When it comes to getting paid, no one does it better than NFL quarterbacks. These guys are raking in mind-blowing money, breaking records and bank accounts with every new contract. From throwing game-winning touchdowns to carrying their teams on their shoulders, they’ve proven they’re worth every single penny. Let’s dive into the league’s history of highest-paid QBs and see who’s making bank!
A Look Into The Highest-Paid QBs In NFL History
5) Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
Tua Tagovailoa has been through a career rollercoaster since entering the NFL as the fifth overall pick in 2020. After struggling with injuries and inconsistent play in his first few seasons, Tua hit his stride in 2023, displaying the precision and deep-ball accuracy that made him a star at Alabama. His strong performances secured him a four-year, $212.4 million extension with $167.1 million guaranteed — the most guaranteed money ever for a four-year deal.
Tua’s 81 touchdowns and 37 interceptions in his first four seasons reflect his growth as a QB. With an average salary of $53.1 million, the Dolphins are betting big on Tua to lead them deep into the playoffs and perhaps beyond. His contract sets a new standard for guaranteed money over four years, and he’ll look to live up to it in 2024.
Also Read: Ranking All 32 NFL Teams’ No. 1 Running Back For The 2024 Season From WORST To FIRST
4) Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars
Trevor Lawrence entered the NFL with high expectations as the first overall pick in the 2021 draft. Considered the best quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck, Lawrence quickly began to live up to the hype. He helped turn the Jaguars around and led them to the playoffs in 2022 after a tough rookie season. His poise and talent earned him a five-year, $275 million contract with $200 million guaranteed. Lawrence now makes an average salary of $55 million per year.
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Lawrence’s 2023 season was a mixed bag, with 21 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, but the Jaguars see him as their future. The front office believes his leadership and ability to make plays will take the team to new heights. With a signing bonus of $37.5 million, Jacksonville isn’t holding back on betting their future on Lawrence’s potential.
3) Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. From leading LSU to a national championship in 2019 to being the first overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Burrow has proven he’s got what it takes at every level. Despite suffering a severe knee injury in his rookie season, he bounced back in 2021, leading the Bengals to their first Super Bowl appearance in over 30 years.
The Bengals locked him down with a five-year, $275 million contract, with $219.01 million guaranteed and an average salary of $55 million. Although Burrow struggled with injuries last season, posting 2,309 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and six interceptions in just ten games, Cincinnati knows his value. With 97 career touchdowns and just 37 interceptions, Burrow’s leadership and clutch play have transformed the Bengals into a top contender.
2) Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers
Jordan Love went from being an uncertain backup to one of the highest-paid QBs in a single season. The Green Bay Packers rewarded him with a four-year, $220 million contract, including $155 million guaranteed and a massive $75 million signing bonus, the highest in NFL history. His 2024 salary is $19.8 million, averaging $55 million annually.
Drafted 26th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, Love was initially seen as Aaron Rodgers’ successor. But his potential remained a question mark until last season when he took over after Rodgers’ departure. Love delivered big time, leading the Packers to a playoff berth with 4,159 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, all while completing 64.2% of his throws. At just 25 years old, the Packers see him as their long-term franchise quarterback, and his future looks incredibly bright.
1) Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have extended Dak Prescott’s contract, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history. At 31, Prescott agreed to a four-year extension worth $240 million (£183 million), with $231 million (£176 million) guaranteed. The deal includes a $80 million (£61 million) signing bonus.
With a yearly average of $60 million (£46 million), Prescott surpasses Joe Burrow, Jordan Love, and Trevor Lawrence, all of whom signed deals with $55 million (£42 million) annually. The guaranteed $231 million breaks a previous record, beating the $230 million Deshaun Watson received from the Cleveland Browns in 2022.
News of Prescott’s deal came just before Dallas kicked off their season with a 33-17 win over the Browns. Since becoming the Cowboys’ starting quarterback in 2016, Prescott has accumulated 29,638 passing yards and 203 touchdowns. Despite his impressive stats, the team hasn’t advanced past the Divisional Round of the playoffs since 1995, the same year they last won the Super Bowl.
