Offensive tackles are among the most important players on the football. Tasked with protecting the quarterback against aggressive edge rushers, offensive tackles often go up against some of the quickest and most skilled defensive players.

Going back to the 1997 NFL draft, only quarterbacks (20), pass rushers (four) or offensive tackles (three) have been selected with the No. 1 overall pick.

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Who is the highest-paid NFL offensive tackle?

Tristan Wirfs became the highest-paid offensive tackle after agreeing to terms on a five-year, $140 million contract extension with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in early August.

2024 NFL offensive tackle salary rankings

Here are the offensive tackle salary rankings based on average annual value, according to Over The Cap:

1. Tristan Wirfs (RT), Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $28.1 million (5 years, $140.6 million)

2. Penei Sewell (RT), Detroit Lions: $28 million (4 years, $112 million)

3. Trent Williams (LT), San Francisco 49ers: $27.5 million (3 years, $82.66 million)

4. Christian Darrisaw (LT), Minnesota Vikings: $26 million (4 years, $104 million)

5. Laremy Tunsil (LT), Houston Texans: $25 million (3 years, $75 million)

6. Andrew Thomas (LT), New York Giants: $23.5 million (5 years, $117.5 million)

7. Jordan Mailata (LT), Philadelphia Eagles: $22 million (3 years, $66 million)

8. Dion Dawkins (LT), Buffalo Bills: $20.02 million (3 years, $60.1 million)

9 (tie). Jawaan Taylor (RT), Kansas City Chiefs: $20 million (4 years, $80 million)

9 (tie). Lane Johnson (RT), Philadlephia Eagles: $20 million (4 years, $80 million)

9 (tie). Taylor Decker (LT), Detroit Lions: $20 million (4 years, $80 million)

12. Michael Onwenu (RT), New England Patriots: $19 million (3 years, $57 million)

13. Tytus Howard (RT), Houston Texans: $18.7 million (3 years, $56 million)

14. Brian O'Neill (RT), Minnesota Vikings: $18.5 million (5 years, $92.5 million)

15. Jake Matthews (LT), Atlanta Falcons: $18.5 million (3 years, $55.5 million)

16t. Spencer Brown (RT), Buffalo Bills: $18 million (4 years, $72 million)

16t. Kolton Miller (LT), Las Vegas Raiders: $18 million (3 years, $54 million)

18. Cam Robinson (LT), Jacksonville Jaguars: $17.6 million (3 years, $52.8 million)

19 (tie). Mike McGlinchey (RT), Denver Broncos: $17.5 million (5 years, $87.5 million)

19 (tie). Braden Smith (RT), Indianapolis Colts: $17.5 million (4 years, $70 million)

21 (tie). Garett Bolles (LT), Denver Broncos: $17 million (4 years, $68 million)

21 (tie). Taylor Moton (RT), Carolina Panthers: $17 million (5 years, $85 million)

Here’s the highest-paid list for all the positions

• Highest-paid NFL players

• Quarterbacks

• Running backs

• Wide receivers

• Tight ends

• Offensive guards

• Centers

• Edge rushers

• Interior defensive linemen

• Linebackers

• Cornerbacks

• Safeties

• Kickers

• Punters

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Highest paid NFL offensive tackles: Top-paid OT 2024 salary rankings