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Ranking Wisconsin Badgers on NFL rosters in 2024 by career earnings

The 2024 NFL season began last night with a showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens.

College football fans and readers of this website were likely already immersed in football after Week 1 of the college season. Those who only follow the professional game can now also proclaim, finally, that football is back.

Related: Which Wisconsin Badgers will be selected in the 2025 NFL draft?

Several former Wisconsin Badgers are set to play integral roles in the 2024 NFL season. Those impactful stars include Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt.

Other Wisconsin products are sure to grab headlines week in and week out. One easy option is Steelers starting quarterback Russell Wilson, who edged Justin Fields for the starting job yet enters the season on thin ice after years of struggles.

The 2024 NFL season should effectively capture interest. It’s likely a few former Badgers are at the center of whichever outcomes we see.

With the season officially underway, there are 26 former Badgers on 53-man rosters entering the season. Here is that updated list, ordered by each player’s career earnings in the league (per Spotrac):

26

ILB Maema Njongmeta (Cincinnati Bengals)

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Maema Njongmeta (45) catches a pass during an interception drill at Bengals spring practice at the IEL Indoor Facility in Cincinnati on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. Albert Cesare/The Enquirer-USA TODAY NETWORK

Career Earnings: $948,333 (rookie)

Years at Wisconsin: 2020-2023

NFL Season: 1st

Notes: Signed with Cincinnati Bengals as an undrafted free agent after 2024 NFL draft. Surprisingly made the Bengals’ 53-man roster after a strong preseason performance.

25

RB Braelon Allen (New York Jets)

July 25, 2024; Florham Park, New Jersey; New York Jets running back Braelon Allen (0) participates in a drill during training camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. John Jones-USA TODAY Sports

Career Earnings: $1,137,177 (rookie)

Years at Wisconsin: 2021-2023

NFL Season: 1st

Notes: 4th-round pick of New York Jets in 2024 NFL draft. A popular breakout pick after a strong debut performance this preseason. Enters season as Jets’ No. 2 running back behind star Breece Hall.

24

OL Tanor Bortolini (Indianapolis Colts)

March 3, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana; Wisconsin offensive lineman Tanor Bortolini (OL09) during the 2024 NFL combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Career Earnings: $1,199,968 (rookie)

Years at Wisconsin: 2020-2023

NFL Season: 1st

Notes: Fourth-round pick of the Colts in the 2024 NFL draft. Broke records with NFL combine performance. Started games at almost every offensive line position for the Badgers during four-year college career.

23

OLB Nick Herbig (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Oct. 22, 2023; Inglewood, California; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) sacks Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Career Earnings: $1,422,920

Years at Wisconsin: 2020-2022

NFL Season: 2nd

Notes: Fourth-round pick of the Steelers in 2023. 26 tackles, 3 sacks in rookie season. Set for an increased role in his second professional season. Turned heads with a breakout preseason performance.

22

OL Logan Bruss (Los Angeles Rams)

A.J. Rose #24 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates his touchdown with guard Logan Bruss #60, to tie the Los Angeles Chargers 7-7, during the first half in a preseason game at SoFi Stadium on Aug. 13, 2022 in Inglewood, California. Harry How/Getty Images

Career Earnings: $1,495,024

Years at Wisconsin: 2017-2021

NFL Season: 3rd

Notes: Third-round pick by the Rams in the 2022 NFL draft. Tore his ACL during second 2022 preseason game and has been on and off the practice squad since. Enters 2024 as a backup at both guard positions.

21

ILB Jack Sanborn (Chicago Bears)

Oct. 29, 2023; Inglewood, California; Chicago Bears linebacker Jack Sanborn (57) tackles Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) during the third quarter at SoFi Stadium. Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports

Career Earnings: $1,582,500

Years at Wisconsin: 2018-2021

NFL Season: 3rd

Notes: Made the Chicago Bears roster after being signed as an undrafted free agent. Started 10 games in 2023, during which he recorded 65 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, two pass deflections and one interception. Projects to start again for the Bears alongside former Badger T.J. Edwards.

20

OT Cole Van Lanen (Jacksonville Jaguars)

Oct. 4, 2023; Ware, United Kingdom; Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Cole Van Lanen (70) and offensive tackle Anton Harrison (77) wear Guardian helmet caps during practice at Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Career Earnings: $2,185,082

Years at Wisconsin: 2016-2020

NFL Season: 4th

Notes: Seventh-round pick of the Green Bay Packers in 2021 NFL draft. Traded to the Jaguars in 2022 where he has bounced to and from the practice squad. Made Jaguars 53-man roster after strong preseason performance.

