If you’re asking, “Who is the highest-paid NFL player?” The answer is almost always a quarterback—and for good reason. Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs) currently leads with a 10-year, $450 million deal, but stars like Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert aren’t far behind. From my experience analyzing NFL contracts, QBs dominate the highest-paid NFL player lists because they’re the offense’s heartbeat. Teams pay a premium for elite arm talent, leadership, and clutch performance under pressure.
It’s simple economics: supply and demand. Franchise QBs are rare, and losing one can derail a season (just ask the Jets post-Aaron Rodgers’ injury). The highest-paid player in the NFL today earns $55 million annually (Burrow), while top non-QBs like Justin Jefferson max out around $35 million. Why the gap? A great QB elevates every teammate, sells tickets, and drives Super Bowl hopes. Teams also structure contracts to protect their QB investments with guaranteed money and bonuses.
With salary caps rising yearly, QB contracts will keep smashing records. Rookie C.J. Stroud could demand $60 million/year by 2026 if he maintains his hot streak. But here’s a pro tip: Follow guaranteed money, not flashy totals. Mahomes’ deal includes $141 million guaranteed, while Burrow locked in $219 million. That’s where the real security lies.
I’ve tracked NFL salaries for a decade, and the QB pay gap won’t shrink anytime soon. Want to bet on the next highest-paid NFL player? Grab a quarterback’s jersey and watch the dollars soar!
Top 10 Highest paid NFL players in 2025
1. Joe Burrow, QB – Cincinnati Bengals
- Position: Quarterback
- Contract History:
- Rookie Deal (2020): 4 years, $36 million (signed at age 23).
- Megadeal (2023): 5 years, $275 million extension (signed at age 26).
- Guaranteed: $219 million (NFL record).
- Net Worth: $50 million (Nike, Bose endorsements).
- Key Note: Signed after leading the Bengals to Super Bowl LVI; rehabbed a 2020 ACL tear to earn the NFL’s richest contract.
2. Justin Herbert, QB – Los Angeles Chargers
- Position: Quarterback
- Contract History:
- Rookie Deal (2020): 4 years, $26.6 million (signed at age 22).
- Megadeal (2023): 5 years, $262.5 million extension (signed at age 25).
- Guaranteed: $193.7 million.
- Net Worth: $30 million (Under Armour, Subway deals).
- Key Note: Highest signing bonus in NFL history ($133.7 million) despite zero playoff wins.
3. Lamar Jackson, QB – Baltimore Ravens
- Position: Quarterback
- Contract History:
- Rookie Deal (2018): 4 years, $9.5 million (signed at age 21).
- Megadeal (2023): 5 years, $260 million extension (signed at age 26).
- Guaranteed: $185 million.
- Net Worth: $45 million (Nike, Oakley partnerships).
- Key Note: Negotiated without an agent; deal includes $72.5M fully guaranteed at signing.
4. Jalen Hurts, QB – Philadelphia Eagles
- Position: Quarterback
- Contract History:
- Rookie Deal (2020): 4 years, $6 million (signed at age 21).
- Megadeal (2023): 5 years, $255 million extension (signed at age 24).
- Guaranteed: $179.3 million.
- Net Worth: $25 million (BetMGM, BodyArmor sponsorships).
- Key Note: Lowest-drafted QB ever to sign a $250M+ deal after a Super Bowl LVII run.
5. Patrick Mahomes, QB – Kansas City Chiefs
- Position: Quarterback
- Contract History:
- Rookie Deal (2017): 4 years, $16.4 million (signed at age 21).
- Megadeal (2020): 10 years, $450 million extension (signed at age 24).
- Guaranteed: $141 million (injury-only).
- Net Worth: $80 million (Adidas, State Farm, Oakley).
- Key Note: Took pay cuts in 2023 to retain teammates Chris Jones and Travis Kelce.
6. Deshaun Watson, QB – Cleveland Browns
- Position: Quarterback
- Contract History:
- Rookie Deal (2017): 4 years, $13.8 million (signed at age 21).
- Megadeal (2022): 5 years, $230 million (signed at age 26).
