Quarterbacks dominate NFL payrolls for a reason. They lead the offense, carry expectations, and take home the league’s biggest pay cheques. The highest-paid quarterbacks are often the leaders that franchises have built everything around.
We’ve ranked them by average annual salary to show their true market value. This strips away front-loaded deals and highlights what each quarterback actually earns per season.
These are the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL heading into the 2025 season.
1. Dak Prescott – $60million
Dak Prescott leads all quarterbacks with an average salary of $60million. He signed a four-year, $240million deal with the Dallas Cowboys in 2024, which includes $129million fully guaranteed.
He’s been Dallas’ starter since 2016. In 2023, he led the league in touchdown passes and helped the Cowboys reach the NFC Championship Game.
The contract reflects Prescott’s consistent production and he remains central to Dallas’ push for a Super Bowl return.
2= Joe Burrow – $55million
Joe Burrow earns $55million per year on a five-year, $275million contract with the Cincinnati Bengals. The deal includes over $219million guaranteed and runs through 2030.
He took the Bengals to the Super Bowl in his second full season and has remained one of the league’s most accurate passers.
Burrow’s annual salary places him firmly among the highest-paid quarterbacks. His impact in Cincinnati speaks for itself.
2= Josh Allen – $55million
Josh Allen matches Burrow at $55million per season on a deal with the Buffalo Bills. He originally signed a six-year, $258million extension in 2021, which was later restructured.
Allen became Buffalo’s starter in 2018 and has led them to multiple playoff appearances, including an AFC Championship Game.
His physical style and versatility have made him a cornerstone player. Among the highest-paid quarterbacks, few are as complete.
2= Jordan Love – $55million
Jordan Love signed a four-year, $220million extension with the Green Bay Packers in 2024. It averages $55million per season and includes over $160million guaranteed.
He took over from Aaron Rodgers in 2023 and helped lead the Packers to the playoffs in his first full year as starter.
The new deal puts Love alongside the highest-paid quarterbacks. Green Bay sees him as their long-term answer.
2= Trevor Lawrence – $55million
Trevor Lawrence earns $55million per season from a five-year, $275million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Signed in 2024, it includes $200million guaranteed.
He was drafted first overall in 2021 and led the Jaguars to a division title in just his second season.
Now among the highest-paid quarterbacks, Lawrence is locked in as the face of the franchise.
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6. Tua Tagovailoa – $53.1million
Tua Tagovailoa signed a five-year, $212.4million extension with the Miami Dolphins in 2024. It pays $53.1million per season and includes over $167million guaranteed.
He became the Dolphins’ starter in 2020 and helped guide the team back to the playoffs.
Tua now ranks among the highest-paid quarterbacks. His accuracy and quick release remain central to Miami’s offense.
7= Jared Goff – $53million
Jared Goff signed a four-year, $212million deal with the Detroit Lions in 2024, averaging $53million per year. The deal includes more than $170million guaranteed.
He arrived in Detroit in 2021 and led the team to the NFC Championship Game two years later.
Now one of the highest-paid quarterbacks, Goff has rebuilt his career and become a key part of the Lions’ rise.
7= Brock Purdy – $53million
Brock Purdy signed a five-year, $265million contract with the San Francisco 49ers in 2024. It includes over $180million guaranteed and pays $53million per season.
He became the 49ers’ starter in 2022 after being the final pick in the 2022 draft. That year, he led the team to the NFC Championship Game.
From third-string rookie to one of the highest-paid quarterbacks, Purdy’s rise has been rapid and remarkable.
9. Justin Herbert – $52.5million
Justin Herbert earns $52.5million per year from a five-year, $262.5million deal with the Los Angeles Chargers. The contract includes more than $193million guaranteed.
He took over in 2020 and won Offensive Rookie of the Year. Since then, he’s posted multiple 4,000-yard seasons.
As one of the highest-paid quarterbacks, Herbert remains key to the Chargers’ future.
10. Lamar Jackson – $52million
Lamar Jackson earns $52million per season on his five-year, $260million contract with the Baltimore Ravens. The deal was signed in 2023.
He won the NFL MVP in 2019 and led the Ravens to the AFC Championship Game in the 2023 season.
The contract reflects his value as one of the league’s top dual-threat players. Jackson remains among the highest-paid quarterbacks in football.
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