In the big world of NFL football, some good players make a ton of money because they are super talented and help their teams a lot. Let’s check out the players who make the most money in the NFL. We’ll show you the list of the highest-paid NFL players, proving that these football stars are also money-making champs.
Joe Burrow
Joe Burrow is the highest paid in the NFL as he does have the biggest yearly paycheck. In September 2023, he signed a super big 5-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals for $275 million, making him earn $55 million each year. This is more than anyone else, beating the previous record set by Justin Herbert. Even though Burrow’s total contract is not the biggest (that record goes to Patrick Mahomes with his $450 million deal), he makes the most yearly money.
Justin Herbert
Justin Herbert is the second highest-paid NFL player. He secured this position in September 2023 by signing a massive five-year, $262.5 million extension with the Los Angeles Chargers. This deal outdid the previous record held by Lamar Jackson and comes with an average annual salary of $52.5 million, surpassing other top earners like Patrick Mahomes.
Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson is one of the highest-paid NFL players because he is a quarterback. He is great at both throwing and running which makes him a valuable asset for his team. Winning the NFL MVP award in 2019 further proves his impact on the game. In May 2023, he signed a huge five-year, $260 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens by setting a record for the highest average annual salary at $52 million. Quarterbacks like Jackson often get paid a lot due to their role in leading offenses and their high market value. Jackson’s smart negotiation tactics, leveraging his talent and comparing it with other well-paid quarterbacks helped him secure this top-tier deal.
Jalen Hurts’
Jalen Hurts is one of the highest-paid NFL players. He held that title in April 2023 when he signed a big five-year, $255 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles, surpassing Aaron Rodgers’ previous record. But things changed in the NFL, and now players like Lamar Jackson and Justin Herbert have signed deals with higher average annual values, moving Hurts down the list. The Philadelphia Eagles showed a lot of confidence in him by committing to this record-breaking contract. The deal includes $179.304 million in guarantees, a big part given upfront which shows how much the organization believes in Hurts leading them to success.
Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson is one of the highest-paid NFL players his contract with the Denver Broncos is still one of the most lucrative. He signed a five-year, $242.5 million extension in March 2022 which made him one of the top five highest-paid quarterbacks then. However, with rising salaries, he has slipped down the rankings. His contract includes a hefty $165 million guaranteed, with $124 million paid when he signed. Salaries for 2022, 2023, and 2024 are fully guaranteed, and his 2025 salary becomes guaranteed if he’s still on the roster on March 17, 2024. This became a concern during his 2023 benching, as the Broncos were cautious about the large-cap hit if he got injured.
Kyler Murray
Kyler Murray briefly held that title after signing a massive extension with the Arizona Cardinals in 2022. His five-year, $230.5 million deal made him the second-highest at the time just behind Patrick Mahomes. Several factors led to his big payday. Being the first overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft brought significant attention and investment, especially for quarterbacks. His unique ability as both a strong runner and passer made him highly desirable in a league that values mobile quarterbacks. The ongoing trend of increasing quarterback salaries also played a role, reflecting the crucial impact they have on a team’s success. Murray’s youth and potential for improvement at the time of signing were additional factors contributing to the premium paid for his talent.
Conclusion
In the high-stakes game of NFL contracts, these players are securing mega deals, with Joe Burrow leading the earnings race. From Justin Herbert’s hefty extension to Lamar Jackson’s record-setting deal, the financial landscape is ever-changing. Jalen Hurts, Russell Wilson, and Kyler Murray also stand tall among the highest-paid, showcasing the dynamic nature of NFL contracts and the value placed on their skills.
