shifting to offensive tackles and guards, who are poised to see substantial increases in their pay. The market for these positions has been steadily rising, with players like Laremy Tunsil and Tyler Smith already commanding over $30MM and $24MM per year, respectively. This trend is expected to continue, especially with the rise of edge rushers, who are now earning more than $40MM annually. The question remains: what does this mean for the offensive tackles and guards who block them? The answer lies in the potential for these positions to mirror the pay increases seen by wide receivers and edge rushers, as well as the impact of Linderbaum's contract on the market.
One of the key factors influencing the salary structure is the performance of players. Darnell Wright, a top 2023 draftee, has already earned a second-team All-Pro nod, which strengthens his case for a top-of-the-market extension. However, it's unlikely that he will secure a $5MM-plus raise over Tunsil's deal. This suggests that younger players may need to wait until the strong 2024 draft class reaches extension eligibility next season to see significant increases in their pay. Players like Joe Alt, Olu Fashanu, and JC Latham could potentially push for $35MM per year or more, mirroring the pay of edge rushers.
The impact of Linderbaum's contract on the market is also significant. His three-year deal includes fully guaranteed first two seasons and a third season with guarantees vesting at the beginning of the second. This structure could influence other offensive linemen to pursue three-year deals with similar guarantees, rather than the four-year deals that have been more common. Additionally, the Raiders' investment in Linderbaum as one of the league's best centers could signal a new trend of teams paying all interior linemen in a similar range.
Another potential trend is the willingness of teams with young quarterbacks to invest in their offensive lines. The Raiders' decision to sign Linderbaum could encourage other teams to follow suit, especially those with young quarterbacks. The Jets, for example, are expected to draft a rookie quarterback next year, which could give Fashanu, Latham, and Skoronski more leverage in negotiations. The Titans, who already have Cam Ward, may also be influenced by this trend.
In conclusion, the NFL's salary structure is in flux, with offensive tackles and guards poised to see substantial increases in their pay. The impact of Linderbaum's contract on the market could influence other players to pursue similar deals, and the willingness of teams with young quarterbacks to invest in their offensive lines could further drive up pay. The future of the NFL's salary structure remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the market for offensive tackles and guards is set to rise.
