Highest Paid NFL Athletes
According to the latest NFL salary data, the highest paid players are quarterbacks and edge rushers commanding the largest guaranteed contracts. Patrick Mahomes signed a 10-year extension with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020, with an average annual value exceeding $45 million and total guarantees above $141 million. Joe Burrow signed a five-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2023, with an average annual value near $45 million and fully guaranteed money close to $125 million. These contracts reflect the market value placed on elite quarterbacks who drive team revenue and win shares.
On the defensive side, Myles Garrett signed a five-year extension with the Cleveland Browns in 2020, with an average annual value near $33 million and total guarantees above $100 million. Aaron Donald signed a three-year extension with the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, with an average annual value near $40 million and fully guaranteed money near $95 million. These deals are benchmarked against salary cap data and NFL revenue sharing structures, which are governed by the collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and the NFL Players Association.
Top NFL Athletes by Endorsements and Off-Field Earnings
Patrick Mahomes leads NFL athletes in off-field earnings, with reported endorsement deals with companies such as Nike, Oakley, and Hy-Vee, according to Forbes estimates. His combined on-field and off-field earnings place him among the top paid athletes across all sports. Jalen Hurts signed a multi-year deal with Nike and has additional partnerships with brands including Gatorade and Panini, which add to his total income beyond his Philadelphia Eagles contract.
Lamar Jackson signed a five-year extension with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023, with an average annual value near $30 million and total guarantees above $100 million, while also maintaining endorsement deals with brands such as Nike and Pepsi. Christian McCaffrey signed a four-year extension with the San Francisco 49ers in 2022, with an average annual value near $16 million and total guarantees above $64 million, while also earning from partnerships with companies such as Panini and Dick's Sporting Goods.
Best NFL Athletes by Performance Metrics and Career Value
Tom Brady holds the record for most career passing yards and touchdowns in NFL history, with over 89,000 passing yards and 649 touchdowns across 23 seasons. He won seven Super Bowl titles and five Super Bowl MVP awards, the most in league history. His career earnings include over $460 million in guaranteed contracts, making him one of the highest paid athletes in professional sports history.
Jerry Rice holds the record for most career receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns, with 1,549 receptions, 22,895 receiving yards, and 197 touchdowns over 20 seasons. He won three Super Bowl titles and was named Super Bowl MVP once. His career value is supported by his consistent production across multiple teams, including the San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders, and Seattle Seahawks, as documented by Pro Football Reference.