Top 10 Highest Paid NFL Player in 2024: Quarterbacks Dominate the Payroll

The NFL isn’t just the most popular sports league in the world—it’s also the richest. With team valuations averaging 5.93 billion and profits soaring, the league’s biggest star are cashing in like never before. In 2024, the top 20 highest−paid NFL players are set to earn a combined 1.1 billion, a 29% jump from the previous year. And at the heart of this financial explosion? Quarterbacks.

From record-breaking deals to young stars securing their futures, the NFL’s quarterback market is hotter than ever. Let’s break down the top 10 highest-paid players in 2024 and explore how they’re reshaping the league’s financial landscape.

1. Dak Prescott: The $60 Million Man

• Team: Dallas Cowboys
• Average Annual Salary: $60 million
• Contract: 4 years, $240 million

Dak Prescott didn’t just set the bar—he launched it into orbit. Hours before the Cowboys’ 2024 season opener, Prescott inked a four-year, 240 million deal, making him the first NFL player to hit the 60 million-per-year mark. With $231 million guaranteed, Prescott’s contract isn’t just a paycheck—it’s a statement. After leading the league in passing touchdowns (36) in 2023, the Cowboys are betting big on their franchise QB to bring home a Super Bowl.

2. Joe Burrow: The Bengals’ Golden Arm

• Team: Cincinnati Bengals
• Average Annual Salary: $55 million
• Contract: 5 years, $275 million

Joe Burrow’s rise from Heisman winner to Super Bowl contender has been nothing short of spectacular. His $275 million extension, signed in 2023, reflects his status as one of the league’s most accurate and clutch quarterbacks. Despite a wrist injury that sidelined him for part of 2023, Burrow’s ability to elevate the Bengals’ offense makes him worth every penny.

3. Trevor Lawrence: Jacksonville’s Franchise Savior

• Team: Jacksonville Jaguars
• Average Annual Salary: $55 million
• Contract: 5 years, $275 million

Trevor Lawrence has lived up to the hype that made him the No. 1 overall pick in 2021. After leading the Jaguars to a playoff berth and orchestrating one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history, Lawrence secured a $275 million deal. With back-to-back 4,000-yard seasons, he’s proving to be the cornerstone Jacksonville has been waiting for.

4. Jordan Love: Green Bay’s New Gunslinger

• Team: Green Bay Packers
• Average Annual Salary: $55 million
• Contract: 4 years, $220 million

Jordan Love’s breakout 2023 season silenced any doubts about his ability to replace Aaron Rodgers. Throwing for 4,159 yards and 32 touchdowns, Love led the Packers to the playoffs and earned a $220 million extension. Green Bay’s faith in Love signals a new era for one of the NFL’s most storied franchises.

5. Tua Tagovailoa: Miami’s Precision Passer

• Team: Miami Dolphins
• Average Annual Salary: $53.1 million
• Contract: 4 years, $212.4 million

Tua Tagovailoa has thrived in Miami’s high-speed offense, leading the league in passing yards (4,624) in 2023. His $212.4 million extension rewards his efficiency and durability, as the Dolphins continue to build around their dynamic QB. With weapons like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, Tua’s future looks brighter than ever.

6. Jared Goff: Detroit’s Comeback King

• Team: Detroit Lions
• Average Annual Salary: $53 million
• Contract: 4 years, $212 million

Jared Goff’s resurgence in Detroit has been one of the NFL’s best stories. After leading the Lions to their first NFC Championship appearance in decades, Goff signed a $212 million extension. His steady play and leadership have transformed the Lions into legitimate contenders.

7. Justin Herbert: The Chargers’ Arm Talent

• Team: Los Angeles Chargers
• Average Annual Salary: $52.5 million
• Contract: 5 years, $262.5 million

Justin Herbert has been a statistical marvel since entering the league, throwing for over 4,000 yards in three of his four seasons. His $262.5 million extension, signed in 2022, keeps him among the NFL’s elite. With a new coaching staff in place, Herbert is poised to take the Chargers to new heights.

8. Lamar Jackson: The Dual-Threat Dynamo

• Team: Baltimore Ravens
• Average Annual Salary: $52 million
• Contract: 5 years, $260 million

Lamar Jackson’s unique blend of passing and rushing ability has made him one of the NFL’s most exciting players. His $260 million deal, signed in 2023, reflects his value to the Ravens. After leading Baltimore to the AFC Championship Game in 2023, Jackson remains a perennial MVP candidate.

9. Jalen Hurts: Philadelphia’s Dual-Threat Star

• Team: Philadelphia Eagles
• Average Annual Salary: $51 million
• Contract: 5 years, $255 million

Jalen Hurts’ breakout 2022 season, which included a Super Bowl appearance, earned him a $255 million extension. Despite a rocky 2023, Hurts’ ability to dominate both through the air and on the ground makes him one of the NFL’s most dangerous quarterbacks.

10. Kyler Murray: Arizona’s Electric Playmaker

• Team: Arizona Cardinals
• Average Annual Salary: $46.1 million
• Contract: 5 years, $230.5 million

Kyler Murray’s $230.5 million extension, signed in 2022, keeps him among the NFL’s highest-paid players. Despite injuries and team struggles, Murray’s unique skill set as a passer and rusher makes him a cornerstone for the Cardinals’ future.

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Why Quarterbacks Dominate the Payroll

NFL’s financial ecosystem revolves around quarterbacks. They’re the faces of franchises, the leaders of offenses, and the players most capable of turning a team’s fortunes around. In 2024, the top 18 highest-paid players are all quarterbacks, a testament to the premium placed on the position.

From record-breaking deals to young stars securing their futures, the quarterback market shows no signs of cooling down. As the salary cap continues to rise, these contracts are likely to be surpassed, but for now, these players are setting the standard for what it means to be the highest-paid athletes in the world’s richest league.