Highest Paid NFL Players in 2024
Patrick Mahomes signed the largest guaranteed deal in league history, a 10-year extension with the Kansas City Chiefs reported by Forbes as worth over $450 million in average annual value, making him the top earner on the field. Details on the Mahomes deal show a structure heavy on incentives and roster bonuses that push his total compensation past most veteran quarterbacks.
Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, and Jalen Hurts rank just behind Mahomes with annual values above $40 million, while Dak Prescott, Lamar Jackson, and Deshaun Watson follow in the top tier of current contracts. Spotrac NFL salary rankings track base salary, incentives, and prorated bonuses to compare total cash across the league.
NFL Team Revenue and Profitability
The Dallas Cowboys remain the most valuable NFL franchise, with Forbes estimating team revenue near $1.2 billion in the latest cycle, driven by stadium deals, media rights, and premium seating. Forbes NFL valuations place the Cowboys ahead of the New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, and New England Patriots in total revenue and operating income.
NFL teams collectively earn the majority of their income from national television contracts, with revenue sharing distributing roughly equal shares of media money to all 32 clubs. NFL media rights overview explains how the league negotiates long-term broadcast agreements that form the financial backbone of every franchise.
Top NFL Executives and Business Leaders
Roger Goodell, the NFL Commissioner, earns total compensation above $70 million annually, with a package that includes base salary, bonuses tied to league revenue growth, and deferred compensation. SEC filings and proxy documents provide details on executive pay structures for publicly traded partners and investors tied to the league.
Team owners such as Arthur Blank, Stan Kroenke, and the Kraft family generate wealth from franchise appreciation, stadium revenues, and diversified business holdings far beyond player salary caps. Forbes franchise valuations show how NFL ownership groups build long-term wealth through appreciation, debt leverage, and ancillary businesses.