The NFL continues to set financial records, with contracts reaching unprecedented figures. As quarterback salaries skyrocket, teams are investing heavily in securing their franchise players. Here’s a look at the nine highest-paid NFL players in 2024, breaking down the contracts and the talent that has earned these players their hefty paychecks.
Top 9 Highest-Paid NFL Players in 2024
Dak Prescott – $65 Million
Dak Prescott made history just hours before the start of the 2024 NFL season, becoming the highest-paid player in league history. With a four-year, $260 million contract from the Dallas Cowboys, Prescott became the first player to earn more than $60 million per year.
This massive deal followed Prescott’s stellar 2023 season, where he finished second in MVP voting after completing nearly 70% of his passes for 4,516 yards and 36 touchdowns. The Cowboys view Prescott as the key to their future success in NFL seasons, and this contract locks him in as their leader.
With his ability to perform under pressure and his strong connection with star receiver CeeDee Lamb, Prescott is expected to guide Dallas deep into the playoffs and potentially deliver a long-awaited Super Bowl.
Joe Burrow – $55 Million
Joe Burrow became the highest-paid quarterback in NFL history for a brief period before Prescott’s deal was announced. The Cincinnati Bengals rewarded their franchise player with a five-year contract worth $275 million, averaging $55 million annually.
Burrow has already proven himself to be one of the top quarterbacks in the league, leading the Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance in 2021.
Burrow’s 2023 season was cut short by injury, but the Bengals are betting on his long-term potential. With over $219 million guaranteed in his contract, Cincinnati is banking on Burrow’s ability to stay healthy and lead them through the increasingly competitive AFC.
Trevor Lawrence – $55 Million
Trevor Lawrence, the Jacksonville Jaguars’ franchise quarterback, joins Burrow with a $55 million annual salary. The former No. 1 overall pick earned his payday after showing consistent growth in his third NFL season despite battling injuries.
Lawrence led the Jaguars to a playoff appearance in 2023, cementing his status as a rising star in the league.
Jacksonville expects Lawrence to continue developing into one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks, and his five-year, $275 million contract reflects that. The Jaguars hope that with Lawrence at the helm, they can become perennial playoff contenders.
Jordan Love – $55 Million
Jordan Love’s $55 million annual salary might come as a surprise to some, considering he only had one entire season as a starter before signing his massive deal with the Green Bay Packers.
However, his late-season surge in 2023, where he threw for 18 touchdowns and only one interception over the final eight games, convinced the Packers that he was their quarterback of the future.
Love’s performance in the playoffs, including a victory over the Dallas Cowboys, sealed the deal for Green Bay. The Packers hope his development continues, but they will have to start the season without him due to a Week 1 injury that will sideline him for a few weeks.
Tua Tagovailoa – $53.1 Million
The Miami Dolphins have found their franchise quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa, and they rewarded him with a contract worth $53.1 million annually. Tagovailoa has thrived under head coach Mike McDaniel, leading Miami’s high-powered offense.
Despite concerns about his injury history, the Dolphins believe that Tagovailoa is the perfect fit for their explosive system, which has earned the nickname “The Greatest Show on Surf.”
Jared Goff – $53 Million
Jared Goff has revitalized his career in Detroit, leading the Lions to a near-Super Bowl appearance in 2023. As a result, the Lions gave Goff a four-year, $212 million extension, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league. Goff’s success in Detroit has silenced critics who once viewed him as a “bridge quarterback,” and the Lions have locked him in as their leader for the foreseeable future.
Patrick Mahomes – $52.65 Million
Patrick Mahomes, widely regarded as the best quarterback in the NFL, restructured his contract in 2023, securing an annual salary of $52.65 million through 2026. While Mahomes’ original 10-year, $450 million contract was already historic, the Chiefs recognized his value and rewarded him accordingly.
Mahomes has led Kansas City to back-to-back Super Bowl victories, solidifying his status as a generational talent.
For those looking to make an NFL bet this season, betting on Mahomes and the Chiefs is a safe choice, given his consistent ability to perform under pressure. His leadership, combined with Kansas City’s well-oiled offensive machine, makes them a top contender to repeat their Super Bowl success in 2024.
Justin Herbert – $52.5 Million
Justin Herbert signed a five-year, $262.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Chargers, making him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in NFL history. Herbert’s performance on the field has been impressive, averaging over 4,700 passing yards and 31 touchdowns per season. However, questions remain about his ability to win in the postseason, as Herbert has yet to secure a playoff victory.
Lamar Jackson – $52 Million
After years of negotiation, Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens agreed to a five-year, $260 million contract, making Jackson one of the highest-paid players in the league. Jackson’s unique skill set as both a passer and runner makes him one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL, and the Ravens believe that he can lead them to a Super Bowl.
These nine players not only represent the best quarterbacks in the NFL but also the financial future of the league. Their contracts have redefined the market, and as the 2024 season unfolds, all eyes will be on how they live up to these massive deals.
