A quarterback is the most important player on an NFL team. They are responsible for calling the plays, making decisions, and leading the offense. In recent years, the salaries of NFL quarterbacks have skyrocketed. In 2023, the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL is Patrick Mahomes, who is making an average of $50.3 million per year.
The NFL’s highest-paid quarterbacks in 2023
Here is a list of the NFL highest-paid quarterbacks in 2023, along with their average annual salary:
Justin Herbert
- Team: Los Angeles Chargers
- Average annual salary: $52.5 million
- Age: 24
- Accomplishments: 2020 Offensive Rookie of the Year
- Notable stats: 5,014 passing yards, 34 touchdowns, 10 interceptions (2022)
Lamar Jackson
- Team: Baltimore Ravens
- Average annual salary: $52 million
- Age: 25
- Accomplishments: 2019 NFL MVP, 2019 NFL Offensive Player of the Year
- Notable stats: 3,165 passing yards, 76 rushing yards, 16 touchdowns (2022)
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Jalen Hurts
- Team: Philadelphia Eagles
- Average annual salary: $51 million
- Age: 23
- Accomplishments: 2021 Pro Bowl
- Notable stats: 3,783 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, 9 interceptions (2022)
Patrick Mahomes
- Team: Kansas City Chiefs
- Average annual salary: $50.3 million
- Age: 27
- Accomplishments: 2018 NFL MVP, 2018 Super Bowl MVP, 2020 Super Bowl MVP
- Notable stats: 5,250 passing yards, 41 touchdowns, 13 interceptions (2022)
Aaron Rodgers
- Team: New York Jets
- Average annual salary: $50.3 million
- Age: 38
- Accomplishments: 4x NFL MVP, 2x Super Bowl MVP
- Notable stats: 4,115 passing yards, 37 touchdowns, 4 interceptions (2022)
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Russell Wilson
- Team: Denver Broncos
- Average annual salary: $48.5 million
- Age: 33
- Accomplishments: 2x NFL MVP, 1x Super Bowl champion
- Notable stats: 3,113 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, 6 interceptions (2022)
Kyler Murray
- Team: Arizona Cardinals
- Average annual salary: $46.1 million
- Age: 25
- Accomplishments: 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year
- Notable stats: 3,734 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, 11 interceptions (2022)
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Deshaun Watson
- Team: Cleveland Browns
- Average annual salary: $46 million
- Age: 26
- Accomplishments: 2020 Pro Bowl
- Notable stats: 4,823 passing yards, 33 touchdowns, 7 interceptions (2022)
Josh Allen
- Team: Buffalo Bills
- Average annual salary: $43 million
- Age: 26
- Accomplishments: 2020 Pro Bowl
- Notable stats: 4,407 passing yards, 36 touchdowns, 15 interceptions (2022)
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Dak Prescott
- Team: Dallas Cowboys
- Average annual salary: $40 million
- Age: 29
- Accomplishments: 2016 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
- Notable stats: 4,449 passing yards, 37 touchdowns, 10 interceptions (2022)
Factors that determine a quarterback’s salary
There are a number of factors that determine a quarterback’s salary. These include:
- Performance: The most important factor is a quarterback’s performance. Quarterbacks who are consistently successful and lead their teams to the playoffs will command higher salaries.
- Market value: The market value of a quarterback is also a factor. If there are a limited number of elite quarterbacks available, their salaries will be higher.
- Team needs: The team’s needs also play a role in determining a quarterback’s salary. If a team is desperate for a quarterback, they may be willing to pay more than they normally would.
- Contract structure: The contract structure can also affect a quarterback’s salary. Some contracts are front-loaded, meaning that the quarterback receives a large signing bonus and then smaller salaries in the later years of the contract. Other contracts are back-loaded, meaning that the quarterback receives smaller salaries in the early years of the contract and then a larger salary in the later years.
What Factors Determine a Quarterback’s Salary?
There are a number of factors that determine a quarterback’s salary. These include:
- Performance: The most important factor is a quarterback’s performance. Quarterbacks who are consistently successful and lead their teams to the playoffs will command higher salaries.
- Market value: The market value of a quarterback is also a factor. If there are a limited number of elite quarterbacks available, their salaries will be higher.
- Team needs: The team’s needs also play a role in determining a quarterback’s salary. If a team is desperate for a quarterback, they may be willing to pay more than they normally would.
- Contract structure: The contract structure can also affect a quarterback’s salary. Some contracts are front-loaded, meaning that the quarterback receives a large signing bonus and then smaller salaries in the later years of the contract. Other contracts are back-loaded, meaning that the quarterback receives smaller salaries in the early years of the contract and then a larger salary in the later years.
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Conclusion
NFL quarterbacks are undoubtedly the highest-paid athletes globally, owing to the critical significance of the quarterback position and the escalating value they bring to their teams. Considering this trend, it is highly probable that the salaries of NFL highest-paid quarterbacks will continue to soar in the coming years.
FAQs
What is the average salary for an NFL quarterback?
The average salary for an NFL quarterback in 2023 is $35 million.
What is the highest salary ever paid to an NFL quarterback?
The highest salary ever paid to an NFL quarterback is $50.3 million per year, which is the contract that Patrick Mahomes signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020.
What is the most important factor in determining a quarterback’s salary?
The most important factor in determining a quarterback’s salary is their performance. Quarterbacks who are consistently successful and lead their teams to the playoffs will command higher salaries.
What is the future of NFL quarterback salaries?
It is likely that NFL quarterback salaries will continue to rise in the future. This is due to a number of factors, including the increasing popularity of the NFL, the rising cost of living, and the increasing value of quarterbacks to their teams.
Who is the 2nd highest paid NFL player?
The 2nd highest paid NFL player in 2023 is Aaron Donald, a defensive tackle for the Los Angeles Rams. His base salary is $31.5 million, with a total contract value of $127.5 million.
What is the cheapest NFL player salary?
The cheapest NFL player salary in 2023 is $610,000, which is the league minimum for a player with less than one year of experience.
What is the most common NFL salary?
The most common NFL salary in 2023 is around $860,000. This is the median salary, meaning that half of all NFL players make more than this and half make less.
How much money does the Super Bowl winner get?
The Super Bowl winner receives a total of $150 million in prize money. This is split evenly among the players on the winning team.
Who is the highest paid non quarterback in the NFL?
The highest paid non quarterback in the NFL in 2023 is Tyreek Hill, a wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins. His base salary is $30 million, with a total contract value of $120 million.
What is the 3rd highest paid position in the NFL?
The 3rd highest paid position in the NFL in 2023 is edge rusher. The average salary for an edge rusher is $17.5 million.
