Top NFL Kickers and their Earnings in 2025

In the modern NFL, the value of an elite, reliable kicker has never been higher. These specialists are no longer afterthoughts; they are genuine weapons capable of deciding the outcome of a game with a single swing of their leg. As the league has recognized their importance, the contracts for top-tier kickers have grown significantly, placing them among the most valuable specialists in the sport.

Here’s a look at the highest-paid kickers in the NFL based on their average annual salary for the 2025 season (mid-2025), plus a special look at a player who is about to break into this list in a big way.

(Note: Justin Tucker, who has been one of the NFL’s highest-paid kicker for the last several years. He is currently unsigned and is expected to serve a 10-game suspension to start the 2025 season, which is why he is not included in this current ranking.)

Highest-Paid NFL Kickers (by Average Annual Salary)

1. Harrison Butker (Kansas City Chiefs) – $6.4 million
2. Jake Elliott (Philadelphia Eagles) – $6 million
3. Matt Gay (Indianapolis Colts) – $5.625 million
4. Cameron Dicker (Los Angeles Chargers) – $5.501 million
5. Graham Gano (New York Giants) – $5.5 million
6. Ka’imi Fairbairn (Houston Texans) – $5.3 million
7. Dustin Hopkins (Cleveland Browns) – $5.3 million
8. Jason Myers (Seattle Seahawks) – $5.27 million
9. Tyler Bass (Buffalo Bills) – $5.1 million
10. Younghoe Koo (Atlanta Falcons) – $5 million

The One to Watch: Brandon Aubrey (Dallas Cowboys)

While he’s not on the list yet, no discussion about kicker value is complete without mentioning Brandon Aubrey. After a historic first two seasons in the NFL, Aubrey has established himself as arguably the best kicker in the game, earning both Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections.

• Current Contract: For the 2025 season, Aubrey is playing on the final year of his initial 3-year, $2.695 million contract. His base salary for the year is just $1.03 million, and his average annual salary of approximately $898,000 makes him one of the lowest-paid, yet highest-performing, players at his position.

Due for a Massive Pay Raise: Given his record-breaking accuracy and incredible power from long distance, Aubrey is due for a significant contract extension. When he signs his next deal, he is widely expected to reset the market and become one of the top 3 highest-paid kickers in the NFL. His situation is a perfect example of how elite performance as a specialist can lead to a massive financial reward.