NFL

Joe Burrow signs the biggest contract in NFL history: Who are the best-paid players in the NFL?

Joe Burrow, quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, signed a record-breaking five-year contract extension, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history

FREDERIC J. BROWNAFP

Joe Burrow has become the highest-paid player in NFL history after signing a five-year extension contract worth $275 million with the Cincinnati Bengals. In comparison, Justin Herbert recently signed a contract worth $262.5 million with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Burrow was the first overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals. He initially signed a four-year entry-level contract with the team worth $36 million and has since been offered a two-year extension.

After the 2024 season, his extension contract will take effect, with an estimated average salary of around $55 million. The contract is guaranteed for a total of $219 million and will expire in 2029. Joe Burrow, the quarterback for the Bengals, has become the highest-paid player in NFL history after signing a five-year extension contract worth $275 million with the team. In comparison, Justin Herbert recently signed a contract worth $262.5 million with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Who are the best-paid players in the NFL?

The 2023 NFL offseason has seen many player contracts and paydays shuffled around, leading to a constantly changing list of the highest-paid players in the league. Initially, Jalen Hurts held the title of the highest-paid player, but Lamar Jackson quickly dethroned him. However, this was short-lived, as Justin Herbert signed a five-year extension with the Chargers and claimed the top spot. Joe Burrow’s contract negotiations added even more intrigue to the financial landscape of the NFL.

This offseason has also seen many big deals signed by some of the NFL’s most promising talents, such as Derek Carr, Daniel Jones, and Geno Smith. But the standout among them is Nick Bosa, who now holds the title of the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history. This is a significant shift in the recognition of defensive excellence.

All these developments have drastically altered the list of the NFL’s highest-paid players compared to the end of the 2022 season.

  • 1. Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals 
  • Annual salary: $55 million
  •  
  • 2. Justin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers
  • Annual salary: $52.5 million
  •  
  • 3. Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
  • Annual salary: $52 million
  •  
  • 4. Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia Eagles
  • Annual salary: $51 million
  •  
  • 5. Russell Wilson, QB, Denver Broncos
  • Annual salary: $48.5 million
  •  
  • 6. Kyler Murray, QB, Arizona Cardinals
  • Annual salary: $46.1 million
  •  
  • 7. Deshaun Watson, QB, Cleveland Browns
  • Annual salary: $46 million
  •  
  • 8. Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
  • Annual salary: $45 million

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