Dak Prescott has become the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL following his newly signed contract with the Dallas Cowboys, a four-year deal worth $240 million that pays him about $3.5 million per game. This contract reflects the escalating quarterback salaries amid the league‘s rising revenue and salary cap, which now stands at $280 million.
The NFL, valued at $20 billion and growing primarily due to booming television rights revenue, continues to pour resources into its most vital position—the quarterback. Prescott’s deal includes $231 million guaranteed, making it one of the most secure agreements in the league.
The Rising Tide of NFL Quarterback Salaries
Before Prescott’s record-setting deal, Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals held the highest-paid quarterback title with a five-year, $275 million contract signed in 2023, earning $55 million annually. Burrow’s deal carries $219 million guaranteed and pays roughly $3.2 million per game, a figure that places him among the top earners, not just in football but also in Ohio sports.
Joining Burrow in the $55 million-a-year group are several other quarterbacks, including Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills. Allen’s six-year, $330 million extension, signed after an MVP-winning season and another AFC Championship appearance, guarantees him $250 million, the largest guaranteed sum in the league. Allen earns about $3.2 million per game, though he chose not to push for the top salary.
The Jacksonville Jaguars and Green Bay Packers also locked in their franchise quarterbacks recently. Trevor Lawrence inked a five-year contract, and Jordan Love agreed to a four-year deal, each paying $55 million annually and roughly $3.2 million per game, highlighting the steady rise in franchise quarterback pay.
Other Notable Quarterbacks and Their Contracts
Tua Tagovailoa’s four-year, $212.4 million contract with the Miami Dolphins illustrates how valuable he is, despite less fanfare compared to some peers. His $53.1 million annual salary translates to about $3.12 million per game, emphasizing Miami’s dependence on him, especially after his concussion absence last season.
Jared Goff and Brock Purdy, often labeled as “game managers,” recently received lucrative extensions that bring them to $53 million per year. Purdy, who was previously among the least paid starters, now commands a five-year, $265 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers, a testament to his offensive value. Goff’s four-year, $212 million deal with the Detroit Lions followed a run to the NFC Championship Game last season. Both quarterbacks earn approximately $3.1 million per game now.
Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers continues to impress with his arm talent and statistics but remains in pursuit of his first playoff win. Still, he commands a $52 million annual salary, or about $3 million per game.
Quarterbacks with Past Accolades Now Facing Contract Challenges
Lamar Jackson, who once held the highest-paid quarterback title after his 2022 extension, now ranks tenth in earnings. Despite his two MVP awards, Jackson’s postseason record, consisting of just three wins largely against weaker opponents, has cooled contract negotiations. The Baltimore Ravens are expected to revisit his deal next offseason, with speculation that he could command $65 million per year, surpassing Prescott.
Jalen Hurts, fresh off a Super Bowl victory, ranks outside the top ten earners, making $51 million per year on a five-year, $255 million contract signed following his team’s previous Super Bowl loss. Given his championship success, the Philadelphia Eagles are expected to offer him an extension soon, likely increasing his game-day pay above $3 million.
Payday Versus Proven Success in the NFL’s Quarterback Market
An interesting tension emerges when examining these high salaries against actual playoff success. Of the top-paid quarterbacks currently, only Hurts has secured a Super Bowl ring. Joe Burrow, Brock Purdy, and Jared Goff have appeared in Super Bowls, but all did so prior to signing their current deals. Many of these quarterbacks still need to translate their lucrative contracts into championships.
When considering resumes that fully justify their large contracts, only three quarterbacks stand out: Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Jalen Hurts. Allen boasts seven career playoff wins and a recent MVP award, Lamar holds two MVP awards, and Hurts recently led his team to a title. For others, the challenge remains to achieve sustained postseason success that matches their compensation.
Prescott’s new deal sets a precedent in NFL quarterback salaries, raising the bar for future negotiations and intensifying pressure on all these signal-callers to deliver victories on football’s biggest stage.