The 2022 NFL Pro Bowl Rosters, Financially

The 2022 NFL Pro Bowl rosters were announced Wednesday evening and the list includes a healthy dose of experienced, high-paid talent. In fact, of the 17 position groups represented here, 11 of them saw the highest average paid player at that position get selected this season.

Also

• 13 of the players selected this year are pending unrestricted free agency next March.
• 3 members of the Eagles & Chiefs offensive lines were selected.
• Only two 1st-year rookies (Sauce Gardner, Tariq Woolen) were selected.

Here’s a full breakdown of selections by position, including the remaining contract & free agency years for each player. 

Quarterbacks

Geno Smith banks a $500,000 bonus for his selection, setting up what should be a massive pay raise over his $4M 2022 campaign. The Eagles and Bengals likely back up the brinks trucks for Hurts & Burrow respectively this winter as well, with each hovering around the $45M valuation mark currently. The Top 4 highest average paid QBs missed the Pro Bowl this year.

Running Backs

4 of the 6 running backs selected are playing on expiring contracts, set to combine for what will be a gigantic halfback free agency - money excluded. 

Fullbacks

The first and third highest average paid fullbacks were selected this year in a position that still holds plenty of value in the league, though the money hasn’t ever accounted for it. 

Wide Receivers

4 of the Top 6 highest average paid WRs make the list, including the #1 overall in Hill, while Chase, Jefferson, & Lamb all become extension eligible after the 2022 season. McLaurin gets a $250,000 bump on next year’s salary, while Adams & Hill lock in $250,000 bonuses for their selections.

Tight Ends

3 of the Top 5 highest average paid TEs get the nod, while an extension for Hockenson in Minnesota this winter seems imminent. Andrews tacks on a $250,000 bonus to his 2022 compensation for this nod.

Offensive Tackles

Will the Chiefs double tag Brown or give him the big extension? A new rookie QB in Houston probably means Tunsil gets another big payday this winter, while Tristan Wirfs becomes extension eligible for the first time in Tampa. Armstead grabs a $650,000 bonus for his selection. 

Offensive Guards

A few usual suspects here, but Dickerson gets the nod in just his 2nd NFL season, while the Falcons are likely poised to back a brinks truck up for Lindstrom this winter.

Offensive Centers

Humphrey becomes the 3rd member of the Chiefs’ O-Line to get the nod, while Kelce becomes #3 for the Eagles as well, as does the highest average paid center in Ragnow. Mitch Morse bags an extra $200,000 for his selection.

Defensive Ends

Another highest average paid player (Garrett) makes the list, while Bosa & Burns probably don’t take the field next offseason before a shiny new gigantic contract is under their belt.

Defensive Tackles

Donald makes it yet ANOTHER highest average paid player to get selected this year. Williams, Simmons & Lawrence are all smoldering extension candidates, though all 3 teams have a QB position to address that could roadblock an immediate payday.

Outside Linebackers

Shocker: The highest average paid OLB (Watt) made the cut. Mack might be a restructure extension candidate this winter due to some funky cap numbers and lack of guarantees, while Parsons will need to wait another year in Dallas to get his bag. Reddick earns a $500,000 increase on an already guaranteed option bonus for next season.

Inside Linebackers

Baltimore’s current ILB & their previous ILB both get selected, while Warner shows he’s worth every dime of the top of the market extension SF gave him recently. Davis earns a $500,000 bonus for his nod.

Cornerbacks

Two rookies get the nod here (Gardner, Woolen), as does yet another highest average paid player (Alexander). Diggs and Slay are extension candidates this winter. Howard is on his way to a $1M incentive per his selection, while Humphrey bags an extra $250,000 for his.

Safeties

The Top 2 highest average paid safeties (James & Fitzpatrick) hit the roster this year, while Jordan Poyer grabs an extra $500,000 in Buffalo, and sets himself up for what should be a very rewarding pending free agency.

Special Teams

Plenty of players set to hit the open market or lock in extensions this winter, while Justin Tucker joins only Stefon Diggs, Josh Allen, & Patrick Mahomes as 2022 Pro Bowlers with contracts that run through at least 2028. Duvernay now qualifies for a 4th-year contract escalator.