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Top 10+ Highest-paid NFL quarterbacks (QBs) 2025 - contract & salaries

Find out about the top 10+ highest-paid NFL quarterbacks in 2025 including their contracts and salaries.

The NFL quarterback is by far the highest-paid position in the franchise, which has continued to increase over the years. 


That said, quarterbacks have continued to enjoy impressive salaries and contracts due to the competitiveness and demand of their positions in the franchise.


Top 10+ highest-paid NFL quarterbacks (QB) 2025


1. Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys)

Annual salary: $65 million



Dak Prescott is currently the highest-paid NFL quarterback. ahead of the 2025 season. The Dallas Cowboys handed him the before the 2024 season came to a conclusion.


The Dallas Cowboys made Prescott the highest-paid NFL player as well as quarterback. A breakdown of his contract reveals a four-year deal worth $260 million, which brings him $60 million-plus per year.


Prescott is arguably one of the best NFL quarterbacks currently. 


2. Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills)

Annual salary: $55 million


Josh Allen is the second highest-paid NFL quarterback currently. His contract includes a six-year deal worth $330 million with the Buffalo Bills. This contract pushes his pay cheque up to second on the NFL highest salary chart.


Interestingly, Josh Allen was awarded a new season contract, which wiped out the previous four-year deal left on his contract by the Buffalo Bills. The current would keep him at the club for six seasons.


Josh Allen has been outstanding in the team and played a key role as the Bills went on to win five consecutive AFC East titles. He won the MVP Award in 2025, which is his first in his career.


The Bills aim to be one of the most competitive teams in the NFL franchise, and thus, it was important to secure the best players in the league.


Allen would be one of the players to lead the Buffalo Bills when the 2025 season starts. His contract is valid until 2030.


3. Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals)

Annual salary: $55 million


Up next on the list of the highest-paid NFL quarterbacks is Joe Burrow, who earns $55 million annually.


Joe Burrow signed a five-year, $275 million contract extension with the Cincinnati Bengals before the start of the 2023 season. The deal had a mouthwatering salary and other payments that have kept him on the list of highest-paid QBs in the franchise.


Joe Burrow has had the highest earnings in the NFL franchise with his $55 million salary. Stats show he might have well justified the big money contract that was offered to him.


Joe Burrow won the 2019 Heisman Trophy and was one of the best players in the 2024 campaign, especially during the regular season. The Cincinnati Bengals will count on Joe even as they remain one of the contenders for the Super Bowl in 2025.


4. Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars)

Annual salary: $55 million


Trevor Lawrence's salary in the NFL is $55 million. He signed a five-year, $275 million contract extension with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2024 that is valid until 2030.


Trevor Lawrence was not the best even as he completed 60.6 per cent of passes for 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Trevor Lawrence is expected to be one of the key players for the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2025 season.


5. Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers)

Annual salary: $55 million


Jordan Love is the next player earning an impressive salary on the NFL players salary chart at $55 million annually.


Jordan Love signed a four-year, $220 million extension in July 2024 with the Green Bay Packers. In the 2024 season, he recorded a 9-6 record as a starter with a throwing for 3,389 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.


Jordan had an impressive season even as the Green Bay Packers advanced to the NFL playoffs. His contract runs through 2028.


6. Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins)

Annual salary: $53.1 million


Tagovailoa is on a four-year, $212.4 million extension with the Miami Dolphins signed before the start of the 2024 season. 


7. Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers)

Annual salary: $52.5 million


Justin Herbert is also one of the highest-paid NFL quarterbacks with a $52.5 million annual salary. He signed a five-year, $262.5 million extension with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023. 


The Los Angeles Chargers took a bold step to solidify the quarterback position with the signing of Herbert.


Justin Herbert was one of the best players for the Chargers in the 2024 season, and he is expected to lead the team in the 2025 season.


8. Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens)

Annual salary: $52 million


Lamar Jackson earns $52 million a year. His contract, a five-year, $260 million deal signed on draft day in 2023. The Baltimore Ravens were prudent as they secured the services of the quarterback.


Not to forget that Jackson won his second MVP award in the 2023 season. Although he could not maintain the same momentum in the following season, he remains a key player even as the 2025 season edges closer.

Lamar Jackson's contract with the Baltimore Ravens is valid until 2027.


9. Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles)

Annual salary: $51 million


Jalen Hurts has a five-year, $255 million extension with the Philadelphia Eagles signed in 2023. He was outstanding during the 2024 season as the Eagles went on to win the Super Bowl.


Hurts was made the Super Bowl MVP after playing a key role throughout the season and helping the Eagles to the Super Bowl triumph.


10. Kyler Murray (Arizona Cardinals)

Annual salary: $46.1 million


Kyler Murray earns $46.1 million annually. He signed a five-year, $230.5 million extension with the Arizona Cardinals in 2022. Over the last couple of seasons, he has been on the list of the highest-paid NFL quarterbacks amid his high salary.


Murray was one of the best quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL season with the Arizona Cardinals. Statistics show that he recorded 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

Ahead of the 2025 season, the Arizona Cardinals will count on the brilliance of Murray in the 2025 season.


11. Deshaun Watson (Cleveland Browns)

Annual salary: $46 million


Deshaun Watson earns $46 million annually. His contract includes a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million in 2022. 


12. Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs)

Annual salary: $45 million


Patrick Mahomes is arguably one of the biggest names in the NFL franchise. His annual salary is $45 million. His current contract is arguably one of the biggest in the NFL franchise.


Patrick Mahomes is ranked as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL today. His contract with the Kansas City Chiefs is a 10-year, $450 million extension that was completed in 2020.


However, Mahomes contract was restructured in 2023, and this helped him to earn more money upfront. His cap hit is $66.3 million in 2025.


13. Kirk Cousins (Atlanta Falcons)

Annual salary: $45 million


Kirk Cousins earns $45 million annually. He signed a four-year, $180 million contract as a free agent with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024.


14. Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams)

Annual salary: $40 million


Matthew Stafford is also one of the NFL's highest-paid quarterbacks. He signed a new four-year, $160 million contract with the Los Angeles Rams. 

Matthew Stafford was outstanding, helping the Chargers win Super Bowl 56.


15. Derek Carr (New Orleans Saints)

Annual salary: $37.5 million


Derek Carr is paid $37.5 million at the New Orleans Saints. He has a four-year, $150 million contract with the Saints. 

Derek Carr is expected to be one of the main players ahead of the 2025 season even as the New Orleans Saints aim for a good season.