Highest-Paid NFL Player 2025: Patrick Mahomes Leads

By Sarah Miller · October 21, 2028

As of 2025, Patrick Mahomes, quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, is the highest-paid NFL player with an average annual salary of $45 million under his 10-year, $450 million contract extension signed in 2020.

Who Is the Highest-Paid NFL Player in 2025?

Patrick Mahomes, the star quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, holds the title of the highest-paid player in the NFL as of 2025. His landmark 10-year, $450 million contract extension, signed in July 2020, includes $141.4 million in guaranteed money and sets a new benchmark for player compensation in professional football. This deal not only rewards Mahomes’ MVP-level performance and Super Bowl success but also reflects the rising value of elite quarterbacks in today's NFL economy.

Why Are Quarterbacks the Highest-Paid Players?

The NFL has increasingly become a quarterback-driven league, where franchise success hinges on the performance of the signal-caller. As a result, teams are willing to invest heavily in top-tier QB talent. Several factors contribute to this trend:

Positional Scarcity: Elite quarterbacks are rare, making them highly valuable assets.
Offensive Control: The QB directs the offense, calls audibles, and makes real-time decisions that impact game outcomes.
Revenue Generation: Star quarterbacks boost ticket sales, merchandise revenue, and TV ratings.
Contract Precedents: Each new top contract resets market value for other QBs.

Key Factors Influencing NFL Player Salaries

Beyond position, several elements determine how much an NFL player earns:

Performance metrics (e.g., passer rating, touchdowns, wins)
Marketability and endorsement potential
Team revenue and salary cap space
Agent negotiation strength
Length and structure of the contract (guarantees, signing bonuses)

Highest-Paid NFL Players in 2025: Salary Breakdown

The following table lists the top 10 highest-paid NFL players based on average annual value (AAV) of their current contracts as of the 2025 season.

Rank	Player	Team	Position	Average Annual Salary	Total Contract Value	Guaranteed Money
1	Patrick Mahomes	Kansas City Chiefs	QB	$45,000,000	$450,000,000	$141,400,000
2	Josh Allen	Buffalo Bills	QB	$45,000,000	$258,000,000	$100,000,000
3	Joe Burrow	Cincinnati Bengals	QB	$45,000,000	$275,000,000	$125,000,000
4	Justin Herbert	Los Angeles Chargers	QB	$42,250,000	$258,000,000	$120,000,000
5	Dak Prescott	Dallas Cowboys	QB	$40,000,000	$160,000,000	$120,000,000
6	Aaron Rodgers	New York Jets	QB	$36,850,000	$158,000,000	$101,000,000
7	Deshaun Watson	Cleveland Browns	QB	$35,700,000	$230,000,000	$230,000,000
8	Trevor Lawrence	Jacksonville Jaguars	QB	$35,000,000	$209,000,000	$100,000,000
9	DK Metcalf	Arizona Cardinals	WR	$32,000,000	$64,000,000	$64,000,000
10	Myles Garrett	Cleveland Browns	DE	$31,500,000	$126,000,000	$90,000,000

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that all players in the top nine are quarterbacks, underscoring the premium placed on elite passing talent. While Patrick Mahomes leads in total contract value and AAV, Josh Allen and Joe Burrow match his annual salary due to recent contract restructures. Notably, Deshaun Watson’s deal includes full guarantee, one of the most secure in league history.

How NFL Contracts Work: Key Terms Explained

Understanding NFL player earnings requires familiarity with standard contract components:

Signing Bonus: Paid upfront, often prorated over contract life for cap purposes.
Guaranteed Money: Amount the player is assured to receive, even if released.
Cap Hit: Portion of salary counting against the team’s salary cap each year.
Roster Bonuses: Payments tied to being on the active roster at specific dates.
Incentives: Performance-based bonuses (e.g., Pro Bowl selection, playoff appearances).

Impact of the Salary Cap on Player Earnings

The NFL’s hard salary cap, set at $271.5 million for the 2025 season, limits how much teams can spend on player payroll. This cap influences contract negotiations significantly:

Teams must balance star player demands with building a competitive roster.
Long-term deals with back-loaded structures help manage cap space.
Franchise tags allow teams to retain players temporarily at a premium rate.
Dead cap—money owed to a player no longer on the team—affects future flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Highest-Paid NFL Players

Who is the highest-paid NFL player in 2025?

Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs is the highest-paid NFL player in 2025, earning an average of $45 million per year under his 10-year, $450 million contract.

Do any non-quarterbacks rank among the highest-paid NFL players?

Yes, DK Metcalf (WR, Arizona Cardinals) and Myles Garrett (DE, Cleveland Browns) are the only non-quarterbacks in the top 10, highlighting the rarity of such high salaries outside the QB position.

Are Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen paid the same annually?

Yes, both Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen have an average annual salary of $45 million, though Mahomes’ total contract value is higher due to its 10-year length.

What is the largest guaranteed NFL contract?

Deshaun Watson’s $230 million fully guaranteed contract with the Cleveland Browns remains the largest guaranteed sum in NFL history as of 2025.

How does the NFL salary cap affect star player contracts?

The NFL’s $271.5 million salary cap forces teams to make strategic decisions when paying stars. Teams often use contract restructuring, incentives, and extensions to manage cap space while retaining top talent.