- Guaranteed: $230 million (fully guaranteed).
- Net Worth: $60 million (pre-scandal endorsements: Rolex, Beats by Dre).
- Key Note: Most controversial deal in NFL history; Browns went 7-10 in 2023.
7. Trevor Lawrence, QB – Jacksonville Jaguars
- Position: Quarterback
- Contract History:
- Rookie Deal (2021): 4 years, $36.8 million (signed at age 21).
- Megadeal (2024): 5 years, $275 million extension (signed at age 24).
- Guaranteed: $200 million.
- Net Worth: $25 million (Gatorade, Fanatics deals).
- Key Note: Jaguars’ first franchise QB since Mark Brunell; 2023 Pro Bowler.
8. Nick Bosa, DE – San Francisco 49ers
- Position: Defensive End
- Contract History:
- Rookie Deal (2019): 4 years, $33.5 million (signed at age 21).
- Megadeal (2023): 5 years, $170 million extension (signed at age 25).
- Guaranteed: $122.5 million.
- Net Worth: $40 million (New Era, Pepsi endorsements).
- Key Note: 2022 Defensive Player of the Year; highest-paid non-QB in 2024.
9. Josh Allen, QB – Buffalo Bills
- Position: Quarterback
- Contract History:
- Rookie Deal (2018): 4 years, $21 million (signed at age 22).
- Megadeal (2021): 6 years, $258 million extension (signed at age 25).
- Guaranteed: $150 million.
- Net Worth: $35 million (Hyundai, Pepsi partnerships).
- Key Note: Holds Bills’ records for passing TDs and rushing yards by a QB.
10. Dak Prescott, QB – Dallas Cowboys
- Position: Quarterback
- Contract History:
- Rookie Deal (2016): 4 years, $2.7 million (signed at age 23).
- Megadeal (2021): 4 years, $160 million extension (signed at age 27).
- Guaranteed: $126 million.
- Net Worth: $70 million (Sleep Number, 7-Eleven deals).
- Key Note: Overcame a 2020 compound ankle fracture to secure his payday.
Why Quarterbacks Dominate the Pay Scale
QBs are the NFL’s golden ticket. They drive ticket sales, jersey revenue, and playoff hopes. According to OverTheCap, 9 of the top 10 highest-paid NFL players are quarterbacks. Here’s why:
- Scarcity: Elite QBs are rare. Teams pay premiums to secure one.
- Longevity: Stars like Tom Brady prove QBs can play into their 40s.
- Market trends: The salary cap rises yearly, inflating QB deals.
Even aging veterans like Aaron Rodgers ($37.5M/year with the Jets) command top dollar for their experience.
How NFL Contracts Work: Bonuses, Guarantees, and Cap Magic
NFL salaries aren’t just about the headline number. Teams use creative structures to manage the salary cap (set at $255.4 million in 2024). Here’s a breakdown:
- Signing bonuses: Paid upfront but spread over the contract’s length.
- Roster bonuses: Earned by staying on the team.
- Incentives: Extra cash for hitting stats like Pro Bowl nods.
For example, Patrick Mahomes’ 10-year, $450 million deal with the Chiefs includes $141 million in injury guarantees and performance triggers. But unlike NBA deals, most NFL contracts aren’t fully guaranteed. Only 15% of Mahomes’ total is guaranteed at signing, per Spotrac
FAQs:
Who has the riskiest contract?
Deshaun Watson. The Browns’ $230M fully guaranteed deal yielded 7 wins in 2023.
Do older players get big contracts?
Rarely. Aaron Rodgers signed a $37.5M/year Jets deal at 39 but tore his Achilles in Week 1.
How do endorsements boost net worth?
Mahomes earns $20M/year off-field; Burrow’s Nike deal adds $5M annually.
The Bottom Line
The NFL’s highest-paid players are young, elite quarterbacks who signed deals in their mid-20s. While outliers like Nick Bosa and Travis Kelce (net worth $50M) crack the top tiers, QBs rule the financial game. As the salary cap climbs (projected $282M in 2025), expect younger stars like C.J. Stroud (22) to shatter records—and teams to keep gambling on age and potential.
