Look, I’ve been covering the NFL for over a decade now, and every single offseason I think, “Okay, THAT was the craziest contract we’ll ever see.” And every single year, some quarterback’s agent proves me wrong faster than a Tyreek Hill 40-yard dash.
The biggest NFL contracts ever signed have turned into an arms race that would make the Pentagon blush. We’re talking about deals so massive that even your accountant would need a moment to process them. Patrick Mahomes signed a contract worth half a billion dollars — and somehow, he’s not even the highest-paid player per year anymore. Let that marinate for a second.
So grab your snacks, put on your favorite jersey, and let’s break down the biggest NFL contracts ever signed — complete with tables, numbers, and a healthy dose of “are you kidding me right now?”
What Makes an NFL Contract “The Biggest”?
Before we dive into the money pool like Scrooge McDuck, let’s clarify something important. When people say “biggest NFL contracts ever signed,” they could mean a few different things. Total contract value is the big headline number — the full amount a player could earn over the life of the deal. Then there’s guaranteed money, which is the cash a player walks away with no matter what happens (even if they decide to take up competitive pottery). And finally, there’s the average annual value (AAV), which is what a player earns per year and is usually the number that sets the market for other players at the same position.
For this breakdown, I’m going to focus primarily on total contract value because, well, bigger numbers are more fun to write about. But I’ll also include guaranteed money and AAV in the tables because I’m a thorough kind of guy.
Top 20 Biggest NFL Contracts Ever Signed (By Total Value)
Here’s where your jaw is going to hit the floor. This is the definitive list of the largest NFL contracts in history, ranked by total contract value. I’ve updated this with every major deal through the 2025 offseason, so you’re getting the freshest data on the internet right now.
| Rank | Player | Position | Team | Total Value | Guaranteed $ | AAV | Years | Year Signed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Patrick Mahomes | QB | Kansas City Chiefs | $450,000,000 | $141,481,905 | $45,000,000 | 10 | 2020 |
| 2 | Josh Allen | QB | Buffalo Bills | $330,000,000 | $250,000,000 | $55,000,000 | 6 | 2025 |
| 3 | Joe Burrow | QB | Cincinnati Bengals | $275,000,000 | $219,010,000 | $55,000,000 | 5 | 2023 |
| 4 | Trevor Lawrence | QB | Jacksonville Jaguars | $275,000,000 | $200,000,000 | $55,000,000 | 5 | 2024 |
| 5 | Brock Purdy | QB | San Francisco 49ers | $265,000,000 | $181,000,000 | $53,000,000 | 5 | 2025 |
| 6 | Justin Herbert | QB | Los Angeles Chargers | $262,500,000 | $218,730,477 | $52,500,000 | 5 | 2024 |
| 7 | Lamar Jackson | QB | Baltimore Ravens | $260,000,000 | $185,000,000 | $52,000,000 | 5 | 2023 |
| 8 | Jalen Hurts | QB | Philadelphia Eagles | $255,000,000 | $179,304,000 | $51,000,000 | 5 | 2023 |
| 9 | Russell Wilson | QB | Denver Broncos | $242,588,236 | $161,000,000 | $48,517,647 | 5 | 2022 |
| 10 | Dak Prescott | QB | Dallas Cowboys | $240,000,000 | $231,000,000 | $60,000,000 | 4 | 2024 |
| 11 | Deshaun Watson | QB | Cleveland Browns | $230,000,000 | $230,000,000 | $46,000,000 | 5 | 2022 |
| 12 | Kyler Murray | QB | Arizona Cardinals | $230,500,000 | $159,717,000 | $46,100,000 | 5 | 2022 |
| 13 | Jordan Love | QB | Green Bay Packers | $220,000,000 | $155,000,000 | $55,000,000 | 4 | 2024 |
| 14 | Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Miami Dolphins | $212,400,000 | $167,000,000 | $53,100,000 | 4 | 2024 |
| 15 | Jared Goff | QB | Detroit Lions | $212,000,000 | $170,000,000 | $53,000,000 | 4 | 2024 |
| 16 | Micah Parsons | LB | Green Bay Packers | $188,000,000 | $136,000,000 | $46,500,000 | 4 | 2025 |
| 17 | Aidan Hutchinson | DE | Detroit Lions | $180,000,000 | $141,000,000 | $45,000,000 | 4 | 2025 |
| 18 | Nick Bosa | DE | San Francisco 49ers | $170,000,000 | $122,500,000 | $34,000,000 | 5 | 2023 |
| 19 | Ja’Marr Chase | WR | Cincinnati Bengals | $161,000,000 | $100,000,000 | $40,250,000 | 4 | 2024 |
| 20 | Daniel Jones | QB | New York Giants | $160,000,000 | $92,000,000 | $40,000,000 | 4 | 2023 |
Yeah, you just read that right. Patrick Mahomes is sitting pretty at the top with $450 million. That’s not a typo, that’s not Monopoly money — that’s a real contract signed by a real human being who throws a football for a living. God bless America.