19

TE Jake Ferguson (Dallas Cowboys)

June 4, 2024; Frisco, Texas; Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (87) goes through a drill during practice at the Ford Center at the Star Training Facility in Frisco, Texas. Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Career Earnings: $2,279,884

Years at Wisconsin: 2017-2021

NFL Season: 3rd

Notes: Pro Bowl in 2023 after 71-catch, 761-yard, 5-touchdown season. Broke out in the Cowboys’ playoff loss to the Packers, totaling 10 catches, 93 yards and three touchdowns. Enters 2024 as the team’s second-leading receiver behind star WR CeeDee Lamb.

18

LB Leo Chenal (Kansas City Chiefs)

Dec. 25, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal (54) is introduced against the Las Vegas Raiders prior to a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Career Earnings: $2,488,338

Years at Wisconsin: 2019-2021

NFL Season: 3rd

Notes: Super Bowl champion with Chiefs in both of his professional seasons (2022, 2023). 34 games played over those two seasons with 18 starts. Rising star on one of the NFL’s best defenses.

17

DL Isaiahh Loudermilk (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Aug. 24, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Nick Herbig (51) reacts with defensive tackle Isaiahh Loudermilk (92) after sacking Atlanta Falcons quarterback Logan Woodside (11) (not shown) during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Career Earnings: $2,745,288

Years at Wisconsin: 2016-2020

NFL Season: 4th

Notes: Fifth-round pick by the Steelers in the 2021 NFL draft. Appeared in 42 games in his first three seasons in Pittsburgh and totaled 46 tackles in that time. Enters 2024 as a depth option on the defensive line.

16

DL Keeanu Benton (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Sept. 24, 2023; Paradise, Nevada; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) celebrates after sacking Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during the third quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Career Earnings: $3,083,180

Years at Wisconsin: 2019-2022

NFL Season: 2nd

Notes: Second-round pick of the Steelers in 2023 NFL draft. 36 tackles and one sack in rookie season. A popular breakout pick ahead of 2024 season.

15

C Joe Tippmann (New York Jets)

Aug. 3, 2023; Canton, Ohio; New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (2) takes the snap from center Joe Tippmann (66) against the Cleveland Browns during the first half at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Career Earnings: $3,829,708

Years at Wisconsin: 2019-2022

NFL Season: 2nd

Notes: 2nd-round pick by the Jets in the 2023 NFL draft. Started 14 games at center in 2023. Enters 2024 again as the Jets starting center.

14

Zack Baun (Philadelphia Eagles)

March 14, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun speaks at a press conference after signing with the team. Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

Career Earnings: $4,787,118

Years at Wisconsin: 2015-2019

NFL Season: 5th

Notes: Second-round pick of the Saints in 2020. Signed one-year deal with the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason. Still battling for starting inside linebacker job.

13

RB Dare Ogunbowale (Houston Texans)

Nov. 12, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio; Houston Texans running back Dare Ogunbowale (33) reacts with linebacker Christian Harris (48) after a play on a kick off during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium. Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

Career Earnings: $5,414,662

Years at Wisconsin: 2012-2016

NFL Season: 8th

Notes: Signed a one-year extension with the Texans this offseason. Former undrafted free agent now playing in his eighth NFL season. Spent a brief moment as Houston’s emergency kicker in 2023.

12

C Tyler Biadasz (Washington Commanders)

Quarterback Garrett Gilbert #3 of the Dallas Cowboys prepares to snap the football from center Tyler Biadasz #63 during the first half of the NFL preseason game at State Farm Stadium on August 13, 2021 in Glendale, Arizona. Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Career Earnings: $5,654,986

Years at Wisconsin: 2016-2019

NFL Season: 4th

Notes: 2022 Pro Bowler. Four-year starter with Dallas Cowboys. Signed with the Washington Commanders this offseason. Enters 2024 as Washington’s starting center.

11

OL Michael Deiter (Washington Commanders)

Aug. 27, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana; Houston Texans center Michael Deiter (63) blocks New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Bryan Bresee (90) during the first half at the Caesars Superdome. Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Career Earnings: $6,720,881

Years at Wisconsin: 2014-2018

NFL Season: 6th

Notes: 73 games played and 33 starts in six seasons. Spent 2019-2022 with Miami Dolphins, 2023 with Houston Texans and recently signed with the Washington Commanders. Enters 2024 as a backup at both guard positions.

10

OG David Edwards (Buffalo Bills)

Jan. 21, 2024; Orchard Park, New York; Buffalo Bills guard David Edwards (76) against the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2024 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Career Earnings: $7,384,282

Years at Wisconsin: 2015-2018

NFL Season: 6th

Notes: Super Bowl champion with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021. Signed with the Bills as a swing lineman before the 2023 season. Projects to start for the Bills at left guard in 2024.

