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The NFL is a massive sport; many players earn more than other athletes in various fields.
Many have made billions from playing in the NFL, while others have made themselves wealthy for life.
The list of past and present NFL players who have become wealthy in their careers is endless, with the Kelce brothers once topping it.
Here Are The Top 15 Highest Paid NFL QBs in 2024
The list of top-earning players is endless, but we have covered 15 names from all major sources.
15: Daniel Jones (New York Giants)
Daniel Jones’s contract with the New York Giants makes him a top earner in the league, but it also comes with some complexity.
His contract signed is 4 years and worth $160 million. His annual Salary will be around $40 million, tied for 15th in the NFL.
His earnings for 2024 are broken down to $35.5 million as Salary is being paid. His signing bonus, already paid, is $36 million.
His Workout Bonus is $500,000, while his potential Incentives are up to $750,000, and he is Guaranteed to get $92 million.
14: Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins)
Tua Tagovailoa’s current contract with the Miami Dolphins isn’t one of the top NFL quarterback deals, but it’s worth noting for a different reason.
His contract was signed in 2020 with a total value of $30,275,438, and the average Annual Salary is $7,568,860.
His pay is among the lowest for starting QBs. His 2024 salary breakdown is $23,171,000 due to the 5th-year option exercised by Miami.
13: Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers)
Justin Herbert secured a massive contract extension with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023, solidifying his position as one of the league’s highest-paid quarterbacks.
READ MORE – Best NFL Quarterbacks
His $52.5 million places him among the top 3-5 in the NFL who have a massive deal to their name with any team.
His base salary is $6 million, while his signing Bonus, already paid in 2023, is $50.6 million. His cash payout for 2024 is $56.6 million, including base salary and a portion of the signing bonus.
12: Geno Smith (Seattle Seahawks)
Geno Smith’s contract situation with the Seattle Seahawks is interesting because it offers guaranteed money and some uncertainty for the future.
He signed a contract in 2023 that was worth $75 million. His annual income is $25 million. He is guaranteed to make $27.3 million, with an additional $12.7 million guaranteed in 2024.
The Seahawks guaranteed Smith’s base salary for 2024 in February 2024, essentially making him the starter for the season.
However, the contract contained significant roster bonuses that could have increased the total value to $105 million.
11: Kirk Cousins (Atlanta Falcons)
Kirk Cousins’ arrival in Atlanta comes with a significant financial commitment from the Falcons.
He signed a 4 years deal worth $180 million in 2024 with an average annual pay of $45 million.
His 2024 salary is estimated at likely around $30 million. He was paid a signing bonus of 50 million, while other bonuses and Incentives are potentially up to $15 million.
10: Deshaun Watson (Cleveland Browns)
Deshaun Watson’s contract with the Cleveland Browns is one of the most lucrative in NFL history, but it’s also been surrounded by controversy.
He signed his 5 years contract worth $230 million in 2022 and was placed on an average annual salary of $46 million.
He is earning a salary base of $46 million. His
signing bonus of $44.965 million was already paid in 2022.
9: Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys)
Dak Prescott’s contract with the Dallas Cowboys is a significant financial commitment, but it also has some interesting nuances compared to other top quarterbacks.
He originally signed a 4-year deal worth $160 million, with an extension signed in 2021, which includes void years.
His current status is that of entering the final year of the original deal with the potential for renegotiation. He averages an annual Salary of $40 million.
His $29 million restructure Bonus paid in 2024 is $5 million. The cap hit is $55.4 million, which is one of the highest among QBs in 2024.
8: Kyler Murray (Arizona Cardinals)
Kyler Murray’s contract with the Arizona Cardinals reflects his talent as a dynamic dual-threat quarterback.
In 2023, Kyler Murray triggered a clause in his contract by remaining on the roster, increasing his guaranteed money for 2025.
Murray’s contract includes a high percentage of guaranteed money, providing him significant financial security.
He agreed on a $230.5 million extension signed in July 2022. His wages annually are fixed at $46.1 million.
7: Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles)
Jalen Hurts secured a massive contract extension with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024, making him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL.
He accepted a deal of 5 years with a $255 million contract. His annual pay is $51 million, which is massive.
His base earnings are $1.125 million due to a signing bonus. He got paid his Bonus of $38.875 million after signing in 2024.
His $40 million pay includes a base salary and a portion of the signing bonus, which all amount to a better fee.
6: Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills)
Josh Allen’s contract with the Buffalo Bills solidified his position as their cornerstone player and one of the league’s highest-paid quarterbacks.
While the average annual Salary might not be the absolute highest, a large portion of the contract is guaranteed ($150 million), giving Allen significant financial security.
His contract is 6 years and is worth $258 million, with an extension signed in 2021. He is earning annual wages of $43 million.
5: Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs)
Patrick Mahomes’ contract with the Kansas City Chiefs is a fascinating case. However, he isn’t currently among the top earners regarding average annual Salary.
His massive 10-year, $450 million deal, which he signed in 2020, still makes him one of the most valuable quarterbacks in the NFL.
His Salary hit around $37 million, which is presumed lower than other players’ pay, but he is guaranteed a long deal.
4: Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens)
Lamar Jackson’s contract with the Baltimore Ravens, signed in 2023, made him the highest-paid quarterback in the league.
Jackson negotiated his contract without an agent, which is uncommon in the NFL.
His contract is heavily guaranteed, with $185 million guaranteed at signing, providing Jackson with significant financial security.
Jackson’s a potential “out” clause after the 2024 season, allowing him to test free agency if he chooses.
He earns $52 million annually, which puts him in a financially comfortable position before his retirement.
3: Aaron Rodgers (New York Jets)
Rodgers agreed to a significant pay cut when he was traded to the Jets. He gave up nearly $35 million in guaranteed money from his original Green Bay deal.
This move suggests Rodgers prioritized a chance to compete for a Super Bowl with the Jets over maximizing his Salary.
Despite the pay cut, his new contract still offers him a high average annual salary and significant guaranteed money.
After signing 4 years, $134 million with Green Bay Packers in 2021, his annual Salary was around $37.5 million.
2: Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars) – $55 million
He is the highest-paid rookie quarterback in NFL history, thanks to his massive contract extension signed in 2024.
He is on a 5 years deal of $275 million extension, which was activated in 2024. He is put on an annual pay worth $55 million.
The Jaguars rewarded Lawrence’s potential and early performance with a record-breaking contract, signifying their commitment to him as their franchise quarterback.
The large signing bonus lowers his base salary for 2024 but spreads the financial burden for the Jaguars across the contract’s duration.
Trevor Lawrence’s contract is a gamble by the Jaguars on a young player with immense talent, which they hope to bring about success.
1: Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals) – $55 million
Joe Burrow, the charismatic quarterback who led the Cincinnati Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance in 2022, secured a historic contract extension in 2023.
His contract made him the highest-paid player in the NFL at the time (tied with Trevor Lawrence in 2024).
His 2023 contract extension was signed for 5 years and was worth $275 million. He is being paid $55 million for his Salary.
He will make $219.01 million for his contract, making him the highest-paid NFL QB in 2024.
