The NFL has always been known for its huge contracts and player salaries, and the highest NFL contract right now is no exception. In 2021, there are several players who have signed multi-million dollar deals, but only one can claim the title of the highest-paid player in the NFL.
As of August 2021, the highest NFL contract belongs to Patrick Mahomes, quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs. Mahomes, who signed a historic 10-year, $450 million contract extension in 2020, will earn an average annual salary of $45 million over the next decade. The deal also includes several performance-based incentives that could potentially increase the total value of the contract to as much as $503 million.
Mahomes` massive contract extension not only made him the highest-paid player in the NFL, but also the highest-paid athlete in North American sports history. The young quarterback has quickly become one of the league`s brightest stars, leading the Chiefs to two Super Bowl appearances in his first three seasons as a starter.
While Mahomes` contract is undoubtedly impressive, he is not the only NFL player earning a top-tier salary. Other notable players with big contracts include:
– Dak Prescott, quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, who signed a four-year, $160 million contract extension in March 2021. Prescott will earn an average annual salary of $40 million over the duration of the deal.
– Deshaun Watson, quarterback for the Houston Texans, who signed a four-year, $156 million contract extension in September 2020. Watson`s deal includes an average annual salary of $39 million.
– Russell Wilson, quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, who signed a four-year, $140 million contract extension in April 2019. Wilson`s deal includes an average annual salary of $35 million.
It`s clear that quarterbacks dominate the list of highest-paid NFL players, and that trend is unlikely to change anytime soon. With the league`s revenue continuing to grow, it`s likely that we`ll see even bigger contracts in the years to come.