The most recent signal-caller to receive compensation was Lamar Jackson, who signed a $260 million, five-year contract extension with the Baltimore Ravens.
With the agreement, Jackson becomes the highest-paid player in NFL history in terms of average annual value ($52 million), barely surpassing quarterback Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers ($50.27 million) and star Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles ($51 million).
Here is a look at the highest-paid players for the next season, with Jackson currently atop the list:
Which NFL players will earn the most?
It should come as no surprise that quarterbacks dominate the list of the 20 NFL players earning the highest salaries. Signal-callers make up the top 14 players in terms of average yearly compensation.
Hurts, who had just led the Eagles to a Super Bowl berth, established the standard with his brand-new contract before Jackson’s record-breaking agreement. On the greatest stage, he performed brilliantly, scoring four touchdowns in Philly’s defeat. Hurts’ rookie contract expires one year earlier than those of his fellow draft picks, Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa, and Justin Herbert, having been chosen in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
On the pitch, they are renowned for their flawless passes, The super athlete unwavering confidence under duress, and exceptional fitness. They receive such record contract packages from their teams because of this.
However, NFL players are also titans off the field, and their celebrity helps them when they collaborate with major companies to promote their goods. When it comes to investment, NFL players are grabbing hold of chances to forge large-scale business deals that will prolong their financial lifeline.
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Joe Burrow: $45,500,000 USD
Despite only being a professional quarterback for three years, the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback has already developed a devoted fan base and several monikers. The 26-year-old’s contract extension featured a five-year, US$275 million deal, from Joe Cool to Joe Shiesty.
Burrow is renowned for his daring off-field style choices which frequently land him on lists of the best dressed. He holds stakes in the breakfast food company Kodiak and the fantasy sports portal Fantasy Life. Along with purchasing an Iowa farm he was a member of an organization that employed the athlete-focused investment business.
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US$46.5 million for Deshaun Watson
Following the 2021 allegations of sexual harassment by over 20 women Watson’s wealth and reputation suffered significantly. He has made US$46 million this year only from the field. He was earning $8 million US off the field, but the majority of his endorsements were gone.
That number has already dropped to an expected half a million in 2023. During the previous season, the NFL fined him US$5 million and suspended him for 11 games. The New York Times reported that Watson refuted the accusations and was not charged criminally.
Another setback to Watson’s career came when the Cleveland Browns announced he will have surgery on his shoulder to end the season. The team hoped to have Watson back for the 2024 campaign.
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Daniel Jones: $47.5 million in the US
The quarterback for the New York Giants had the best season of his career and was awarded a four-year contract worth US$160 million in March.
He is beginning to make more money off the field; in 2023, he will earn about US$1.5 million. He has partnerships with Poland Spring and Hugo Boss, and according to his teammates he is gradually beginning to make a name for himself outside of professional football.
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US$47.9 million: Aaron Rodgers
The 39-year-old veteran of the NFL caused a stir this season when he chose the New York Jets over his 18-year home team. The Green Bay Packers. According to the BBC, Rodgers consented to a revised contract that saw his salary reduced by US$35 million over the course of two years during the off-season trade.
He earns about US$11 million off the field; he has also spoken out about taking ayahuasca and has since turned into a supporter of psychedelics.
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Nick Bosa: $52,500,000 USD
Following protracted contract negotiations, Bosa inked a US$170 million, five-year contract that puts him in the lead among non-quarterbacks in terms of average yearly contract worth ($34 million). Given that Bosa, 26, is the NFL’s current Defensive Player of the Year, it seems reasonable that the 49ers, his team, have agreed to terms.
He makes about US$1 million off the field thanks to sponsorship from companies like Gatorade, Citibank, and Chipotle. Bosa gained notoriety after appearing in advertisements for Kim Kardashian’s shapewear collection.
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$60.5 million USD for Patrick Mahomes
Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs is the second-highest paid athlete of the year, earning over US$20 million less than Lamar Jackson. At 28, he is expected to earn about US$40.5 million on the field and US$20 million off it in 2023.
With his 10-year, US$450 million contract inked in 2020, Mahomes holds the NFL record for the highest contract, according to Forbes. However, his off-field income is what really stands out, as evidenced by his long-term endorsement agreements with companies like Walmart, T-Mobile, and Hugo Boss.
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$81.5 million USD for Lamar Jackson
After a record-breaking two years of negotiations that culminated in an extension with the Ravens in May, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson vaulted to the top of our list of the highest-paid NFL players for 2023. With the record-breaking deal, he received a US$72.5 million signing bonus.
Final note!
The 26-year-old Burrow is in line with NFL players who sign extensions before to their release from the league. NFL player agent Blake Baratz said to Front Office Sports in June that the league’s contentious franchise tag prohibited players from reaching free agency, despite the fact that franchise quarterbacks can make more money in this capacity than in other positions.
