NFL’s Highest-Paid Players 2024: Top 20 Make $1.1 Billion
Discover the NFL's highest-paid players in 2024 as we break down the top 20 earners who collectively rake in a staggering $1.1 billion. Learn how these athletes maximize their earnings and explore what it takes to succeed in the league.
The NFL is known for producing some of the world’s richest athletes, and 2024 is no exception. With player contracts skyrocketing, the top 20 highest-paid NFL players in 2024 collectively pull in a jaw-dropping $1.1 billion. But who are they? What’s driving these massive paydays, and how do their salaries break down?
Let’s dive into the big money behind the biggest names in football and explore how these top athletes are making more than ever before. You’ll also learn why smart contracts, endorsements, and longevity play critical roles in these players’ financial success.
NFL’s Highest-Paid Players 2024: The Top 20 Breakdown
1. Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs)
- Total Earnings: $52 million
- Contract Breakdown: Mahomes signed a record-breaking 10-year, $503 million contract with the Chiefs in 2020. In 2024, his base salary and bonuses contribute to him topping the list once again. His endorsement deals with brands like Oakley, State Farm, and Adidas also push his total earnings sky-high.
2. Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills)
- Total Earnings: $47 million
- Contract Breakdown: Allen signed a six-year, $258 million contract extension in 2021. In 2024, his salary is bolstered by significant bonuses. Off the field, endorsements with Nike and Pepsi add millions more to his overall income.
3. Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers)
- Total Earnings: $46.5 million
- Contract Breakdown: The young star inked a five-year, $262.5 million extension in 2023, which made him the highest-paid quarterback—at least for a short period. Endorsements from Bose and Nike supplement his income.
4. Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles)
- Total Earnings: $44 million
- Contract Breakdown: After a stellar 2022 season, Hurts signed a five-year, $255 million extension in 2023, making him one of the richest players in NFL history. His endorsements, including deals with Hulu and Jordan Brand, further elevate his financial standing.
5. Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens)
- Total Earnings: $43.5 million
- Contract Breakdown: Jackson’s five-year, $260 million contract extension in 2023 was a landmark deal. The dynamic quarterback also has lucrative endorsement deals with companies like Oakley and Overtime.
6. Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals)
- Total Earnings: $42 million
- Contract Breakdown: Burrow signed a five-year, $275 million extension in 2024, briefly making him the highest-paid player in the league. His earnings are boosted by significant endorsement deals with Nike, Fanatics, and BodyArmor.
7. Aaron Rodgers (New York Jets)
- Total Earnings: $40 million
- Contract Breakdown: Even though Rodgers took a pay cut to join the Jets, he still ranks high on the list with his $35 million salary and an additional $5 million from endorsements with Adidas, Bose, and State Farm.
8. Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys)
- Total Earnings: $38.5 million
- Contract Breakdown: Prescott’s four-year, $160 million contract extension from 2021 places him among the NFL’s elite earners. He also pulls in millions through deals with Sleep Number, Pepsi, and 7-Eleven.
9. Deshaun Watson (Cleveland Browns)
- Total Earnings: $37.5 million
- Contract Breakdown: Watson’s five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed deal in 2022 was historic. His endorsements, although reduced due to controversy, still contribute to his overall earnings.
10. Russell Wilson (Denver Broncos)
- Total Earnings: $37 million
- Contract Breakdown: Wilson signed a five-year, $245 million extension in 2022. In addition to his salary, he has lucrative endorsement deals with Nike, Bose, and Alaska Airlines.
The Rise of Endorsements: A Major Player in NFL Earnings
For many top NFL players, their salary alone isn’t enough to place them among the highest earners. Endorsement deals often make up a significant portion of their income, allowing them to capitalize on their fame and personal brand. Some of the most lucrative endorsement deals for NFL players include partnerships with global giants like:
- Nike
- Adidas
- Pepsi
- State Farm
- BodyArmor
These deals not only boost a player's annual income but also extend their earning potential well beyond their playing years. Brands seek NFL stars for their wide-reaching influence, especially in a sport that captivates millions of fans worldwide.
Guaranteed Money: The Evolution of NFL Contracts
In recent years, NFL contracts have shifted towards guaranteeing larger sums of money upfront. This change is a significant reason why we’ve seen astronomical deals like:
- Deshaun Watson’s $230 million fully guaranteed deal
- Kirk Cousins' historic fully guaranteed contracts in 2018 and 2020
Players are now leveraging their skills and popularity to secure contracts that offer financial stability, even in the event of injuries or other career setbacks. The rise of guaranteed money marks a pivotal shift in how NFL players are compensated.
Top 20 Highest-Paid NFL Players in 2024
- Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams) - $35 million
- Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) - $34.5 million
- Kyler Murray (Arizona Cardinals) - $34 million
- Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars) - $33 million
- Derek Carr (New Orleans Saints) - $32.5 million
- Daniel Jones (New York Giants) - $31 million
- Jimmy Garoppolo (Las Vegas Raiders) - $30 million
- Jared Goff (Detroit Lions) - $29.5 million
- Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins) - $29 million
- Baker Mayfield (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) - $28.5 million
Salary vs. Performance: Does Big Money Equal Big Results?
It’s easy to assume that the highest-paid players are always the best performers, but that’s not necessarily the case. While some of the top earners have brought their teams to Super Bowl victories or deep playoff runs, others have struggled to live up to the hefty price tags.
Key Examples:
- Russell Wilson: After signing a massive extension with the Broncos, his performance in 2023 didn’t meet expectations.
- Deshaun Watson: Despite his fully guaranteed deal, Watson has faced both personal and performance-related challenges since joining the Browns.
On the flip side, players like Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow have not only justified their massive contracts but also helped elevate their teams into perennial contenders.
Conclusion: What Can We Learn from the NFL’s Top Earners?
The NFL’s highest-paid players in 2024 showcase how the sport is evolving. Contracts are growing, endorsements are more lucrative, and players are smarter than ever about securing their financial futures. For aspiring athletes or fans of the game, the key takeaway is clear: it takes talent, timing, and a solid understanding of one’s value to maximize earnings.
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