The NFL salary cap officially surpassed the $300 million threshold for the 2026 season, landing at a record $301.2 million per team. This represents a $22 million increase from 2025 and continues the trend of explosive financial growth across the league. Consequently, every new extension sets an unprecedented economic high.
While Patrick Mahomes still holds the largest total contract value in NFL history ($450 million), he has fallen out of the Top 10 in Average Annual Value (AAV) as of March 2026. Dak Prescott now holds the title of the highest-paid NFL player, according to AAV, at $60 million per year.
This guide ranks the Top 10 Biggest NFL Contracts right now, providing the essential metrics you need to track the league’s elite earners. For context on the full spectrum of earnings, we also examine the lowest-paid nfl player landscape later in this analysis.
Ranking the Biggest NFL Contracts by Total Value
Total Contract Value captures the true size of any historic deal. These represent the largest long-term financial commitments ever made in all time. Patrick Mahomes’ unique 10-year agreement remains number one, the undisputed biggest NFL contract of all time.
| Rank | Player | Position | Team | Total Contract Value | Years | Contract Signed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Patrick Mahomes | QB | Chiefs | $450.0 Million | 10 | 2020 |
| 2 | Josh Allen | QB | Bills | $330.0 Million | 6 | 2021 |
| T-3 | Joe Burrow | QB | Bengals | $275.0 Million | 5 | 2023 |
| T-3 | Trevor Lawrence | QB | Jaguars | $275.0 Million | 5 | 2024 |
| 5 | Brock Purdy | QB | 49ers | $265.0 Million | 5 | 2025 |
| 6 | Justin Herbert | QB | Chargers | $262.5 Million | 5 | 2023 |
| 7 | Lamar Jackson | QB | Ravens | $260.0 Million | 5 | 2023 |
| 8 | Jalen Hurts | QB | Eagles | $255.0 Million | 5 | 2023 |
| 9 | Dak Prescott | QB | Cowboys | $240.0 Million | 4 | 2024 |
| 10 | Deshaun Watson | QB | Browns | $230.0 Million | 5 | 2022 |
Note: Deshaun Watson’s contract remains the only fully guaranteed deal of this magnitude, securing him $230 million from the moment of signing.
The five-year range contains the majority of the largest NFL contracts. Consequently, Mahomes’ 10-year deal stands as a historical outlier. This players list represents the most financially secure athletes in professional sports.
The Current Market: The Most Significant NFL Contracts by Average Annual Value (AAV)
The Average Annual Value (AAV) determines the current highest-paid NFL player this year. Notably, this figure resets constantly—the newest quarterback extension establishes the market value. Dak Prescott set the benchmark in 2024 and remains the NFL’s highest-paid player, by AAV, at $60 million per year. This translates to an astonishing salary per month of approximately $5 million before taxes.
| Rank | Player | Position | Team | AAV | Total Value | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dak Prescott | QB | Cowboys | $60.0 Million | $240.0 Million | 4 |
| T-2 | Josh Allen | QB | Bills | $55.0 Million | $330.0 Million | 6 |
| T-2 | Joe Burrow | QB | Bengals | $55.0 Million | $275.0 Million | 5 |
| T-2 | Trevor Lawrence | QB | Jaguars | $55.0 Million | $275.0 Million | 5 |
| T-2 | Jordan Love | QB | Packers | $55.0 Million | $220.0 Million | 4 |
| T-6 | Jared Goff | QB | Lions | $53.0 Million | $212.0 Million | 4 |
| T-6 | Brock Purdy | QB | 49ers | $53.0 Million | $265.0 Million | 5 |
| 8 | Justin Herbert | QB | Chargers | $52.5 Million | $262.5 Million | 5 |
| 9 | Lamar Jackson | QB | Ravens | $52.0 Million | $260.0 Million | 5 |
| 10 | Jalen Hurts | QB | Eagles | $51.0 Million | $255.0 Million | 5 |
The quarterback market continues to dominate the AAV rankings, with all top 10 spots held by signal-callers. Among the players currently holding these elite contracts, only a select few have achieved the $55 million AAV threshold.
