Average NFL Quarterback Salary and Earnings
The average NFL quarterback salary for the current season sits around $5 million per year, driven by a mix of veteran starters and high draft picks. The median is lower because many backup QBs earn the league minimum, which is roughly $705,000 for the 2025 campaign source.
Total compensation includes base salary, signing bonuses, roster bonuses, and incentives, with cap hits often exceeding the actual cash paid in a given year. Teams structure deals to spread cap charges across multiple seasons, which can make a quarterback appear less expensive on the books than the total contract value source.
Highest Paid NFL Quarterbacks
The top earners are Jalen Hurts, Joe Burrow, and Deshaun Watson, with average annual values above $45 million on their latest extensions. Hurts signed a five-year deal with the Eagles that includes massive guarantees, making his total contract value one of the largest in league history source.
Contract Structures and Guarantees
These deals feature fully guaranteed money, roster bonuses, and annual salary escalators that push the cap number higher each year. The largest guarantees often come in the first two years, providing financial security even if the player is released early source.
How NFL QB Pay Compares to Other Positions
Quarterbacks earn significantly more than any other position, with the top five QBs accounting for a disproportionate share of team salary caps. Offensive linemen and edge rushers earn the next highest averages, but they are still well below the top quarterback tier source.
Cap Impact and Team Strategy
Teams must balance quarterback spending with the rest of the roster, often using franchise tags or restructured deals to manage cap space. The quarterback position remains the most expensive investment in the NFL, with long-term deals shaping team building for a decade or more source.