The quarterback position has been one of the highest-paid positions in sports as their salaries continue to increase. Locking up an elite quarterback can set a franchise up for immediate and long-term success, but could be pricey. Which quarterbacks are getting paid the most heading into the 2024 season?
Please note that these numbers are taking the average salary of their contract and not the cash value the quarterbacks will receive.
#5: Jalen Hurts: $51 Million
Jalen Hurts showcased his skills at the quarterback position and the Philadelphia Eagles signed him to a massive contract extension. In April 2023, the two sides agreed to a five-year, $255 million deal and at the time was the highest-paid player on an annual basis at $51 million.
Hurts went 11-6 last season with 65.4% of his passes being completed for 3,858 yards with 23 passing touchdowns to 15 interceptions. He also ran the ball very well with 157 rushing attempts for 605 yards (3.9 yards per rush) with 15 rushing touchdowns.
#4: Lamar Jackson: $52 Million
Two two-time NFL MVP is fourth as he is making $52 million this year. Last offseason, Jackson signed a five-year, $260 million contract extension to remain with the Baltimore Ravens after a tough negotiation. He was worth every penny last season as he won the NFL MVP Award with a 13-3 record while completing 67.2% of his passes for 3,678 yards with 24 passing touchdowns to seven interceptions while rushing 148 times for 821 yards (5.5 yards per carry) with five rushing touchdowns.
He is a threat throwing and running the football and keeps the opposing defense on their toes. If he can do a little better in the postseason, this team could be scary.
#3: Justin Herbert: $52.5 Million
Justin Herbert ranks third in 2024 quarterback salary as he is entering Year 2 of his five-year, $262.5 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Chargers. He played 13 games in 2024 and went 5-8 with a 65.1 completion percentage for 3,134 yards with 20 passing touchdowns to seven interceptions before suffering a season-ending thumb injury.
The team looks different but having coach Jim Harbaugh leading the way on the sidelines should be a solid indication that the Bolts are ready to move in the right direction.
#2: Jared Goff: $53 Million
Jared Goff has just agreed to a four-year, $212 million contract extension with the Detroit Lions on Monday afternoon, making him the second-highest-paid quarterback entering the 2024 season. He had a great season as he was 12-5 and finished with a 67.3 completion percentage for 4,575 yards with 30 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
With the Lions being a young team, they should be able to improve and continue stepping up. Goff completely revitalized his career in his three seasons with the team so far.
Highest Paid Quarterback in 2024: Joe Burrow: $55 Million
Joe Burrow signed a massive contract extension right before Week 1 of last season with the Cincinnati Bengals as he inked a five-year, $275 million deal. The average value is $55 million and that is currently the highest-paid quarterback entering the 2024 season.
We are entering the second year of the contract and the injuries have been piling on as he missed almost all of the 2023 season. However, they are hoping he can get healthy but with people concerned about his wrist injury, things are going to be tough for the Bengals. He is expected to be healthy but has the largest per-year contract in the NFL.
