With the 2024 NFL Free Agency period dying down, looking at some of the largest contracts given out thus far shows how successful the league has been. Six players inked deals for nine figures and still some significant names who remain.
This list is going off the total number of the contract, not the guarantees, so that is an important distinction when looking at the contract figures. All the contract figures are courtesy of Over The Cap. Let’s take a look at the five largest contracts that have been given out this free agency period.
#5 Largest Contract: Baker Mayfield Stays with Tampa Bay Buccaneers ($100 Million)
After deciding not to place the franchise tag on quarterback Baker Mayfield, there were some concerns about his future in Tampa Bay. However, he was able to sign a long-term deal as he re-signed with a three-year, $100 million contract with $50 million guaranteed.
Mayfield did very well and led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the NFC Divisional Round as he was 364-of-566 (64.3%) for 4,044 yards with 28 touchdowns to 10 interceptions. With a 6:2 TD-to-INT ratio in the playoffs, it was clear that the Bucs would want to keep him around.
This deal is actually tied with Robert Hunt of the Carolina Panthers, but with the APY being larger by more than $13 million, Mayfield has the edge.
#4 Largest Contract: Christian Wilkins to Las Vegas Raiders ($110 Million)
After the Miami Dolphins made the decision to not place the franchise tag on defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, it became clear that he was going to be finding a new team this offseason. It turns out he did not have to wait too long as he signed a four-year, $110 million contract with $82.75 million guaranteed to join the Las Vegas Raiders.
Wilkins had a strong season as he had 65 total tackles with nine sacks, a forced fumble, two fumble recoveries and a pair of pass deflections. Pairing up alongside Maxx Crosby should make opposing quarterbacks get cold sweats.
#3 Largest Contract: Brian Bruns to New York Giants ($141 Million)
The Carolina Panthers did not want to extend outside linebacker Brian Burns or give him the franchise tag so it was clear he was going to be playing outside of Carolina in 2024. The Panthers traded with the Giants for the 39th pick in the 2024 NFL draft and a 2025 fifth-round pick while also swapping fifth-round picks. The New York Giants did not wait as they signed Burns to a five-year, $141 million contract with $87.5 million guaranteed.
He had an underrated season for the Panthers as he finished with 50 total tackles, eight sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and a pair of pass deflections.
#2 Largest Contract: Chris Jones Stay with Kansas City Chiefs ($158.75 Million)
The Kansas City Chiefs made sure to pay their defensive tackle this offseason as they paid Chris Jones $158.75 million over the course of five years with $95 million being guaranteed. The Chiefs would do this anyway as they have not drafted a defensive tackle since Jones. He also only trails Nick Bosa as the highest average annual salary for defenders in 2024.
Jones had another strong season despite holding out and not playing the first game of the season and missing all of the preseason. He recorded 30 total tackles with 10.5 sacks and four pass deflections during the regular season and 0.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a pair of pass deflections in the postseason.
Arguably one of the best defenders in postseason history secured the bag.
#1 Largest Contract: Kirk Cousins to the Atlanta Falcons ($180 Million)
Kirk Cousins has been one of the more interesting contracts as he decided to leave the Minnesota Vikings to join the Atlanta Falcons. He inked a four-year, $180 million contract with $100 million guaranteed. Coming off a torn Achilles tendon, the Falcons were definitely still interested in his services.
Cousins was off to a great season before suffering the season-ending injury as he was 216-of-311 (69.5%) for 2,331 yards with 18 passing touchdowns to five interceptions. With the incredible weapons and new coach Raheem Morris, this has a chance of going incredibly well for the Dirty Birds as they look to win the NFC South.
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