Here’s a full article breaking down the story of Landon Dickerson becoming at one point the highest-paid guard in NFL history — what it means, how he got there, and where things stand now. Let me know if you want a version with a specific journalist’s voice, or for a particular audience (Alabama fans, Eagles fans, etc.).

BREAKING NEWS!!!

Landon Dickerson, A Crimson Tide Product, Becomes The Highest-Paid Guard in NFL History… READ MORE…

From Tuscaloosa to the Top of the Guard Pay Scale

Landon Dickerson, former University of Alabama offensive lineman and standout with the Crimson Tide, has hit a huge milestone: in March 2024 he signed a contract extension that made him, for a time, the highest-paid guard in NFL history. 

The Deal Details

• It’s a 4-year extension with the Philadelphia Eagles.  
• Base value is $84 million, with a maximum value (with incentives/options) of $87 million.  
• Total guaranteed money comes in at $50 million, with a $20 million signing bonus.  
• That works out to about $21 million per year in new money.  

1. What It Meant — Then

At the Q time of the signing (March 2024), this contract made Dickerson the highest-paid guard in the NFL. 

He leapfrogged previous guard salary benchmarks (for example, Chris Lindstrom, etc.) to claim the top spot among his peers. 

The Crimson Tide Connection

• Dickerson played at Alabama (and before that Florida State), bringing with him the pedigree of the Crimson Tide football program.  
• At Alabama, he was highly decorated: winner of the Rimington Trophy (top center in college football), unanimous First-Team All-American, etc. Those credentials helped his transition to the NFL and bolster his bargaining power.  

Performance That Justified It

• In his time with the Eagles since being drafted in 2021, Dickerson has shown he can dominate in both run blocking and pass protection.  
• He’s earned Pro Bowl nods multiple seasons in a row.  
• The Eagles’ offensive line & scheme also trusted him in big moments. With veteran Jason Kelce retiring, Dickerson’s extension signaled the team’s belief that he was a foundational piece for their interior line moving forward.  

But — “For a Time” Matters

It’s important to note that being “highest-paid guard” isn’t always permanent. The NFL is a fast-moving market:

• After Dickerson’s deal, other guards have since negotiated contracts or been franchise-tagged that changed the landscape of top guard salaries. For instance, in 2025, Trey Smith of the Kansas City Chiefs signed a four-year, $94 million extension, which reportedly overtook Dickerson’s mark in terms of average annual value and/or guaranteed money.  
• Also, the franchise tag for some guards (such as Trey Smith) can temporarily produce very high guaranteed incomes for a single season, changing who’s “highest paid” in short-term metrics.  

So while Dickerson held the crown, the throne is always up for grabs in this business.

Why This Matters

• Financial recognition: For an offensive lineman — especially interior — getting that kind of money shows how much the league and teams now value protection, run game, and durable OL play.
• Eagles’ commitment: This extension signals that Philadelphia sees Dickerson as part of their long-term core, rather than a stopgap.
• Market effects: Once someone becomes “highest paid,” it raises the bar for other players in that position. The next guard extension will use Dickerson’s deal (and later ones) as a benchmark.
• Inspiration to Crimson Tide alumni: Dickerson’s path from Alabama to being paid at that level is a boost to the reputation of the program and demonstrates that high college performance plus NFL growth can lead to top-tier contracts.

What’s Next?

• Maintaining performance: The contract only goes so far; staying healthy, playing at or above his current level, and avoiding major injuries will be key for Dickerson to truly earn that status long-term.
• Retaining or surpassing the “highest paid” title: Given how active the NFL contract market is, there may already be, or will soon be, newer contracts that pass his deal in average salary or guarantees.
• Leadership on and off the field: With the money, expectations rise. Dickerson will be looked to not just for his blocking, but for his leadership among linemen and in tough game situations.

Final Word

Landon Dickerson’s rise to “highest paid guard” was powered by elite college credentials, strong early NFL performance, and timing — all coming together in the Eagles’ trust to extend him. While others may knock him off that top spot in future deals, for now he’s firmly entered the conversation among the NFL’s most elite offensive linemen. A Crimson Tide product turned NFL-money maker.

If you want, I can update this article to reflect the very latest — who currently holds the title of highest-paid guard as of today, in terms of guarantees, average salary, etc., since contracts are changing fast.