The NFL contract history shows constant financial growth. Therefore, every new extension sets an unprecedented economic high. Our primary focus remains the Total Contract Value. This is the headline number that defines the largest financial commitments.
This guide ranks the Top 10 Biggest NFL Contracts right now. We promptly clarify other essential metrics. These include Average Annual Value (AAV) and Guaranteed Money.
Ranking the biggest NFL contracts by their total value
Total Contract Value captures the true size of any historic deal. These represent the largest long-term financial commitments ever made. Patrick Mahomes’ unique 10-year agreement remains number one. He signed the undisputed biggest NFL Contract ever.
| Rank | Player | Position | Team | Total Contract Value | Years | Contract Signed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Patrick Mahomes | QB | Chiefs | $450.0 Million | 10 | 2020 |
| T-2 | Trevor Lawrence | QB | Jaguars | $275.0 Million | 5 | 2024 |
| T-2 | Joe Burrow | QB | Bengals | $275.0 Million | 5 | 2023 |
| 4 | Brock Purdy | QB | 49ers | $265.0 Million | 5 | 2025 |
| 5 | Justin Herbert | QB | Chargers | $262.5 Million | 5 | 2023 |
| 6 | Lamar Jackson | QB | Ravens | $260.0 Million | 5 | 2023 |
| 7 | Josh Allen | QB | Bills | $258.0 Million | 6 | 2021 |
| 8 | Jalen Hurts | QB | Eagles | $255.0 Million | 5 | 2023 |
| 9 | Russell Wilson | QB | Broncos | $242.5 Million | 5 | 2022 |
| 10 | Dak Prescott | QB | Cowboys | $240.0 Million | 4 | 2024 |
The five-year range contains the majority of the largest NFL contracts. Consequently, Mahomes’ 10-year deal is a historical outlier.
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. Notably, this figure resets constantly. The newest quarterback extension establishes the market value. For instance, Dak Prescott set the 2025 benchmark.
| Rank | Player | Position | Team | Average Annual Value (AAV) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dak Prescott | QB | Cowboys | $60.0 Million |
| T-2 | Josh Allen | QB | Bills | $55.0 Million |
| T-2 | Joe Burrow | QB | Bengals | $55.0 Million |
| T-2 | Trevor Lawrence | QB | Jaguars | $55.0 Million |
| T-2 | Jordan Love | QB | Packers | $55.0 Million |
| T-6 | Brock Purdy | QB | 49ers | $53.0 Million |
| T-6 | Jared Goff | QB | Lions | $53.0 Million |
| 8 | Tua Tagovailoa | QB | Dolphins | $53.1 Million |
| 9 | Justin Herbert | QB | Chargers | $52.5 Million |
| 10 | Lamar Jackson | QB | Ravens | $52.0 Million |
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. Consequently, it secures 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 players command the highest annual value in this group.
| Position | Player | Team | Total Contract Value | AAV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EDGE | Micah Parsons | Packers | $188.0 Million | $47.0 Million |
| EDGE | Aidan Hutchinson | Lions | $180.0 Million | $45.0 Million |
| WR | Ja’Marr Chase | Bengals | $161.0 Million | $40.25 Million |
| EDGE | T.J. Watt | Steelers | $123.0 Million | $41.0 Million |
| DT | Chris Jones | Chiefs | $158.8 Million | $31.8 Million |
Summary: The Multi-Layered Financial Reality
To truly define the Biggest NFL Contracts, you must assess multiple factors. Patrick Mahomes holds the all-time record for total contract value. Meanwhile, Dak Prescott sets the current AAV market. Consequently, the highest-paid NFL players are constantly resetting their price. Furthermore, the true security for players lies in the Guaranteed Money. The guarantee determines the financial risk for the team.
