NFL Quarterbacks are the stars of the show on the gridiron. Quarterbacks determine the outcome of the game and help their team’s offense score points.
Paying quarterbacks top-dollar has become a hot trend in the NFL. Baltimore Ravens Quarterback Lamar Jackson signed a five-year contract worth $260 million, per Spotrac. Jackson received $185 million guaranteed making him the highest-paid player in NFL history.
Before Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles Quarterback Jalen Hurts signed a five-year contract worth $255 million. Hurts received $179 million guaranteed.
The market for paying quarterbacks has drastically changed over the years. Quarterbacks are making more per year. NFL Quarterbacks deserve to get paid. However, there needs to be a ceiling for paying NFL Quarterbacks.
Quarterbacks are receiving ridiculous amounts of guaranteed money. Quarterback contracts are breaking the bank. As soon as a quarterback is paid another one signs a contract for more money. It’s a perpetual cycle that drives through the NFL.
Breaking Down the Numbers
According to numbers provided by Sporting News in 2022, the top ten highest-paid quarterbacks made a combined $434.9 million. Aaron Rodgers’ annual average salary equaled $50 million. Rodgers was the highest-paid quarterback in 2022. Rodgers and the Packers had a disappointing season and didn’t make the playoffs.
According to NBC Sports Chicago in 2023, the top ten highest-paid quarterbacks will make a combined $501. 9 million. The combined value increased by $67 million in one year. The ceiling hasn’t been capped and has grown significantly.
Legacy and the Brand
Athletes aim to create a legacy in the sport they play. Recently Chief’s Quarterback Patrick Mahomes said he cares more about his legacy than being the highest-paid player. Mahomes wants to keep talented players on the team. Mahomes also said there’s a fine line between making a lot of money and having talented players on an NFL roster. Mahomes signed a team-friendly deal in 2020.
NFL Quarterbacks should worry about building their brand. Endorsements and giving back to the community help quarterbacks build their brands. At the end of the day, quarterbacks make the most money on their team. Having a strong brand is more significant than making a lot of money.
What should the Ceiling Be??
Quarterbacks shouldn’t make more than $40 million per year. It’s hard for teams to keep good players around a quarterback because of the salary cap. Quarterbacks count against the cap and dictate what General Managers can do during the offseason. Buffalo Bill’s General Manager Brandon Beane talked about the limitations the Bills have because of Josh Allen’s contract.
Who’s Up Next??
Bengal’s Quarterback Joe Burrow and Charger’s Quarterback Justin Herbert are eligible for contract extensions. Their contracts will change the quarterback market. Burrow and Herbert will make a substantial amount of money and the ceiling will get higher. At some point, the ceiling needs to settle and stay stagnant.
