Ranking: Top 10 Highest-Paid Players in the NFL

The biggest contracts in sports are in the NFL. Discover who the highest-paid players of the 2025 season are and how they reached the top.

The Money Behind the Show

The 2025 NFL season promises not only excitement on the field but also jaw-dropping figures off it. As every year, the contracts of the league’s biggest stars set the tone for a market that keeps growing, where quarterbacks dominate the financial landscape.

To measure the highest-paid players each season, analysts use AAV (average annual value), which represents the yearly average of a contract, including bonuses and guarantees. Based on this metric, the 2025 top 10 is once again dominated by quarterbacks, with just a couple of exceptions breaking into the elite salary tier.

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2025 NFL Season Start Date and Key Details

Ranking of the Top 10 Highest-Paid NFL Players in 2025

10. Lamar Jackson – QB, Baltimore Ravens – $52M

The 2019 MVP remains one of the league’s most dynamic players. His dual-threat ability makes him the heart of the Ravens and one of the most valuable quarterbacks.

Lamar Jackson during a game with the Baltimore Ravens.

9. Justin Herbert – QB, Los Angeles Chargers – $52.5M

The young Chargers quarterback keeps solidifying himself as the cornerstone of the franchise. With a powerful arm and growing leadership, his contract reflects long-term confidence.

Justin Herbert during a training session with the Los Angeles Chargers.

8. Brock Purdy – QB, San Francisco 49ers – $53M

From being the last pick in the draft to becoming a star, Purdy’s meteoric rise has been remarkable. His success in San Francisco earned him a spot among the league’s top earners.

Brock Purdy throws a pass during a match with the San Francisco 49ers.

7. Jared Goff – QB, Detroit Lions – $53M

The veteran Lions quarterback has revived his career in Detroit. Under his command, the team became competitive again, and his lucrative deal confirms his status.

Jared Goff throwing a pass during a training session with the Detroit Lions.

6. Tua Tagovailoa – QB, Miami Dolphins – $53.1M

The Dolphins’ QB reached his peak in 2024, showing accuracy and leadership in one of the league’s most explosive offenses. Today, he’s among the NFL’s top-paid stars.

Tua Tagovailoa during a game with the Miami Dolphins.

5. Jordan Love – QB, Green Bay Packers – $55M

After the Aaron Rodgers era, Love proved he could lead the Packers. His maturity and numbers on the field earned him a top-tier contract.

Jordan Love after a match with the Greenbay Packers.

4. Trevor Lawrence – QB, Jacksonville Jaguars – $55M

Considered the league’s future, Lawrence continues to live up to his No. 1 draft pick label. Jacksonville secured its project with a massive long-term deal.

Trevor Lawrence during a match with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

3. Joe Burrow – QB, Cincinnati Bengals – $55M

The Bengals’ leader has turned the team into an AFC powerhouse. His chemistry with Ja’Marr Chase makes him one of the most exciting quarterbacks to watch.

Joe Burrow during a training session with the Cincinnati Bengals.

2. Josh Allen – QB, Buffalo Bills – $55M

The soul of the Bills is one of the most complete quarterbacks in the game: imposing physique, powerful arm, and dangerous running ability. Buffalo pays big for its star—and rightly so.

Josh Allen before the start of a game with the Buffalo Bills.

1. Dak Prescott – QB, Dallas Cowboys – $60M

The highest-paid player in the NFL 2025 is the Cowboys’ quarterback. Prescott leads the league’s most iconic franchise, and his salary reflects the weight of being the face of Dallas and one of the most recognized names in sports.