Player Security: Biggest NFL Contracts by Guaranteed Money
Guaranteed Money is the most important metric for any player. This amount remains secure regardless of injury or performance cuts. Therefore, this figure measures a team’s true financial risk.
| Rank | Player | Position | Team | Total Guaranteed Money | Fully Guaranteed at Signing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Josh Allen | QB | Bills | $250.0 Million | $147.0 Million |
| 2 | Dak Prescott | QB | Cowboys | $231.0 Million | $129.0 Million |
| 3 | Deshaun Watson | QB | Browns | $230.0 Million | $230.0 Million |
| 4 | Joe Burrow | QB | Bengals | $219.0 Million | $146.5 Million |
| 5 | Justin Herbert | QB | Chargers | $193.7 Million | $133.7 Million |
Deshaun Watson’s contract is the only fully guaranteed deal of this size, securing him $230 million from the moment of signing.
The Biggest NFL Contracts for Non-Quarterbacks
Quarterbacks hold the Top 10 Biggest NFL Contracts overall. However, the non qb market is quickly escalating. Elite defensive player contracts now command the highest annual value in this group, with recent extensions resetting the market at multiple positions.
Highest-Paid Non-QB Players by AAV
| Rank | Position | Player | Team | Total Contract Value | AAV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | EDGE | Micah Parsons | Packers | $186.0 Million | $46.5 Million |
| 2 | EDGE | Aidan Hutchinson | Lions | $180.0 Million | $45.0 Million |
| 3 | WR | Jaxon Smith-Njigba | Seahawks | $168.6 Million | $42.15 Million |
| 4 | EDGE | T.J. Watt | Steelers | $123.0 Million | $41.0 Million |
| 5 | EDGE | Danielle Hunter | Texans | $40.1 Million (extension) | $40.1 Million |
| 6 | EDGE | Myles Garrett | Browns | $160.0 Million | $40.0 Million |
| 7 | WR | Ja’Marr Chase | Bengals | $161.0 Million | $40.25 Million |
| 8 | DT | Chris Jones | Chiefs | $158.8 Million | $31.75 Million |
| 9 | CB | Trent McDuffie | Rams | $124.0 Million | $31.0 Million |
| 10 | CB | Sauce Gardner | Colts | $120.1 Million | $30.1 Million |
When analyzing contracts by position, it becomes clear that edge rushers and wide receivers dominate the non-QB earnings hierarchy.
Major Recent Non-QB Extensions
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year, became the highest-paid wide receiver in league history on March 22, 2026. His four-year, $168.6 million extension with the Seahawks includes over $120 million guaranteed and an AAV of $42.15 million—surpassing Ja’Marr Chase’s previous record of $40.25 million.
Smith-Njigba’s historic 2025 campaign saw him lead the NFL with 1,793 receiving yards while helping lead the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory. He is now the fourth-highest-paid non qb in the NFL behind edge rushers Micah Parsons, Aidan Hutchinson, and T.J. Watt.
Defensive Player Guaranteed Money Leaders
| Rank | Player | Position | Team | Guaranteed Money |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aidan Hutchinson | EDGE | Lions | $140.5 Million |
| 2 | Micah Parsons | EDGE | Packers | $136.0 Million |
| 3 | Myles Garrett | EDGE | Browns | $122.8 Million |
| 4 | Nick Bosa | EDGE | 49ers | $122.5 Million |
| 5 | T.J. Watt | EDGE | Steelers | $108.0 Million |
Among defensive player contracts, Aidan Hutchinson now leads in total guarantees, reflecting the premium teams place on elite pass rushers.
The Other End of the Spectrum: Lowest Paid NFL Player
While this guide focuses on the league’s highest earners, understanding the full financial landscape requires acknowledging the lowest-paid nfl player. For 2026, the NFL minimum salary varies based on a player’s credited seasons:
| Experience | Minimum Salary (2026) |
|---|---|
| Rookie (0 seasons) | $825,000 |
| 1 season | $1,030,000 |
| 2 seasons | $1,135,000 |
| 3 seasons | $1,240,000 |
| 4–6 seasons | $1,345,000 |
| 7+ seasons | $1,450,000 |
The lowest-paid nfl player on an active roster typically earns the rookie minimum of $825,000 per year. This translates to a salary per month of approximately $68,750 during the season—a stark contrast to the $5 million monthly earnings of players like Dak Prescott. Practice squad players earn even less, with weekly salaries ranging from $15,400 to $21,000 depending on experience.
