1. Dak Prescott (QB, Dallas Cowboys)
$240M over 4 years – $60M AAV
Prescott’s new deal makes him the highest-paid player in NFL history by AAV . This contract reflects Dallas’ commitment to finally snag a Super Bowl—banking on Prescott’s leadership and consistency.
—
🥈 T‑2. Josh Allen (QB, Buffalo Bills)
$330M over 6 years – $55M AAV
Signed in March 2025, this extension includes a staggering $250M guaranteed—the largest guarantee ever in NFL history . Coming off an MVP season and back-to-back AFC East titles, Allen’s contract signals Buffalo’s urgency to reach the Super Bowl and keep their superstar.
—
🥈 T‑2. Joe Burrow (QB, Cincinnati Bengals)
$275M over 5 years – $55M AAV
Burrow’s extension puts him in elite company alongside Josh Allen and Trevor Lawrence . It rewards his leadership and playoff success, anchoring Cincy’s offense after multiple deep postseason runs.
—
🥈 T‑2. Trevor Lawrence (QB, Jacksonville Jaguars)
$275M over 5 years – $55M AAV
Mirroring Burrow’s top-tier contract, Lawrence’s deal cements him as a franchise cornerstone . The Jaguars are betting heavily on Lawrence to lead them into consistent contender status.
—
🔥 5. Patrick Mahomes (QB, Kansas City Chiefs)
$450M over 10 years – $45M AAV
While it’s the largest total value, Mahomes’ AAV has dropped to $45M, as newer deals have escalated the quarterback market . Still, his contract remains a marquee franchise investment.
—
🏌️ 6. Tua Tagovailoa (QB, Miami Dolphins)
$51.1M AAV
Tua’s 2024 extension ranks him just inside the top 10 for QB salaries . Miami’s confidence in his ceiling continues to pay off.
—
🥇 7. Brock Purdy (QB, San Francisco 49ers)
$265M over 5 years – $53M AAV
A surprise success story, Purdy’s extension vaulted him into the top-10 in QB pay, confirming his place as SF’s franchise pivot .
—
🥈 8. Justin Herbert (QB, Los Angeles Chargers)
$262.5M total – $52.5M AAV
Remaining aggressive but slightly behind his QB peers, Herbert’s contract underscores LA’s investment in their young talent .
—
🏃♂️ 9. Lamar Jackson (QB, Baltimore Ravens)
$260M total – $52M AAV
Jackson’s dual-threat capability kept him near the top of the pay scale , ensuring that Baltimore retains its dynamic offense.
—
🏇 10. Jalen Hurts (QB, Philadelphia Eagles)
$255M total – $51M AAV
Hurts’ extension reflects Philadelphia’s high expectations after playoff success .
—
🏆 Spotlight on Non-QBs
Ja’Marr Chase (WR, Cincinnati) – $161M over 4 years; $40.25M AAV, making him the highest-paid non-qb receiver .
Justin Jefferson (WR, Minnesota) – $140M over 4 years; $35M AAV, remains WR2 in pay structure .
Nick Bosa (DE, SF) – Secured $170M over 5 years; $34M AAV, ranking highest among defensive linemen .
Upcoming defensive star Myles Garrett (DE, Cleveland) also landed $160M over 4 years; $40M AAV, just behind Chase on the non-qb scale .
—
🧭 Market Dynamics & Implications
The QB salary escalator continues: AAVs of $55M–$60M are now the norm for elite starters.
Non-QBs are cashing in too: elite pass rushers and receivers now command $34M–$40M AAV—a massive shift from previous years.
Guaranteed money is growing fast: Allen’s $250M guarantee is a new record, signaling player leverage in negotiations .
Strategic risks: Teams like Dallas and San Francisco are betting heavily on QBs, while non-QB deals are reshaping cap structures league-wide.