• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, February 24, 2026

Who Are The Highest-Paid NFL Players in 2025?

  • Quarterbacks hold the top 16 spots in the 2025 NFL salary rankings.
  • T.J. Watt is the highest-paid non-quarterback at $41 million annually.
Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Quarterbacks continue to rake in the most money among the highest-paid NFL players. 

While stars at other positions held out before the 2024-2025 season, hoping to secure bigger contracts, quarterbacks have been rewarded as the highest-paid position in the NFL for years.

Only eight non-quarterbacks make the list of the 25 highest-paid NFL players. 

Dak Prescott’s extension before the start of the 2024 season made him the league’s highest-paid player. The Cowboys quarterback signed a four-year, $420 million extension for a $60 million average annual value (AAV). He became the latest quarterback to take the title of the highest-paid player, and although he still holds the title, recent history suggests it may not last long.

Josh Allen of the Bills, Joe Burrow of the Bengals, Jordan Love of the Packers, and Trevor Lawrence of the Jaguars are tied for second, each earning $55 million in AAV.

Allen signed a four-year deal in March 2025 that will give him the most guaranteed money ever for an NFL player at $250 million.

Burrow signed his contract extension in 2023, which will net him $275 million over five years and include a $146.5 million guarantee at signing.

In July 2024, Love signed a 4-year extension with Green Bay to put himself at second. He’ll earn an additional $600,000 as a bonus each year he makes the roster.

Lawrence signed a 5-year, $275 million contract extension in June 2024 to catapult toward the top of the list. He was previously earning $9.2 million on his rookie contract.

T.J. Watt signed a three-year extention in July 2025 to become the highest-paid non-quarterback ever (for the second time). He will make $41 million per year, with $108 million of that guaranteed. He edges out Cincinnati wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, whose four-year, $161 million extension includes $112 million guaranteed and made him the highest-paid wide receiver ever.

Myles Garrett is the highest-earning defensive player, earning $40 million in AAV. He made history in March 2025, right before Allen signed his record extension. Garrett’s four-year, $160 million extension is the most ever for a defensive player.

As the NFL moves closer to its revenue goal of $25 billion, the highest-paid players will continue to demand increasing salaries. Last year, only three players earned at least $50 million per season.

This year, 11 players have crossed the $50 million mark.

Ranking The NFL’s Highest-Paid Players

Here is the list of the top 25 highest-paid NFL players. The list was compiled with data from Spotrac.

  • Updated: April 23rd, 2025
RankPlayerPositionTeamTotal Contract AAV
1Dak PrescottQuarterbackDallas Cowboys$60 million
T-2Joe BurrowQuarterbackCincinnati Bengals$55 million
T-2Jordan LoveQuarterbackGreen Bay Packers$55 million
T-2Trevor LawrenceQuarterbackJacksonville Jaguars$55 million
T-2Josh AllenQuarterbackBuffalo Bills$55 million
6Tua TagovailoaQuarterbackMiami Dolphins$53.1 million
T-7Jared GoffQuarterbackDetroit Lions$53 million
T-7Brock PurdyQuarterbackSan Francisco 49ers$53 million
9Justin HerbertQuarterbackLos Angeles Chargers$52.5 million
10Lamar JacksonQuarterbackBaltimore Ravens$52 million
11Jalen HurtsQuarterbackPhiladelphia Eagles$51 million
12Kyler MurrayQuarterbackArizona Cardinals$46.1 million
13Deshaun WatsonQuarterbackCleveland Browns$46 million
T-14Kirk CousinsQuarterbackAtlanta Falcons$45 million
T-14Patrick MahomesQuarterbackKansas City Chiefs$45 million
16Matthew StaffordQuarterbackLos Angeles Rams$42 million
17T.J. WattOffensive LinePittsburgh Steelers$41 million
18Ja’Marr ChaseWide ReceiverCincinnati Bengals$40.3 million
19Myles Garrett Defensive EndCleveland Browns$40 million
20Geno SmithQuarterbackLas Vegas Raiders$37.5 million
21Danielle HunterDefensive EndHouston Texans$35.6 million
22Maxx CrosbyDefensive EndLas Vegas Raiders$35.5 million
23Justin JeffersonWide ReceiverMinnesota Vikings$35 million
T-24Nick BosaDefensive EndSan Francisco 49ers$34 million
T-24CeeDee LambWide ReceiverDallas Cowboys$34 million

