The financial landscape of the NFL continues to be reshaped by its signal-callers, as quarterbacks have made an unprecedented clean sweep of the league’s top-earning spots. According to the Forbes list of highest-paid NFL players for 2026, published on September 13, 2026, the ten highest earners are all quarterbacks, collectively projected to rake in an estimated $598 million before taxes and agent fees.
This substantial sum marks a 5% increase from the $571 million recorded in 2025, underscoring the escalating value of elite quarterback play. However, it falls short of the record $693 million amassed by the top earners in 2024, a year characterized by numerous blockbuster contracts for quarterbacks. The threshold for making the top 10 in 2026 has soared to $51.5 million, nearly doubling the $26.2 million cutoff from just five years prior and surpassing 2024’s $47.2 million by 9%.
Mahomes reclaims top spot with new deal
Leading the pack is Patrick Mahomes, whose total earnings for 2026 are estimated at $86.8 million. This figure comprises $56.8 million from on-field activities and a significant $30 million from his extensive off-field endorsements and ventures. Mahomes, returning from surgery for torn knee ligaments, recently signed a reworked agreement in June, pushing his total contract value to nearly $505 million over eight seasons, with an annual average value of $63.1 million. His on-field dominance includes three Super Bowl victories, two regular-season MVP awards, and three Super Bowl MVP honours. Off the field, Mahomes boasts a robust portfolio with partners like Adidas, State Farm, and Hublot, and even earned a Sports Emmy as a producer for Netflix’s Quarterback documentary series.
Following Mahomes is Josh Allen, who is set to earn $73 million ($55 million on-field, $18 million off-field) as he enters the second year of his six-year, $330 million contract with the Buffalo Bills. Allen, the 2024 MVP, has diversified his income through partnerships with New Balance, Delta Air Lines, New Era, and Pizza Hut, in addition to becoming CEO and executive producer for Out of Pocket Studios. Detroit Lions’ Jared Goff secures the third spot with $60 million ($55 million on-field, $5 million off-field) from his four-year, $212 million deal, complemented by sponsorships from Ford and Little Caesars.
Read also: Haaland photobombed a live TV interview at Old Trafford. His "Sorry" followed
Diverse paths to elite earnings
The list showcases various routes to the NFL’s financial summit. Jalen Hurts, who earned Super Bowl MVP honours in February 2025, is fourth with $56.5 million ($51.5 million on-field, $5 million off-field) from his five-year, $255 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles and partnerships with Beats by Dre, Jordan Brand, and Wheaties.
Tua Tagovailoa’s inclusion at fifth place with $56 million ($54 million on-field, $2 million off-field) highlights a unique scenario. After being released by the Miami Dolphins in March, he received a $54 million compensation payment, which was partially offset by a $1.2 million signing with the Atlanta Falcons. Tagovailoa is currently sidelined due to an oblique injury sustained before the season opener.
Further down the list, Jordan Love ($54.4 million total) is tied to a four-year, $220 million deal with the Green Bay Packers, while two-time MVP Lamar Jackson ($54 million total) continues his $260 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens, supplementing his income with his Florida restaurant, Play Action Soulfood and More, and apparel line, Era 8. Baker Mayfield also commands $54 million ($50 million on-field, $4 million off-field) after penning a new three-year, $165 million deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, despite ESPN describing his performance against the Cincinnati Bengals as ‘disastrous’ and noting his 126 lost turnovers since 2018.
Rounding out the top ten are Dak Prescott ($52 million total), entering his 11th NFL season, with a significant portion of his earnings from off-field ventures like Athletic Brewing Company and H-E-B supermarkets. Aaron Rodgers, a fellow veteran quarterback, openly praised Prescott, stating, “I don’t know how people rip on Dak all the time. I’m a big fan. I like the way he plays. He’s really good.” Finally, Daniel Jones ($51.5 million total) secured an $88 million contract with the Indianapolis Colts, potentially rising to $100 million, and has overcome an Achilles tear suffered in December to be ready for training camp, supported by FedEx and Nike partnerships.
Read also: The countdown begins: Cristiano Ronaldo's final Portugal cap is nine days away
Read also: Aryna Sabalenka fined after emotional US Open final loss to Elena Rybakina
