In the competitive world of the NFL, quarterback contracts can often secure not just immense financial rewards, but also long-term stability for players. This article takes a closer look at the top ten quarterbacks whose recent deals have not only highlighted their value to their teams but have also set new benchmarks in the league.
From record-breaking contracts to contract extensions, these players exemplify the modern trend of prioritizing lucrative arrangements, sometimes even over immediate championship success.
10. Carson Wentz
Carson Wentz, now a quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, once held the reins for the Philadelphia Eagles during their Super Bowl LII victory. His journey through the NFL has seen him don several team colors. Currently, Wentz is under a one-year contract with the Chiefs, a deal that’s worth a cool few million, with a hefty chunk of it guaranteed.
9. Jared Goff
Jared Goff, the Detroit Lions’ star quarterback, has inked a massive four-year extension. The deal, worth a staggering $212 million, includes a hefty $73 million signing bonus. This lucrative contract catapults Goff into the upper echelons of the NFL’s highest-earning quarterbacks.
8. Aaron Rodgers
Star quarterback Aaron Rodgers inked a hefty three-year deal with the New York Jets, raking in a whopping $112.5 million. A significant $75 million of that is guaranteed, making it a high-stakes gamble for the Jets. Rodgers’ cap hit for 2025 stands at a substantial $23.5 million.
If the Jets decide to cut ties, they’d be looking at a $49 million dead cap charge, a cost they could spread over two years. Despite the big numbers, Rodgers’ future with the team hangs in the balance. Recent whispers suggest the Jets might be considering a different direction for the 2025 season.
7. Deshaun Watson
In 2022, star quarterback Deshaun Watson inked a whopping five-year deal with the Cleveland Browns, pocketing a cool $230 million. Despite a recent reshuffle in his contract, Watson is still set to rake in a guaranteed $92 million over the next couple of seasons. However, his tenure with the Browns beyond 2025 is shrouded in uncertainty, with injuries and inconsistent performances on the field casting a shadow over his future.
6. Matthew Stafford
Matthew Stafford, the star quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, is eyeing a hefty new contract that would put him among the highest-paid players in the league. The Rams, in response, have given Stafford’s agent the green light to explore trade options with other teams. This move indicates that Stafford could potentially part ways with the Rams if they don’t meet his contract demands.
5. Kirk Cousins
In a blockbuster move in 2024, the Atlanta Falcons secured quarterback Kirk Cousins with a hefty contract that turned heads across the NFL. The four-year agreement, worth a staggering $180 million, included a jaw-dropping $50 million just for signing on the dotted line and a whopping $100 million guaranteed. However, the Falcons are now considering parting ways with Cousins before March 17, 2025, to avoid paying an additional $10 million roster bonus.
4. Derek Carr
In 2023, star quarterback Derek Carr inked a whopping four-year deal with the New Orleans Saints, worth a staggering $150 million. This lucrative contract includes an impressive $100 million in guarantees, averaging out to a hefty $37.5 million per year. Fast forward to 2025, and Carr’s salary cap hit is a jaw-dropping $51.458 million. Despite the massive figure, Carr has made it clear he’s not interested in a pay cut. However, he’s not opposed to tweaking his contract to ease the team’s salary cap woes.
3. Russell Wilson
In a surprising turn of events, star quarterback Russell Wilson is set to leave the Denver Broncos after just two seasons. Despite signing a massive five-year deal worth over $240 million, including a whopping $161 million guaranteed, the Broncos have decided to part ways with Wilson.
But don’t worry about Wilson, he’s already found a new home. The Pittsburgh Steelers have scooped him up for the 2024 season with a modest one-year contract. It’s a big change, but Wilson is no stranger to new challenges.
Read More: The 30 Most Insanely Overpaid Players in the NFL
2. Kyler Murray
In 2022, the Arizona Cardinals made a big move by locking in their star quarterback, Kyler Murray, with a hefty contract extension. This five-year deal, worth a whopping $230.5 million, guarantees Murray a cool $159.8 million and keeps him on the team until the 2028 season. With an average yearly salary of $46.1 million, Murray is certainly not short on cash.
Fast forward to 2025, and he’s set to earn a base salary of $18 million, plus a roster bonus of $11.9 million and a workout bonus of $1.86 million. That year, his cap hit will be a significant $45.6 million. This deal is a testament to Murray’s talent and the Cardinals’ faith in his ability to lead the team to victory.
Read More: 15 NFL Contract Disasters That Teams Wish They Could Erase
1. Dak Prescott
In a monumental move in September 2024, the Dallas Cowboys secured their star quarterback, Dak Prescott, with a four-year contract that set new standards in the NFL. This whopping deal, worth a staggering $240 million, catapulted Prescott to the top of the list of highest-paid quarterbacks.
The contract, which runs through the 2028 season, is a testament to the Cowboys’ faith in Prescott, with a jaw-dropping $231 million guaranteed. This deal not only cements Prescott’s place in the team but also sets a high bar in the NFL’s financial landscape.
Read More: The 10 Highest-Paid NFL Quarterbacks of All Time
