The NFL is known for awarding its star players enormous contracts, especially quarterbacks. A new record-breaking deal is announced each year, often featuring guaranteed money in the hundreds of millions.
As the league’s revenue grows, these contracts are expected to get even larger despite the salary cap’s constraints. While quarterbacks typically command the highest salaries, athletes in other positions have also secured impressive deals.
This list will explore the top 5 biggest NFL contracts of all time, showcasing the extraordinary amounts these athletes earn.
Largest NFL Contracts
1. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
In 2020, at just 24 years old, Patrick Mahomes signed a massive 10-year contract extension with the Kansas City Chiefs worth $450 million, with an average annual value (AAV) of $45 million.
This deal set a new standard in the NFL and made Mahomes the highest-paid player in league history.
The contract came after Mahomes had an incredible season, leading the Chiefs to a Super Bowl victory. Due to this lucrative agreement, Mahomes secured his future financially and invested in the local sports community by becoming a minority owner of the Kansas City Royals.
This move showcases Mahomes’ smart financial planning and the growing opportunities for athletes to diversify their investments. With deals like his, it’s clear that today’s odds favor players who can consistently deliver exceptional performances.
T-2. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
In 2023, Joe Burrow inked a huge five-year extension with the Cincinnati Bengals, ensuring his future with the team. This contract made Burrow the highest-paid player in the NFL, based on his annual salary of $55 million.
Burrow signed this deal at 26 years old after showing he could turn the Bengals’ fortunes around and lead them to a Super Bowl appearance in the 2021 season. The Bengals valued Burrow’s contributions, offering him $219.01 million in guaranteed money.
T-2. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars
In 2024, Trevor Lawrence signed a substantial five-year extension with the Jacksonville Jaguars, tying him for the highest average annual salary in the NFL at $55 million per year.
Lawrence, who was only 24 years old, secured a deal that included $200 million in guaranteed money and a generous $37.5 million signing bonus.
This contract underscores the Jaguars’ belief in their young quarterback, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Lawrence has shown remarkable potential and leadership, and this agreement ensures he remains a key part of the team’s future.
4. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
In 2023, Justin Herbert signed a new five-year contract with the Los Angeles Chargers worth $262.5 million.
At 25 years old, Herbert became the highest-paid quarterback based on average salary, with an impressive $52.5 million per year. However, a month later, Joe Burrow’s contract broke this record.
Herbert’s contract includes $218.7 million guaranteed, showing the Chargers’ confidence in their quarterback. Drafted in 2020 as the sixth overall pick, Herbert quickly became the team’s starting quarterback.
Over his first four seasons, he threw for 17,223 yards and 114 touchdowns with just 42 interceptions. These stats highlight his effectiveness and importance to the team.
5. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
In 2023, Lamar Jackson signed a new five-year contract worth $260 million with the Baltimore Ravens, giving him an average annual salary of $52 million.
This made him the highest-paid player in the NFL at the time. Jackson was 26 years old when he signed this deal, four years after he won the MVP award in 2019.
While he hadn’t had a 1,000-yard rushing season since 2020, his dual-threat capability as a passer and runner made him invaluable.
The Ravens didn’t want to risk losing him to other teams eager to negotiate with the talented quarterback. By securing Jackson’s future with the team, the Ravens showed their commitment to building around him and maintaining their competitive edge.
