Who Are The Top 10 Highest-Paid NFL Players?

Being a quarterback certainly pays off. The NFL’s most prestigious position comes with fame, lucrative endorsements, and staggering salaries.

It feels like every week, another quarterback signs a massive deal with nine figures in guaranteed money. And as the league’s revenue continues to soar, these contracts will only keep growing—salary cap or not.

While quarterbacks dominate the list of the highest-paying contracts in NFL history, a few non-quarterbacks have also cashed in big.

Here’s a look at the top 10 earners in NFL history. When it comes to money, these players have heard plenty over the years (contract data via Spotrac).

Top 10 Highest-Paid NFL Players

10. Kyler Murray – Arizona Cardinals (5 Years, $230.5M) [₹19,136 crore]

Signed in 2024 | AAV: $46.1M | Signed at Age 24

The Cardinals faced plenty of debate over whether to invest long-term in Kyler Murray, but they ultimately committed to their franchise quarterback. Murray, seemingly mindful of his place among the league’s top earners, ensured his deal edged out Deshaun Watson’s by just $500,000.

9. Dak Prescott – Dallas Cowboys (4 Years, $240M) [₹19,920 crore]

Signed in 2024 | AAV: $60M | Signed at Age 31

Following a tense offseason involving contract negotiations with both Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys secured their star duo with major extensions before the 2024 season kicked off.

Prescott’s four-year, $240 million deal set a new benchmark, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history by average annual value at $60 million per year.

8. Russell Wilson – Denver Broncos (5 Years, $242.6M) [₹20,136 crore]

Signed in 2022 | AAV: $48.5M | Signed at Age 33

After years of searching for a franchise quarterback post-Peyton Manning, the Broncos landed Russell Wilson in a blockbuster trade with Seattle. Given the hefty price they paid to acquire him, a lucrative contract extension was inevitable. Wilson secured his deal just a week before the 2022 season kicked off, but his tenure in Denver lasted only two seasons.

7. Jalen Hurts – Philadelphia Eagles (5 Years, $255M) [₹21,165 crore]

Signed in 2023 | AAV: $51M | Signed at Age 24

After leading the Eagles to the Super Bowl, Jalen Hurts capitalized on his breakout season with a record-setting extension. His deal set a new benchmark for average annual value ($51 million) and became the largest contract ever signed by a player who wasn’t drafted in the first round.

6. Lamar Jackson – Baltimore Ravens (5 Years, $260M) [₹21,580 crore]

Signed in 2023 | AAV: $52M | Signed at Age 26

Lamar Jackson’s contract didn’t surpass Patrick Mahomes’ in total value, but it briefly made him the highest-paid player per year at $52 million. He was four years removed from his MVP season and hadn’t recorded a 1,000-yard rushing campaign since 2020.

Despite this, the Ravens were determined to retain their dynamic franchise quarterback. With several teams eager to negotiate with him, Baltimore secured Jackson with a record-breaking extension.

5. Justin Herbert – Los Angeles Chargers (5 Years, $262.5M) [₹21,787 crore]

Signed in 2023 | AAV: $52.5M | Signed at Age 25

Justin Herbert briefly held the title of the NFL’s highest-paid quarterback by average annual salary—until Joe Burrow’s deal topped it a month later. His contract includes $218.7 million in guarantees, securing his long-term future in Los Angeles.

Drafted sixth overall in 2020, Herbert has been a full-time starter since his rookie season, amassing 17,223 passing yards, 114 touchdowns, and just 42 interceptions in his first four years.

4. Trevor Lawrence – Jacksonville Jaguars (5 Years, $275M) [₹22,825 crore]

Signed in 2024 | AAV: $55M | Signed at Age 24

It seems fitting that Trevor Lawrence, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, matched the record for the highest average annual value set by the top pick from the previous year.

His lucrative extension included $200 million in guaranteed money and a $37.5 million signing bonus, solidifying his status as Jacksonville’s franchise quarterback for years to come.

3. Joe Burrow – Cincinnati Bengals (5 Years, $275M) [₹22,825 crore]

Signed in 2023 | AAV: $55M | Signed at Age 26

Joe Burrow transformed the Bengals from a struggling franchise into a consistent AFC contender, even leading them to a Super Bowl appearance in the 2021 season.

As a reward, Cincinnati made the 2020 No. 1 overall pick the highest-paid player in NFL history on a per-year basis. His extension included a staggering $219.01 million in guaranteed money, securing his place as the face of the franchise.

2. Josh Allen – Buffalo Bills (6 Years, $330M) [₹27,390 crore]

Signed in 2025 | AAV: $55M | Signed at Age 28

Josh Allen’s new deal solidified his place among the NFL’s highest-paid players, boasting the second-highest average annual value in league history.

Initially met with skepticism when drafted seventh overall in 2018, Allen silenced critics by evolving into one of the game’s premier quarterbacks, making this extension a well-earned reward for his success in Buffalo.

1. Patrick Mahomes – Kansas City Chiefs (10 Years, $450M) [₹37,350 crore]

Signed in 2020 | AAV: $45M | Signed at Age 24

Patrick Mahomes stands alone at the top with his massive 10-year, $450 million contract—one of the most lucrative deals in sports history. The extension came at the perfect time: Mahomes was widely regarded as the best quarterback in the NFL, fresh off a championship-winning season at just 24 years old.

His earnings from this deal even allowed him to become a minority stakeholder in the Kansas City Royals, further cementing his legacy both on and off the field.

Read More: Luka Modrić Determined to Stay at Real Madrid for 1 More Season

FAQs