10 largest non-quarterback salary cap hits of the 2023 NFL Season

It’s no secret that quarterback salaries have ballooned in recent years in the NFL, but it’s also interesting to see where other teams are deciding to invest significant capital. To that end, we’ll take a look at the largest salary cap hits of the 2023 NFL season that are not being absorbed by players under center.

Some might be surprised to see Williams’ name topping the list, but he’s a very important cog for New York. While other players might get more of the acclaim with regards to sack totals, Williams’ effectiveness puts other teams in a bind. They often have to devote two players to keep him from bursting through the line of scrimmage.

He used to be known as “J.J.’s brother”, but Watt has really made a name for himself in the NFL. He only suited up in 10 games last season due to injury, but has tallied at least 13 sacks in each of the prior four campaigns. Still just 28 years old, Watt would seem to have several seasons of elite pass rushing ahead of him.

Garrett has been a pillar of the Browns defense since he was selected with the first overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. He’s been named to the All-Pro team twice, and has physical skills that are hard to find, even at the NFL level. He’s someone opposing offenses have to account for on each snap.

Matthews was born to play in the NFL. He’s the son of Hall of Fame offensive lineman Bruce Matthews, and the nephew of former NFL linebacker Clay Matthews. He hasn’t quite achieved the same accolades as his family members, but Matthews is an excellent player who the Atlanta Falcons want to keep in-house.

His play is usually overshadowed by the prolific play of the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense, but Jones remains one of the most important players on the team. The Chiefs figure to be able to score with anyone, but it’s usually something Jones does that allows the team to hold on to an important victory late in the season.

The 49ers are known for being one of the most physical teams up front in the NFL, and that starts with their offensive and defensive line. San Francisco values players who are willing to take it to their opponent, which Williams has done throughout his NFL career. Although no longer in his prime, Williams is still one of the most effective players at his position.

It might be stunning for NFL fans to see the Texans with a player who commands this high of a salary, considering that they are in rebuilding mode. However, Houston made a big move to acquire Tunsil from the Miami Dolphins ahead of the 2019 season. He’s really hit his stride as a Texan, making the Pro Bowl in three of the last four seasons.

He’ll be headed to the Pro Football Hall of Fame once his career is over, but Donald would seem to have a few more years in the NFL. He’s been one of the toughest players to block for the better part of a decade, and the Los Angeles Rams are hoping to retool the defense around their cornerstone player.

As touched on earlier, San Francisco prides itself on strong defensive line play, and Armstead is a large part of that. This might seem like a lot of money tied up in a player who has never made a Pro Bowl, but he’s a disrupter that allows teammates like Nick Bosa to run wild behind the line of scrimmage.

This is a big year for the Cleveland Browns, who are looking on substantial returns on investment from Cooper and quarterback Deshaun Watson. Cooper has been one of the better route runners in the NFL, and will now get to show his skills in what figures to be a pass-heavier offense. There’s a scenario in which this cap hit looks like a supreme bargain at season’s end.