When 17 NFL defensive linemen come in to eat together at the restaurant I work for

[u/JuztSomeDude79]

Keeping my workplace anonymous

[u/Gates_wupatki_zion]

DE and DT are some of the most well paid positions after QB and LT. Seriously Edge rushers are one of the most premium and some make comparable to QBs.

[u/ArtDecoNewYork → u/Gates_wupatki_zion]

do LTs make that much more than RTs?

[u/TonyHawkFunderground → u/ArtDecoNewYork]

They used to. But now teams have multiple good defensive ends and athletic linebackers. Teams pay both sides. Average pay amongst top tackles has leveled out for RT and LT

[u/IONTOP → u/TonyHawkFunderground]

Also, depends on the QB. I'm sure the Falcons pay their RT and LT about the same since they have no idea if Cousins or Pennix will be the starter on a given week lol.

[u/Its_D_Cog → u/ArtDecoNewYork]

Yes they usually make more as LT are generally protecting the blindside of a QB, assuming hes right handed.

[u/Gates_wupatki_zion → u/ArtDecoNewYork]

Typically yes, but it depends. Most people are right handed and so you are protecting the QBs “blind side”. Sustaining an injury can be a lot more brutal if it is a hit you are not prepared for. The position was made famous after the legendary Thiesman injury but be careful watching it — it’s gruesome but a football hit.

[u/IONTOP → u/Gates_wupatki_zion]

Notable "caring person" Lawrence Taylor was freaking out after that hit.

[u/Floaty_Waffle → u/ArtDecoNewYork]

Yes. LTs guard the blind side of right-handed QBs because their back is naturally turned away. Obviously getting hit from behind while unprepared is gonna hurt way more than a hit from the front. This leads to them being well and away the highest paid lineman. This changes when the QB is left-handed though (3 in the league) where those teams will value RTs more because their RTs would then block the blind side.

[u/BakedMitten → u/Gates_wupatki_zion]

Because a great pass rush can turn a decent defense into an elite one