Money in pro football has officially gotten weird. Not just "a lot of money," but the kind of numbers that make you do a double-take at your phone screen while you're drinking your morning coffee. If you haven't checked the books lately, the highest paid quarterbacks in NFL history are currently clearing $60 million a year.
Dak Prescott is the one holding the crown right now, pulling in that cool $60 million average annual value (AAV). Honestly, it’s wild to think that just a few years ago, we were shocked when someone hit the $40 million mark. Now? If you aren't making $50 million, are you even a franchise starter?
The market has shifted so fast it's given everyone whiplash. Teams aren't just paying for production anymore; they’re paying for the "privilege" of not having to look for a replacement in the draft. It’s basically a massive tax on stability.
Who is actually taking home the most?
When people talk about the highest paid quarterbacks in NFL circles, they usually look at the AAV. That's the headline number. But the real pros look at the "fully guaranteed" column. That’s the money the team can’t get out of, no matter what happens to the player's knee or their QBR.
As of January 2026, here is how the top of the mountain looks:
- Dak Prescott (Cowboys): $60 million AAV. He’s the first to hit the 60s. The contract is a four-year, $240 million monster with $231 million guaranteed.
- Joe Burrow (Bengals): $55 million AAV. Still elite, still expensive.
- Jordan Love (Packers): $55 million AAV. Green Bay moved on from Rodgers and immediately backed up the Brinks truck for Love after one good season.
- Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars): $55 million AAV. A lot of folks argue about his "elite" status, but the Jags didn't care. They paid the market rate.
- Josh Allen (Bills): $55 million AAV. Allen's deal is actually one of the "older" ones in this tier, which is hilarious because it’s still more money than most small towns see in a decade.
Then you've got Tua Tagovailoa at $53.1 million and Jared Goff sitting at $53 million. It’s a club that keeps getting more crowded.
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The Lamar Jackson situation: What's next?
Lamar Jackson is the name everyone is whispering about right now. His current deal is around $52 million AAV, which actually puts him outside the top five. Can you believe that? A two-time MVP is technically "underpaid" by today's absurd standards.
There is a lot of talk that his next negotiation—whenever that happens—is going to shatter the ceiling. We are likely looking at the first $70 million-a-year player. The salary cap is projected to jump another 10% soon, and Lamar, who famously represents himself, isn't known for taking "hometown discounts." He knows his value. He knows the Ravens are a completely different team without him.
Why are these numbers so inflated?
It’s basically a game of leapfrog.
Agent: "My guy is younger and just as good as the last guy who got paid."
GM: "Fine, here's $1 million more per year than that guy."
Rinse and repeat.
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The NFL salary cap has skyrocketed because the TV deals and streaming rights are bringing in billions. When the "pie" gets bigger, the biggest slice goes to the guy touching the ball on every play. Plus, the scarcity is real. There are maybe 15 humans on Earth who can actually play quarterback at a high level in the NFL. When you have one, you pay whatever it takes to keep them from walking.
The "Overpaid" Debate
You’ll hear fans on Reddit or at the bar screaming that Trevor Lawrence or Dak Prescott aren't "worth" $55-60 million because they haven't won a Super Bowl yet.
That’s kinda missing the point.
In the NFL, you aren't paid for what you've won; you’re paid for what you might win and the disaster that would happen if you left. If the Cowboys didn't pay Dak, someone like the Raiders or the Giants would have given him that $60 million in a heartbeat. The market dictates the price, not the trophy case.
Surprising names and the "Value" QBs
Patrick Mahomes is the most interesting name on the list of highest paid quarterbacks in NFL history. Why? Because he’s currently "tied" for 15th at $45 million AAV.
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Yes, the best player in the league is the 15th highest paid.
Now, he’s not hurting for cash. His 10-year deal was designed to be restructured constantly to give the Chiefs cap flexibility. He’s basically the only guy in the league who can afford to be "underpaid" because his endorsements and his "forever" deal make him more of a partner with the team than just an employee.
On the other end, look at Brock Purdy. He’s finally in the conversation for a massive extension. People used to joke about his "Mr. Irrelevant" salary, but that's about to end. The 49ers are staring down a $50 million+ bill very soon.
How to track this yourself
If you want to keep up with this, don't just look at ESPN scrolls. Use tools like Over The Cap or Spotrac. They break down the "dead cap" and the "signing bonuses" which tell you the real story of how long a team is stuck with a player.
Key terms to know:
- APY: Average Per Year. The big number the media reports.
- Guaranteed at Signing: The money that is 100% safe for the player.
- Cap Hit: How much the player's salary actually counts against the team's spending limit this specific year.
Your Next Moves
If you're a fan trying to figure out if your team is about to go broke or win a ring, look at the 2026 Salary Cap projections. Teams like the Titans and Raiders have massive amounts of space (over $90 million), while teams like the Chiefs and Cowboys are constantly "kicking the can down the road" by restructuring deals.
Check your favorite team's "Dead Money" total. If it's high, they probably just cut an expensive quarterback who didn't work out (looking at you, Denver). If it's low, they have the flexibility to go out and sign a veteran to help their expensive QB win now.
Keep an eye on the 2026 off-season. Between Lamar Jackson's potential moves and the next wave of extensions for guys like C.J. Stroud, the $60 million mark is going to look like a bargain very soon.