NFLs Highest-Paid Players in 2025

However, one of the biggest determinants is the league they compete in. Elite leagues like the NFL, NBA, English Premier League (EPL), and Indian Premier League (IPL) stand out due to their massive global viewership, lucrative sponsorship deals, and unparalleled fan engagement. They also drive heavy betting activity, with millions of punters wagering on major EPL matches, IPL rates, the Super Bowl, and more.

The NFL, especially, is one of the richest sports leagues in the world. Teams are willing to spend big on top talent in high demand. To attract and retain them, they offer massive contracts, lucrative incentives, and long-term deals.

In this article, we'll look at the top five highest-paid NFL players, considering their annual salaries, contract lengths, and the performances that earned them those massive deals. Let's dive right in.

Dak Prescott ($60 Million)

Dak Prescott became the highest-paid player in the NFL after signing a blockbuster four-year, $240 million contract extension with the Dallas Cowboys on September 8, 2024. The deal, which includes $231 million guaranteed and an $80 million signing bonus, gives him an average annual salary of $60 million, the highest in league history.  

Prescott has had a decorated career since entering the league as a fourth-round pick in 2016. He led the team to a conference-best record in his rookie season, earning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Over the years, he has guided Dallas to four division titles, made three Pro Bowl appearances, and was named Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year in 2022. 

Joe Burrow ($55 Million)

Joe Burrow is another NFL player with one of the highest salaries, thanks to his five-year, $275 million extension with the Bengals in 2023. The deal, which was the largest in league history at the time, locked Burrow in as the franchise quarterback for Cincinnati, and he has continued to prove his worth since then.

Burrow had an outstanding 2024 season, passing for 4,918 yards, 43 touchdowns, and just nine interceptions with a 70.6% completion rate. He also led the Bengals to five straight wins to end the season, but unfortunately, they still missed the playoffs.

Since being drafted first overall in 2020, Joe Burrow has changed the Bengals' fortunes. His breakout 2021 season ended their 30-year playoff drought and took them to Super Bowl LVI. After another solid performance, he won NFL Comeback Player of the Year that season and again in 2024. Over the years, he has led the league in passing yards and touchdowns, made two Pro Bowl appearances, and helped Cincinnati win back-to-back AFC North titles in 2022 and 2023.  

Trevor Lawrence ($55 Million)

Trevor Lawrence became one of the NFL's highest-paid players in June 2024 when he signed a five-year, $275 million extension with the Jaguars. The deal, which includes a $142 million guarantee, ties him with Joe Burrow for the richest contract in league history at the time of signing. Although he has struggled a bit after the contract, he is still considered one of the top talents in football. 

Trevor Lawrence first made a name for himself at Clemson, winning a national championship as a freshman in 2018 and setting the school record for quarterback wins. His success made him the obvious No. 1 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, with hopes that he would revive the Jaguars. In 2022, he led Jacksonville to its first AFC South title and playoff victory since 2017, earning a Pro Bowl selection. However, while that season showed his potential, he has been quite inconsistent in his performance, raising doubts about whether he can live up to his massive contract.

Jordan Love ($55 Million)

Jordan Love signed a four-year, $220 million extension with the Green Bay Packers in July 2024. The deal, which includes a massive $75 million signing bonus and $155 million in guaranteed money, runs through the 2028 season, which means the Packers are confident in him as their long-term leader.   

Love's path to becoming Green Bay's leader was anything but conventional. Drafted 26th overall in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Utah State, Love spent three seasons as Aaron Rodgers' backup, patiently waiting for his opportunity. When Rodgers departed ahead of the 2023 season, Love finally stepped into the starting role and didn't disappoint. In his first year as QB1, he led the Packers to a playoff victory, showing flashes of the talent that convinced the franchise to invest in him.  

Tua Tagovailoa ($53.1 Million)

Tua Tagovailoa signed a four-year, $212.4 million extension with the Dolphins at the start of training camp in 2024, with an average salary of $53.1 million. The deal keeps him in Miami through the 2028 season. 

Tagovailoa's journey to becoming the Dolphins' cornerstone started with an electric college career at Alabama, where he famously led the Crimson Tide to a national championship as a freshman. After his final year in college, he was selected fifth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. However, he spent his rookie season splitting time as a starter. 

Tagovailoa eventually took full control of the Dolphins' offense in 2021. By 2022, he led the league in passer rating and helped Miami return to the playoffs. He took another step forward in 2023, leading the NFL in passing yards and earning his first Pro Bowl selection. Known for his accuracy and efficiency, he now ranks second all-time in career completion percentage and ninth in career passer rating among quarterbacks with at least 1,500 pass attempts. 

Conclusion

In a highly competitive league like the NFL, landing a massive contract is a clear sign of a player's talent, influence, and market value. The five players on this list have secured record-breaking deals by consistently delivering elite performances and game-changing contributions. Their franchises recognize their value; thus, the heavy investment to keep them at the heart of their success.