Who Are the Highest-Paid NFL Players in 2025? | Top 20 Contracts & Salaries Breakdown
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The 2025 NFL offseason has ushered in a new era of player compensation, with record-breaking contracts redefining the league's financial landscape. Quarterbacks continue to dominate the earnings chart, but elite talents at other positions are also securing unprecedented deals.
Top 20 Highest-Paid NFL Players in 2025: Full List, Contracts, and Salary Rankings
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Top 20 Highest-Paid NFL Players in 2025 |
1. Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys
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AAV: $60 million
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Contract: 4 years, $240 million
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Details: Prescott’s latest deal makes him the NFL’s top earner. The Cowboys are all-in on their veteran quarterback, betting on consistency and leadership as they chase their first Super Bowl since the 90s.
2. Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals
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AAV: $55 million
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Contract: 5 years, $275 million
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Details: Burrow continues to solidify his role as one of the league’s most elite passers. Cincinnati's offense revolves around him, and the front office made it clear they’re building a dynasty around their star.
3. Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills
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AAV: $55 million
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Contract: 6 years, $330 million
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Details: Allen's extension includes $250 million guaranteed — the largest in NFL history at signing. His dual-threat ability keeps Buffalo among the AFC’s elite.
4. Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars
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AAV: $55 million
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Contract: 5 years, $275 million
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Details: Despite a rocky 2024 due to injuries, Lawrence's ceiling remains sky-high. Jacksonville doubled down, locking him in as their franchise QB for the next half-decade.
5. Jordan Love, QB, Green Bay Packers
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AAV: $55 million
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Contract: 5 years, $275 million
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Details: Love silenced doubters with a breakout 2024 season. Green Bay is confident they’ve found their post-Rodgers era leader.
6. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Miami Dolphins
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AAV: $53.1 million
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Contract: 5 years, $265.5 million
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Details: Tua has thrived under Mike McDaniel, especially with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle as targets. His new contract reflects his transformation into a top-tier passer.
7. Jared Goff, QB, Detroit Lions
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AAV: $53 million
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Contract: 4 years, $212 million
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Details: Goff’s career has rebounded in Detroit, leading a revitalized team deep into playoff contention. The Lions are rewarding leadership and steady production.
8. Brock Purdy, QB, San Francisco 49ers
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AAV: $53 million
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Contract: 5 years, $265 million
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Details: From last pick in the draft to one of the highest-paid players — Purdy’s story is unmatched. San Francisco sees him as the long-term answer at quarterback.
9. Justin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers
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AAV: $52.5 million
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Contract: 5 years, $262.5 million
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Details: Herbert’s arm talent and football IQ remain unmatched. The Chargers are investing heavily to build a winning core around him.
10. Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
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AAV: $52 million
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Contract: 5 years, $260 million
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Details: Still one of the most dangerous dual-threat QBs in the game, Jackson’s presence guarantees Baltimore remains competitive.
11. Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
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AAV: $51 million
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Contract: 5 years, $255 million
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Details: Hurts continues to thrive as a leader and playmaker. The Eagles have built one of the most balanced rosters around him.
12. Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
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AAV: $50 million
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Contract: 10 years, $500 million
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Details: The face of the NFL, Mahomes' decade-long deal remains a model of stability for the Chiefs. His legacy grows with every postseason.
13. Deshaun Watson, QB, Cleveland Browns
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AAV: $44 million
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Contract: 5 years, $220 million
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Details: The Browns continue to hope Watson returns to Pro Bowl form and lives up to his fully guaranteed mega-deal.
14. Kyler Murray, QB, Arizona Cardinals
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AAV: $43 million
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Contract: 5 years, $215 million
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Details: Murray’s dynamic playstyle is built around mobility and improvisation. The Cardinals remain committed despite injury setbacks.
15. Russell Wilson, QB, Denver Broncos
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AAV: $42 million
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Contract: 5 years, $210 million
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Details: Wilson’s 2025 bounce-back season has reignited his career. The Broncos are banking on veteran poise and playoff experience.
16. Matthew Stafford, QB, Los Angeles Rams
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AAV: $41 million
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Contract: 4 years, $164 million
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Details: Stafford still delivers high-level play when healthy. The Rams value his leadership and championship pedigree.
17. Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
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AAV: $40.25 million
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Contract: 4 years, $161 million
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Details: The highest-paid non-QB in NFL history, Chase continues to dominate as Burrow’s top target and one of the most dangerous WRs in the league.
18. Myles Garrett, Edge, Cleveland Browns
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AAV: $40 million
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Contract: 4 years, $160 million
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Details: Garrett is the highest-paid defender in the league. His relentless pressure and All-Pro performances make him a game-changer.
19. Derek Carr, QB, New Orleans Saints
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AAV: $37.5 million
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Contract: 3 years, $112.5 million
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Details: While expected to retire soon, Carr’s contract still factors into 2025 salary rankings.
20. Geno Smith, QB, Las Vegas Raiders
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AAV: $37.5 million
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Contract: 3 years, $112.5 million
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Details: Smith’s career revival continues in Las Vegas, where he is trusted to lead a young roster.
Conclusion
The NFL's salary ceiling continues to rise — and in 2025, that rise is meteoric. Quarterbacks dominate the top ranks, but skill players like Ja’Marr Chase and defenders like Myles Garrett are breaking through with record-setting deals. These contracts don’t just reward past performance — they’re bets on the future, signaling which stars teams believe can define their next championship window.
As the 2025 season approaches, keep an eye on more mega-deals potentially involving stars like Micah Parsons, Sauce Gardner, and Terry McLaurin, whose contract extensions could shake up this list before the year ends.
FAQs: Highest-Paid NFL Players 2025
Who is the highest-paid NFL player in 2025?
Dak Prescott is currently the highest-paid NFL player in 2025 with an AAV of $60 million, following his four-year extension with the Dallas Cowboys.
Which non-quarterback is making the most in 2025?
Ja’Marr Chase, wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, is the highest-paid non-quarterback with an average annual salary of $40.25 million.
How many quarterbacks are in the top 20?
16 out of the top 20 highest-paid players are quarterbacks. This reflects the league’s premium on elite talent at the QB position.
Are any defenders on the list?
Yes. Myles Garrett, edge rusher for the Browns, ranks 18th with an AAV of $40 million, making him the highest-paid defensive player in 2025.
What does “AAV” mean?
AAV stands for Average Annual Value, which is calculated by dividing the total contract value by its duration. It's a standard way to compare player salaries across contracts.
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