It was just four years ago that the Los Angeles Rams signed Jared Goff to a four-year deal worth $134 million, including an NFL-record $110 million guaranteed. Three years later, the Rams inked Matthew Stafford to a four-year deal worth $160 million, making him one of the highest-paid players at his position (again).
Since then, the quarterback market has continued to blow up, as it has for years. On Tuesday night, the Chargers and Justin Herbert agreed to a five-year deal worth $262.5 million, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history at $52.5 million per year.
He leapfrogged Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson as the top-paid quarterback, simultaneously pushing Stafford down the board even further in terms of his annual salary ranking.
Below are the 20 highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL now after Herbert landed his record deal, which has Stafford tied for 10th with Dak Prescott and Daniel Jones.
All contract details are via Over The Cap.
1
Justin Herbert, Chargers: $52.5 million per year
Years: 5
Total value: $262.5 million
Guaranteed at signing: $133.7 million
2
Lamar Jackson, Ravens: $52 million per year
Years: 5
Total value: $260 million
Guaranteed at signing: $135 million
3
Jalen Hurts, Eagles: $51 million per year
Years: 5
Total value: $255 million
Guaranteed at signing: $110 million
4
Aaron Rodgers, Jets: $50.3 million per year
Years: 3
Total value: $150.8 million
Guaranteed at signing: $101.4 million
5
Russell Wilson, Broncos: $49 million per year
Years: 5
Total value: $245 million
Guaranteed at signing: $124 million
6
Kyler Murray, Cardinals: $46.1 million per year
Years: 5
Total value: $230.5 million
Guaranteed at signing: $103.3 million
7
Deshaun Watson, Browns: $46 million per year
Years: 5
Total value: $230 million
Guaranteed at signing: $230 million
8
Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs: $45 million per year
Years: 10
Total value: $450 million
Guaranteed at signing: $63 million
9
Josh Allen, Bills: $43 million per year
Years: 6
Total value: $258 million
Guaranteed at signing: $100 million
10
Matthew Stafford, Rams: $40 million per year
Years: 4
Total value: $160 million
Guaranteed at signing: $63 million
11
Daniel Jones, Giants: $40 million per year
Years: 4
Total value: $160 million
Guaranteed at signing: $81 million
12
Dak Prescott, Cowboys: $40 million per year
Years: 4
Total value: $160 million
Guaranteed at signing: $95 million
13
Derek Carr, Saints: $37.5 million per year
Years: 4
Total value: $150 million
Guaranteed at signing: $60 million
14
Kirk Cousins, Vikings: $35 million per year
Years: 1
Total value: $35 million
Guaranteed at signing: $35 million
15
Jared Goff, Lions: $33.5 million per year
Years: 4
Total value: $134 million
Guaranteed at signing: $57 million
16
Ryan Tannehill, Titans: $29.5 million per year
Years: 4
Total value: $118 million
Guaranteed at signing: $62 million
17
Geno Smith, Seahawks: $25 million per year
Years: 3
Total value: $75 million
Guaranteed at signing: $27.3 million
18
Jimmy Garoppolo, Raiders: $24.3 million
Years: 3
Total value: $72.8 million
Guaranteed at signing: $33.8 million
19
Jordan Love, Packers: $13.5 million per year
Years: 1
Total value: $13.5 million
Guaranteed at signing: $13 million
20
Bryce Young, Panthers: $9.5 million per year
Years: 4
Total value: $38 million
Guaranteed at signing: $38 million