9

OLB Andrew Van Ginkel (Minnesota Vikings)

Miami Dolphins linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel (43) and linebacker David Long Jr., rear, celebrate a sack against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half of an NFL game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Dec. 24, 2023. Jim Rassol-USA TODAY NETWORK

Career Earnings: $7,900,820

Years at Wisconsin: 2017-2018

NFL Season: 6th

Notes: Signed a big contract with the Minnesota Vikings this offseason. Previously had appeared in every game for the Miami Dolphins in each of the last three seasons. One of the NFL’s more underrated players.

8

FB Alec Ingold (Miami Dolphins)

Dec. 17, 2022; Orchard Park, New York; Miami Dolphins full back Alec Ingold (30) runs with the ball against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Highmark Stadium. Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Career Earnings: $10,715,116

Years at Wisconsin: 2015-2018

NFL Season: 6th

Notes: One of the last true fullbacks remaining in the NFL. Made first Pro Bowl in 2023. Entering year two of a lucrative three-year contract extension.

7

ILB T.J. Edwards (Chicago Bears)

March 16, 2023; Lake Forest, Ilinois; Chicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards speaks during a press conference at Halas Hall. Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Career Earnings: $12,188,382

Years at Wisconsin: 2014-2018

NFL Season: 6th

Notes: Went from undrafted free agent to starting all 17 games for NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles in 2022. Signed a 3-year, $19.5 million contract with the Chicago Bears before the 2023 season. Projects to lead the Bears defense again in 2024.

6

RB Jonathan Taylor (Indianapolis Colts)

Oct. 22, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) celebrates his touchdown with teammates in the second half against the Cleveland Browns at Lucas Oil Stadium. Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Career Earnings: $18,315,982

Years at Wisconsin: 2017-2019

NFL Season: 5th

Notes: Fully healthy entering the 2024 season. Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro in 2021. One of the better running backs in the NFL.

5

OT Rob Havenstein (Los Angeles Rams)

Oct. 11, 2020; Landover, Maryland; Los Angeles Rams offensive tackle Rob Havenstein (79) blocks Washington Football Team defensive end Ryan Kerrigan (91) during the first quarter at FedExField. Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Career Earnings: $49,688,815

Years at Wisconsin: 2010-2014

NFL Season: 10th

Notes: 2nd-round pick by the Rams in the 2015 NFL draft. Super Bowl champion in 2021. 130 starts over nine seasons. Enters 2024 as the Rams’ starting right tackle.

4

OT Ryan Ramczyk (New Orleans Saints)

Jan. 1, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; New Orleans Saints offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk (71) against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Career Earnings: $62,606,379

Years at Wisconsin: 2015-2016

NFL Season: 8th

Notes: 1st-round pick of Saints in 2017. 2019 First-Team All-Pro. 101 starts in eight NFL seasons. Known as one of the best tackles in the league. Was placed on the Reserve/PUP list this offseason and will miss the entire 2024 season.

3

OG Kevin Zeitler (Detroit Lions)

Frank Ragnow and Kevin Zeitler walk off the field together during day two of the Detroit Lions training camp at the Detroit Lions Headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan, on Thursday, July 25, 2024. Kimberly P. Mitchell-USA TODAY NETWORK

Career Earnings: $86,114,200

Years at Wisconsin: 2008-2011

NFL Season: 13th

Notes: Signed one-year deal with Detroit Lions this offseason. Made first Pro Bowl in 2023, helping lead the Ravens to the AFC championship. 182 games of starting NFL experience over 13 years after starting his career with the Cincinnati Bengals.

2

OLB T.J. Watt (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Jan. 6, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) reacts after sacking Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley (2) in the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Career Earnings: $89,852,038

Years at Wisconsin: 2013-2016

NFL Season: 8th

Notes: Five-time Pro Bowler (2018-2023), three-time first-team All-Pro (2019, 2021, 2023). Led NFL in sacks in 2020 (15), 2021 (22 1/2), 2023 (19). 2021 NFL Defensive Player Of The Year. Arguably the best defensive player in the NFL.

1

QB Russell Wilson (Pittsburgh Steelers)

July 28, 2024; Latrobe, Pennsylvania; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) talks to wide receiver Calvin Austin III (19) during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports

Career Earnings: $266,362,520

Years at Wisconsin: 2011

NFL Season: 13th (1st with Pittsburgh)

Notes: Cut by the Denver Broncos and signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason. Nine-time Pro Bowler, Super Bowl Champion with Seattle (2014). One of the best quarterbacks of the generation. Beat Justin Fields for Steelers starting job entering 2024 season.

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