How Much Do NFL General Managers Make in 2024?

Creating a successful NFL front office is not a perfect science. For years teams have tried to find the perfect mix of characters to lead them to success. The general managers are a key part of it. That said, how much do NFL general managers make, and moreover, what do they actually do to earn their eye-watering salaries? 

First, a quick lesson in NFL team structure. Alongside the general manager, most NFL teams also have a number of other key figures such as the chairman, CEO, president and vice president, director of pro personnel, director of scouting and, of course, the head coaches. Sometimes people play more than one role, like Jerry Jones who is the owner, president and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys. 

Each front office role is instrumental in keeping the team moving forward. Now let’s get into the good stuff. 

How Much do NFL General Managers Make?

The salaries of NFL general managers vary from roughly $1 million per year on the lower end of the spectrum all the way up to $7.5 million. While that might seem like a lot, keep in mind that the highest paid player in the league, Aaron Rodgers, has a starting salary of over $26 million. 

General managers tend to be the highest paid front office staff in the NFL. 

What does an NFL GM Do?

So, what are the managers doing in order to net that seven-figure salary? 

Quite a lot, it turns out! While every team structure is different so the job might vary a little, the general manager is in charge of… well, generally managing. Their duties involve hiring high level staff like the head coach, arranging the player rosters in accordance with the salary caps in place and holding veto power on important player and team decisions. In short, the general manager is responsible for running the upper levels of the NFL team. Obviously they can’t do all of that work by themselves, so a great deal of their job is in delegation and overseeing of projects. They report directly to the team’s owner. 

How does the NFL GM Salary Compare?

Though we know most player salaries, the NFL teams tend to keep the paychecks of their other staff under wraps. It’s not confirmed, but we assume the pay structure is similar to that of the players, where they have a base salary and healthy, results-based financial incentives which could boost their income significantly. Further, it is likely that, like college coaches, general managers supplement their income through promotional appearances with media as well as through brand deals.

As previously mentioned, the general managers tend to be the highest paid front office staff in an NFL team. The team vice presidents, who are in charge of overseeing the functions of select departments within the organization have a salary range of $180,000 – $400,000. The directors of scouting, who are responsible for overseeing the scouting of both professional and college athletes, earn between $95,000 – $275,000. 

Overall, the salaries within the NFL front office are surprising low given that the teams are worth around $4 billion collectively. Perhaps that’s 

Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane addresses the media following the NFL football team’s training camp in Pittsford, N.Y., July 24, 2022. Not lost amid the euphoria and relief following the Bills defeating the Chiefs in a much-anticipated early season showdown of the AFC’s two top teams was Beane’s impact on the outcome. (AP Photo/ Jeffrey T. Barnes, File)

because they keep the money at the top – the commissioner of the NFL, Roger Goodell, reportedly makes around $64 million per year. 

Which NFL General Managers Will Come Out on Top?

If the US sports betting sites are to be believed, Brandon Beane is expected to win the Super Bowl this year with the Buffalo Bills. 

That said, those who often bet on the NFL will know that a lot can change throughout the season. Since the odds are in flux, a sudden injury or loss of form could see the Bills passed by the next favorites, the Chiefs or the Packers. Lock in your real money bets now to secure the best odds. To find a great site, head to our sportsbook reviews.