Related lists:

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

NFL Offseason Opens With Report Card Drama, Cap Set to Top $300M

The league’s attention is shifting to the 2026 season this week.
Jan 17, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) gets a first down on a “tush push” against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half in an NFC Divisional Round game at Lumen Field.

NFL Sees No New Calls to Ban Controversial Tush Push

As the play’s effectiveness ebbs somewhat, so does the urgency for change.
Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar (6) pulls back for the throw during the Music City Bowl NCAA college football game against Illinois on Dec. 30, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee.

Judge Denies Tennessee QB Joey Aguilar Another Year of NCAA Eligibility

The ruling has implications for the NCAA’s overall eligibility fight.
Indiana Head Coach Curt Cignetti watches during the College Football Playoff National Championship college football game at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.

Curt Cignetti’s New Indiana Deal Is Richest in College Football

The new contract will pay him $13.2 million annually.

Featured Today

[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Chelsea FC midfielder Cole Palmer (10) celebrates winning the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium

Soccer’s ‘Crown Jewels’ Are Devouring Smaller Clubs

Mega conglomerates are feeding a big business machine. Fans are furious.
Feb 10, 2026; Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy; Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin of the United States during the curling mixed doubles gold medal game during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Cortina Curling Olympic Stadium
February 20, 2026

Curling Clubs Are Swept Up in Olympics Fever. Can It Last?

Every four years, organizations field an influx of curling-curious patrons.
Max Valverde by Ron Winsett
February 17, 2026

How Ski Mountaineering’s Hype Man Went From TikTok to NBC

Max Valverde’s gushing over the niche sport vaulted him to Olympic broadcaster.
Feb 11, 2026; Livigno, Italy; Jaelin Kauf of the United States during freestyle skiing women's moguls final during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Livigno Aerials & Moguls Park
February 13, 2026

The Surprise Hit of the Winter Olympics: First-Person Drone Views

Tiny drone cameras have reshaped the Olympics viewing experience.
Anthony Kim
February 20, 2026

Inside Anthony Kim’s Chaotic Path to Stunning Victory at LIV Golf

Anthony Kim joined the 4Aces after Patrick Reed abruptly left LIV.
February 23, 2026

Mexican Soccer Postponed Amid Violence With World Cup Months Away

Tennis and UFC events will continue as planned.
Sponsored

From USWNT Star to NWSL Franchise Founder

Leslie Osborne, former USWNT midfielder, shares how athletes are moving from the pitch to the ownership table.
Feb 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Team USA Stripes forward Jaylen Brown (7) of the Boston Celtics shoots against Team USA Stars guard Anthony Edwards (5) of the Minnesota Timberwolves in game two during the 75th NBA All Star Game at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
February 19, 2026

Beverly Hills Apologizes to Jaylen Brown Over All-Star Fiasco

Brown released a statement following the city’s apology.
Feb 15, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; eam World forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on in-between games during the 75th NBA All Star Game at Intuit Dome.
February 19, 2026

How Alexis Ohanian Became Giannis’s Sports Investment Whisperer

“It all started with a DM from Thanasis,” Ohanian tells FOS.
Aryna Sabalenka
February 18, 2026

Tennis’s Brutal Schedule Comes to a Head in Dubai As Dozens Drop..

Some stars appear to have found a loophole in WTA rules.
Feb 17, 2026; Pacific Palisades, CA, USA; Genesis Invitational tournament host Tiger Woods speaks to the media during a press conference at Riviera Country Club.
February 17, 2026

PGA Tour Schedule Changes May Take Multiple Years to Roll Out

A new schedule could include fewer events and new major markets.