Patrick Mahomes: The Half-Billion Dollar Man
Let’s start with the obvious elephant in the room — or rather, the elephant-sized paycheck. Patrick Mahomes signed a 10-year, $450 million extension with the Kansas City Chiefs in July 2020, and it’s still the biggest contract in NFL history by total value. The deal runs through the 2031 season, which means Mahomes will be a Chief until he’s 36 years old. By then, some new quarterback will probably be signing a billion-dollar deal, and we’ll all be reminiscing about how $450 million used to be considered a lot of money.
What’s wild is that despite being #1 in total value, Mahomes’ $45 million AAV now ranks him 15th among all NFL players. That’s right — the man with the biggest contract in football history is technically underpaid compared to guys like Deshaun Watson, who signed his $230 million deal with the Cleveland Browns with every single penny guaranteed. Talk about job security — even if your performance doesn’t exactly justify it.
Josh Allen’s $330 Million Payday: Buffalo’s All-In Bet
Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills rewrote the record books in March 2025 when they agreed to a 6-year, $330 million extension that includes a jaw-dropping $250 million in guarantees. If you want to read the full salary breakdown on that one, check out our detailed piece on Josh Allen’s contract.
This deal made Allen the second-highest paid player in NFL history by total value and gave him $250 million guaranteed — the most guaranteed money ever given to an NFL player at the time. The Bills basically looked at Allen and said, “You’re not going anywhere, pal. Here’s a quarter of a billion dollars guaranteed. Please stay.” And honestly? After watching this man hurdle linebackers like they’re traffic cones and throw the ball into orbit, I can’t say I blame them.
The $55 Million Per Year Club
One of the wildest things about the current NFL contract landscape is the $55 million per year club. As of right now, four quarterbacks are tied at $55 million AAV: Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Trevor Lawrence, and Jordan Love. That’s like the world’s most exclusive country club, except instead of golf, they throw footballs for a living and get paid more than the GDP of some small nations.
But hold up — Dak Prescott actually tops them ALL at $60 million per year. Yes, Dak “I’ll Sign Eventually” Prescott held out long enough to sign a 4-year, $240 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys in September 2024 that pays him $60 million annually. That’s more than any other player in the league on a per-year basis. Say what you will about Dak’s playoff record, but the man’s agent deserves the Hall of Fame.
Top 10 Highest-Paid NFL Players by Average Annual Value (AAV)
Since total contract value can be a bit misleading (Mahomes’ deal is 10 years, after all), let’s look at who’s making the most money on a per-year basis. This is what really sets the market and makes other players’ agents start licking their chops.
