In the high-stakes world of the NFL, player salaries are as impressive as the action on the field. With the league on track to generate about $20 billion this year, it’s no surprise that the top players command such hefty paychecks. Let’s take a closer look at the top five highest-paid NFL players and see just how their earnings stack up.
5. Justin Herbert - $66.6 million
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert ranks fifth among the highest-paid NFL players with $66.6 million in earnings this year. His income includes $56.6 million on-field and $10 million in endorsements.
In 2023, Herbert signed a five-year, $262.5 million contract with a $50.6 million bonus and an additional $45 million bonus due in 2025. In his 57th career game, Herbert became the fastest player to reach 1,500 completions in NFL history, surpassing Patrick Mahomes and Matthew Stafford. Herbert also set a record for passing yards in his first four seasons, beating Peyton Manning’s previous total. Off the field, he has endorsement deals with companies such as SoFi, TCL, and Dr. Squatch.
4. Joe Burrow - $69.7 million
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow signed a five-year, $275 million extension in 2023, bringing his total earnings to $69.7 million this year. This figure includes a $55 million option bonus paid during the offseason.
After a wrist injury ended his 2023 season prematurely, Burrow focused on building strength, telling Sports Illustrated that he used his recovery period to add muscle mass. Off the field, Burrow also gained attention in the Vogue World 2024 fashion show and partnered with Alo Yoga to launch their first running shoe in August.
3. Jordan Love - $80.5 million
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love has also reached the top of the earnings list with $80.5 million this year. The first-round draft pick in 2020 transitioned to a starting position after Aaron Rodgers’ departure, throwing for 4,159 yards and 32 touchdowns in the 2023 season.
The Packers awarded him a four-year, $220 million contract in July, featuring $79 million from his playing contract and an additional $1.5 million from endorsements. Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst commented on the extension, saying, “The nice thing about having a guy in your building for the last four years is you absolutely know who he is.” Love’s growing profile has positioned him as one of the NFL’s top-paid players.
2. Patrick Mahomes - $81 million
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes earned $81 million this year, a combination of $56 million from his playing contract and $25 million from endorsements. Mahomes signed a 10-year, $450 million deal in 2020, the largest contract in NFL history by total value.
Despite 10 other quarterbacks now surpassing him in annual average earnings, Mahomes remains one of the highest earners due to endorsements with Prime sports drinks and his own venture, Throne Sport Coffee. When asked about the high-value contracts for other players like Jordan Love and Tua Tagovailoa, Mahomes told USA Today, “It’s awesome for the game of football.”
1. Jared Goff - $85.6 million
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff secured the highest earnings among NFL players this year, totaling $85.6 million. After leading the Lions to their first playoff appearance in seven years, Goff signed a four-year, $212 million contract extension in May, with $170 million guaranteed and a no-trade clause.
Forbes reports that his $73 million signing bonus was an NFL record for two months before being surpassed by Jordan Love’s $75 million bonus from the Packers.
Off the field, Goff added $5 million to his earnings through endorsements with Ford, Old Spice, and Jared jewelers. He also made notable real estate investments, purchasing two homes in Manhattan Beach, California, for $10.5 million and $8.6 million, marking some of the priciest real estate transactions by a sports figure in 2023, according to RubyHome Northwest.
