10 highest-paid NFL kickers in 2024 season: From Harrison Butker to Daniel Carlson
Top 10 NFL kicker salaries for 2024 as Harrison Butker leads in raking in the moolah
While the defense and offense play crucial parts in the game, kickers are one position that is not paid as much but has the power to make the difference between a win and a defeat. Harrison Butker of the Kansas City Chiefs is currently the highest-paid kicker in the NFL based on average annual salary (AAV), earning $6.4 million annually. Based on the average yearly salary of their most recent contracts, here are 10 NFL kickers who earn the highest salaries in the 2024 season.
1. Kansas City Chiefs' Harrison Butker (AAV: $6.4M)
The Kansas City Chiefs extended their star kicker, Harrison Butker, for a further four years following an interesting offseason where the kicker made headlines for reasons unrelated to football. Butker and Kansas City agreed to a four-year $25.6 million agreement that includes a $17.75 million guarantee. Butker is now the highest-paid kicker in the NFL, sources informed ESPN on Monday, August 5. Butker's annual salary of $6.4 million will surpass that of the previous highest-paid kickers, Baltimore Ravens' Justin Tucker and Philadelphia Eagles' Jake Elliott.
2. Philadelphia Eagles' Jake Elliott (AAV: $6M)
After agreeing to a four-year $24 million extension this summer, Philadelphia Eagles' outstanding special teamer Jake Elliott tied Justin Tucker as the highest-paid kicker in the NFL in terms of average annual salary. Elliott will remain a Philly player through the 2028 season due to the $9.7 million guaranteed contract, which also includes a $5.54 million signing bonus. Elliot, 29, is one of the top kickers in the league and has a fondness for making critical kicks.
3. Indianapolis Colts' Matt Gay (AAV: $5.625M)
Matt Gay signed a four-year $22.5 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts in the 2023 offseason, following his Super Bowl victory with the Los Angeles Rams. A signing bonus of $8 million and a $13 million guarantee were part of the agreement. Gay's free agency period is set to begin in 2027, per Pro Football Network.
4. New York Giants' Graham Gano (AAV: $5.5M)
Graham Gano is the oldest man on this list with NFL experience dating back to 2009. The seasoned kicker signed a three-year $16.5 million contract extension with the New York Giants in 2023; the deal extends through the 2026 campaign and may be the last one he signs. The Giants placed a great deal of faith in Gano to keep producing as he gets closer to 40 years old by guaranteeing him almost $13.25 million.
5. Houston Texans' Ka’imi Fairbairn (AAV: $5.3M)
After the 2016 NFL Draft, Ka'imi Fairbairn signed a free-agent contract with the Houston Texans. He will, however, miss his first season due to a quad injury while on injured reserve. The Texans and Fairbairn reached an agreement this past summer on a three-year $15.9 million contract extension, with $11 million guaranteed. In 2027, Fairbairn will be eligible to enter free agency.
6. Seattle Seahawks' Jason Myers (AAV: $5.275M)
Jason Myers has established a long-term home with the Seattle Seahawks following stints with the New York Jets and Jacksonville Jaguars early in his career. With 37 straight field goals made, Myers now owns the fourth-longest streak in history. Myers and the Seahawks reached a four-year $21.1 million contract extension after the 2022 season, with a $12.3 million guarantee. In 2027, Meyers will be eligible to hit free agency.
7. Buffalo Bills' Tyler Bass (AAV: $5.1M)
Tyler Bass, who was chosen by the Bills in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, has had a great career as Buffalo's placekicker. In April 2023, Bass and Buffalo reached a four-year contract extension agreement on the parameters of $21 million. The contract, which guarantees him $12.3 million, will keep Bass with the Bills until the 2027 campaign.
8. Pittsburgh Steelers' Chris Boswell (AAV: $5M)
Chris Boswell spent time with the practice squads of the Houston Texans and New York Giants before finding a home in Pittsburgh in 2015. In 2022, Pittsburgh signed Boswell to a $20 million four-year contract extension that included a $12.5 million guarantee. In 2027, Boswell is scheduled to hit free agency.
9. Atlanta Falcons' Younghoe Koo (AAV: $4.85M)
In 2017, Younghoe Koo joined the Los Angeles Chargers as an undrafted free agent. After playing for a while in the Alliance of American Football, Koo returned to the NFL in 2019 with a berth on the New England Patriots practice squad. Despite being brief, the Atlanta Falcons signed him immediately to take Matt Bryant's spot. Due to his outstanding performance, Koo was awarded a $24.25 million five-year contract extension in 2022, along with a $6.25 million signing bonus.
10. Las Vegas Raiders' Daniel Carlson (AAV: $4.6M)
The Minnesota Vikings drafted Daniel Carlson in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. However, he was cut in favor of Dan Bailey during his rookie season. After signing a contract with the Raiders, he became the kicker for Las Vegas. Carlson consented to a new $18.4 million four-year contract in 2021. In 2026, Carlson is expected to become a free agent.