| Rank | Player | Team | AAV (Per Year) | Total Contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dak Prescott | Dallas Cowboys | $60,000,000 | $240,000,000 |
| 2 (T) | Josh Allen | Buffalo Bills | $55,000,000 | $330,000,000 |
| 2 (T) | Joe Burrow | Cincinnati Bengals | $55,000,000 | $275,000,000 |
| 2 (T) | Trevor Lawrence | Jacksonville Jaguars | $55,000,000 | $275,000,000 |
| 2 (T) | Jordan Love | Green Bay Packers | $55,000,000 | $220,000,000 |
| 6 | Tua Tagovailoa | Miami Dolphins | $53,100,000 | $212,400,000 |
| 7 (T) | Brock Purdy | San Francisco 49ers | $53,000,000 | $265,000,000 |
| 7 (T) | Jared Goff | Detroit Lions | $53,000,000 | $212,000,000 |
| 9 | Justin Herbert | Los Angeles Chargers | $52,500,000 | $262,500,000 |
| 10 | Lamar Jackson | Baltimore Ravens | $52,000,000 | $260,000,000 |
Notice a pattern here? That’s right — every single player on this list is a quarterback. The first non-QB to appear is Micah Parsons at $46.5 million per year (which is still absolutely bonkers for a linebacker). QBs run this league, and their bank accounts prove it.
The Guaranteed Money Kings
Now let’s talk about guaranteed money, because the total contract value is like a promise from your buddy who says he’ll “definitely pay you back.” Guaranteed money is the real deal — it’s the cash a player gets no matter what. Injury, performance decline, alien invasion — doesn’t matter, that money is hitting your bank account.
And nobody has a more wild guaranteed money story than Deshaun Watson. When the Cleveland Browns signed Watson in 2022, they gave him $230 million FULLY guaranteed. Every. Single. Dollar. This was unprecedented in NFL history and it fundamentally changed how quarterback contracts were negotiated going forward. Other QBs and their agents started demanding more guaranteed money, basically saying, “If Watson got fully guaranteed, why shouldn’t I?”
| Rank | Player | Team | Guaranteed Money | Total Contract Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Josh Allen | Buffalo Bills | $250,000,000 | $330,000,000 |
| 2 | Dak Prescott | Dallas Cowboys | $231,000,000 | $240,000,000 |
| 3 | Deshaun Watson | Cleveland Browns | $230,000,000 | $230,000,000 |
| 4 | Joe Burrow | Cincinnati Bengals | $219,010,000 | $275,000,000 |
| 5 | Justin Herbert | Los Angeles Chargers | $218,730,477 | $262,500,000 |
| 6 | Trevor Lawrence | Jacksonville Jaguars | $200,000,000 | $275,000,000 |
| 7 | Lamar Jackson | Baltimore Ravens | $185,000,000 | $260,000,000 |
| 8 | Brock Purdy | San Francisco 49ers | $181,000,000 | $265,000,000 |
| 9 | Jalen Hurts | Philadelphia Eagles | $179,304,000 | $255,000,000 |
| 10 | Jared Goff | Detroit Lions | $170,000,000 | $212,000,000 |
The Non-Quarterback Revolution
For years, the biggest NFL contracts were exclusively reserved for quarterbacks. And while QBs still dominate the top of the list (obviously), we’re starting to see some serious money flow to other positions too. The defensive players and wide receivers are finally getting their bag, and honestly, it’s about time.
Micah Parsons made history in 2025 when he signed a 4-year, $188 million deal with the Green Bay Packers after being traded from the Dallas Cowboys. That’s $46.5 million per year for a linebacker — a number that would have been absolutely unthinkable just five years ago. Similarly, Aidan Hutchinson locked in a 4-year, $180 million extension with the Detroit Lions, making him the second-highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history with a $45 million AAV.
And let’s not forget about Ja’Marr Chase, who became the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history when he signed his 4-year, $161 million extension with the Cincinnati Bengals. That’s $40.25 million per year for a guy who catches footballs. When you compare that to what wide receivers were making even a decade ago, it’s absolutely wild. The highest-paid defensive players are finally closing the gap on quarterbacks, and I’m here for it.