This vast disparity highlights the financial stratification within the NFL, where a handful of elite quarterbacks command historic sums while hundreds of players earn near the league minimum.
FAQs
Who has the biggest contract in the NFL?
Patrick Mahomes still holds the record for the largest total contract value with his $450 million (and potentially up to $503 million) 10-year deal. However, in terms of annual average value (AAV), Dak Prescott currently leads the league, earning $60 million per year.
How much is Tom Brady’s NFL pension?
Despite his 23-year career, the NFL pension is capped based on “credited seasons.” Brady receives approximately $10,000 per month (roughly $120,000 per year). While substantial for a pension, it is a “rounding error” compared to his $375 million Fox Sports broadcasting deal.
Is there a billionaire NFL player?
There are currently no active billionaire players. However, former player Roger Staubach comes the closest with a net worth of approximately $910 million, largely built through his real estate empire rather than his football salary.
Is Patrick Mahomes richer than Travis Kelce?
Yes. Patrick Mahomes has an estimated net worth of $145 million, while Travis Kelce’s net worth is estimated between $90 million and $100 million. While Kelce has seen a massive boost from his $100 million “New Heights” podcast deal and high-profile endorsements, Mahomes’ career earnings and equity stakes still put him ahead.
What is Gronk’s net worth?
Rob Gronkowski’s net worth is estimated at $45 million. He famously claimed to have never spent a dime of his NFL salary during his playing days, living entirely off his endorsement earnings from brands like Nike and Tide.
Who is the richest QB of all time?
Roger Staubach is the richest, followed by Tom Brady (approx. $455 million) and Peyton Manning (approx. $380 million). After his retirement in 1979, Staubach generated his wealth almost entirely through business ventures, making it unique.
How much is Travis Kelce paid?
Kelce recently signed a new 3-year deal with the Chiefs for 2026. He is set to earn $12 million in base pay for the 2026 season, with incentives that could push that year’s total to $15 million.
Are NBA or NFL contracts bigger?
NBA contracts are significantly bigger on a per-player basis. While the NFL has the largest total contract (Mahomes), the average NBA salary (approx. $11.9 million) is nearly four times higher than the average NFL salary ($2.8 million to $3.2 million). This is due to smaller roster sizes and fully guaranteed contracts in the NBA.
Summary: The Multi-Layered Financial Reality
To truly define the Biggest NFL Contracts, you must assess multiple factors:
- All-Time Recognition: Patrick Mahomes holds the record for total contract value of all time ($450 million)—a number that may stand for years given his unique 10-year structure.
- This Year’s Market: Dak Prescott is currently the highest-paid NFL player this year by Average Annual Value at $60 million per year.
- Guaranteed Money: Josh Allen leads in total guaranteed money at $250 million, while Deshaun Watson holds the record for fully guaranteed money at signing ($230 million).
- By Position Breakdown: When examining contracts by position, quarterbacks dominate the overall earnings, while edge rushers lead the non qb market.
- Defensive Player Impact: The defensive player market has seen explosive growth, with Micah Parsons ($46.5M AAV) and Aidan Hutchinson ($45M AAV) leading a new generation of elite earners.
- Players Currently: Among players still under contract, only a select group has surpassed the $50 million AAV threshold.
- Full Spectrum: From the lowest-paid nfl player earning $825,000 per year (roughly $68,750 salary per month) to the highest earners approaching $60 million annually, the NFL’s financial landscape represents one of the most stratified compensation structures in professional sports.
The highest-paid NFL players are constantly resetting their price. With the salary cap now exceeding $301 million and expected to continue its upward trajectory, these records are likely to be broken again in the coming seasons.