How NFL Contracts Have Exploded Over Time
To really appreciate how insane these numbers have become, you need to see the progression. I’ve been watching NFL contracts escalate for years, and the growth is genuinely mind-blowing. Here’s a look at how the “biggest contract in the NFL” has evolved over time.
| Year | Player | Total Value | Why It Was Historic |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Michael Vick | $130,000,000 | First $100M+ deal in NFL history |
| 2011 | Matt Ryan | $103,750,000 | Set new franchise QB benchmark |
| 2016 | Andrew Luck | $140,000,000 | Biggest deal of its era |
| 2017 | Derek Carr | $125,000,000 | Reset QB market at time |
| 2018 | Matt Ryan | $150,000,000 | First $150M+ deal |
| 2020 | Patrick Mahomes | $450,000,000 | First $400M+ deal ever — shattered all records |
| 2022 | Deshaun Watson | $230,000,000 | First fully guaranteed mega-deal |
| 2023 | Joe Burrow | $275,000,000 | Highest AAV at signing ($55M) |
| 2024 | Dak Prescott | $240,000,000 | Highest AAV ever ($60M/yr) |
| 2025 | Josh Allen | $330,000,000 | Second-largest total value ever, $250M guaranteed |
In 2004, Michael Vick becoming the first $100 million man was front-page news across the country. Twenty years later, $100 million barely gets you a mid-tier quarterback. Inflation hits different in the NFL, doesn’t it?
The Brock Purdy Story: From Mr. Irrelevant to $265 Million
If you want the greatest underdog contract story in NFL history, look no further than Brock Purdy. This man was literally the LAST pick in the 2022 NFL Draft — pick number 262, also known as “Mr. Irrelevant.” Fast forward to 2025, and he just signed a 5-year, $265 million extension with the San Francisco 49ers that includes $181 million guaranteed and pays him $53 million per year.
Think about that for a second. The guy nobody wanted to draft became the 5th-highest paid player in NFL history by total value. If that doesn’t make you believe in the American Dream, I don’t know what will. Purdy went from making $870,000 on his rookie deal to $53 million per year. That’s a 6,000% raise. Next time your boss offers you a 3% annual raise, just show them Brock Purdy’s career trajectory and see what happens.
The “Worst” Big Contracts in NFL History
Now, not every massive NFL contract has worked out. Some of these deals aged worse than milk in July, and I’d be doing you a disservice if I didn’t mention a few of the most notable busts.
Deshaun Watson’s $230 million fully guaranteed contract has become the poster child for risky NFL deals. Watson has dealt with major injuries, suspensions, and inconsistent play since joining the Browns. The team essentially committed $230 million with no way out, and it’s been a rough ride. Daniel Jones’ $160 million extension with the New York Giants didn’t fare much better — Jones was benched and eventually released, making that deal one of the most regrettable in recent memory.
Russell Wilson’s $242 million deal with the Broncos also deserves a mention in the “buyer’s remorse” category. Denver eventually released Wilson after just two seasons of the extension. That’s roughly $121 million per season of disappointment. Yikes.
Why Do NFL Contracts Keep Getting Bigger?
You might be wondering, “Why do these contracts keep going up every year?” Great question. There are several key reasons why the biggest NFL contracts ever signed keep getting topped by newer, even bigger ones.
According to data from Spotrac, the NFL salary cap increases almost every year, and it’s been rising dramatically thanks to massive new TV deals. The league signed media rights agreements worth over $100 billion through the 2030s, which means more money flowing into the league, which means higher salary caps, which means bigger contracts. It’s the circle of NFL life, and it’s beautiful (at least if you’re a player).
There’s also the “market reset” phenomenon. Every time a top quarterback signs a new deal, it establishes a new floor for the next quarterback in line. When Joe Burrow signed at $55 million AAV, it meant that the next elite QB to sign would demand at least that much. Dak Prescott’s agent basically said, “Burrow got $55M? Cool, we want $60M.” And the Cowboys paid it. This cascading effect is why we’re now looking at a world where $50 million per year is considered “normal” for a starting quarterback.
What Position Gets Paid the Most in the NFL?
Spoiler alert: it’s quarterback, and it’s not even close. Of the top 15 biggest NFL contracts ever signed by total value, 14 of them belong to quarterbacks. The only non-QB to crack the top 17 is Micah Parsons, who had to be traded to a new team just to get his record-breaking deal. If you want the most detailed breakdown of how different positions compare, check out our article on the highest-paid sport in the world — the NFL is right up there.
After QBs, the next highest-paid positions tend to be edge rushers (like Nick Bosa and Myles Garrett), followed by wide receivers (like Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson), and then cornerbacks. The highest-paid kicker in the NFL makes a fraction of what these guys earn, which seems unfair since they literally win and lose games with their feet.
The Future: Who’s Next to Break the Bank?
With the salary cap projected to keep rising, we’re going to see even crazier contracts in the coming years. A few players who are expected to sign absolutely massive deals in the near future include Drake Maye (once his rookie deal expires), Caleb Williams, and C.J. Stroud. These young quarterbacks are already proving they’re franchise cornerstones, and their agents are watching every new contract signing with a calculator in hand.
My prediction? We’ll see a $70 million per year contract within the next three to four years. It sounds crazy, but if you told me in 2018 that a quarterback would be making $60 million per year, I would have laughed in your face. The NFL money train has no brakes, folks.
How Do NFL Contracts Compare to Other Sports?
The NFL has the biggest contracts in North American sports by total value (thanks, Mahomes), but baseball actually has some pretty insane deals too. Shohei Ohtani signed a $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, though much of that money is deferred. In terms of guaranteed money, the NBA is the king — NBA contracts are fully guaranteed by default, which is something NFL players have been pushing for.
If you’re curious about how contracts work in other leagues, we’ve covered Jaylen Brown’s massive NBA contract, Aaron Judge’s $360 million MLB deal, and even Connor McDavid’s NHL contract. When you compare the biggest NFL contracts ever signed to deals in other sports, the NFL remains the most fascinating because of the salary cap and the non-guaranteed nature of most contracts.
Key Takeaways
The biggest NFL contracts ever signed tell a story of explosive growth, market-setting deals, and a league that’s swimming in more money than ever before. Patrick Mahomes still holds the all-time record with his $450 million mega-deal, but Josh Allen’s $330 million contract and Dak Prescott’s $60 million per year AAV show that the market isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Whether you’re here because you’re a die-hard football fan, a fantasy football nerd who cares way too much about cap space, or just someone who wanted to know how much money these guys actually make — I hope this breakdown gave you everything you needed. And if your mind isn’t blown by these numbers, just wait until next offseason. It’ll get even crazier. Trust me.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who has the biggest NFL contract ever signed?
Patrick Mahomes holds the record for the biggest NFL contract ever signed. He agreed to a 10-year, $450 million extension with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020, making it the largest contract in NFL history and the biggest in North American sports history by total value.
Who is the highest-paid NFL player per year?
Dak Prescott is the highest-paid NFL player on a per-year basis with an average annual value (AAV) of $60 million. He signed a 4-year, $240 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys in September 2024.
Who has the most guaranteed money in NFL history?
Josh Allen holds the record for the most guaranteed money in an NFL contract with $250 million guaranteed as part of his 6-year, $330 million deal with the Buffalo Bills signed in 2025. Previously, Deshaun Watson held the record with $230 million fully guaranteed.
What is the largest non-quarterback contract in NFL history?
Micah Parsons holds the record for the largest non-quarterback contract at 4 years, $188 million with the Green Bay Packers, signed in 2025. Aidan Hutchinson is close behind at 4 years, $180 million with the Detroit Lions.
Why are NFL contracts not fully guaranteed?
Unlike the NBA and MLB where contracts are fully or mostly guaranteed, NFL contracts traditionally only guarantee a portion of the total value. This is because the NFL is a high-injury sport with short career spans, and teams want flexibility to cut underperforming players. However, the trend is shifting toward more guaranteed money, especially after Deshaun Watson’s fully guaranteed $230 million deal in 2022.
Will we see a $500 million NFL contract?
It’s possible within the next 5-10 years. The NFL salary cap keeps rising due to massive TV deals worth over $100 billion, and each new contract cycle pushes the market higher. If the cap continues growing at its current rate, a $500 million contract — or even a $70 million per year deal — is very realistic in the near future.