NFL’s 20 Highest-Paid Players Ahead of the 2025/26 Season

September 4, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

The 2025/26 NFL season is fast approaching, and salaries are skyrocketing like never before. The league’s biggest stars are signing record-breaking contracts, with quarterbacks continuing to dominate the financial landscape — but a few defensive and offensive standouts have forced their way into the elite top 20.

From rising talents to proven veterans, these are the 20 highest-paid NFL players heading into the new season, ranked by their annual salaries. We start at No. 20 and count down to No. 1, where the biggest paycheck in the league awaits.

20. Myles Garrett — £31.6M

Myles Garrett, the Cleveland Browns’ defensive anchor, signed a massive four-year, £126M extension. Despite trade rumors in early 2025, Garrett remains committed to the Browns’ long-term vision. Averaging 15 sacks per season, he continues to be one of the league’s most feared pass rushers.

19. Matthew Stafford — £31.6M

Veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford decided to stay with the Los Angeles Rams on a two-year, £66.4M deal. At 37 years old, Stafford still proved he can compete at a high level, leading the Rams to a near-upset over the Eagles in the 2024 playoffs. This contract might be his final big payday.

18. Ja'Marr Chase — £31.8M

The Bengals’ star wide receiver, Ja’Marr Chase, became the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history when he signed a four-year, £127.2M contract in March 2025. Coming off a career-best 1,708-yard, 17-touchdown season, Chase is set to remain a cornerstone of Cincinnati’s offense for years to come.

17. TJ Watt — £32.4M

Linebacker TJ Watt secured a record-setting three-year, £97.2M extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history on a per-year basis. Known for his relentless pass rush, Watt has led the league in sacks over the last five seasons.

16. Kirk Cousins — £35.6M

Kirk Cousins signed a four-year, £142.2M free-agent deal with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024. However, his future in Atlanta is uncertain as rookie Michael Penix Jr. is set to start in 2025. Regardless of his role, Cousins has £79M in guaranteed money coming his way.

15. Patrick Mahomes — £35.6M

The Kansas City Chiefs’ superstar quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, continues to earn big from his 10-year, £355.5M extension signed back in 2020. Although his annual salary ranks him 15th, his cap hit for 2025 is a staggering £52.4M, and a new renegotiation could be on the horizon.

14. Deshaun Watson — £36.3M

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson is still benefiting from his fully guaranteed five-year, £181.7M contract signed in 2022. Unfortunately, injuries have derailed his tenure — Watson suffered multiple Achilles tears and is expected to miss the entire 2025 season.

13. Kyler Murray — £36.4M

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is entering 2025 with plenty to prove. He’s playing under a five-year, £182.1M deal signed in 2022, but inconsistent performances and injuries have held him back. With a revamped offense, 2025 could be a make-or-break season for the former No. 1 pick.

12. Micah Parsons — £37.1M

Micah Parsons made headlines after his blockbuster trade to the Green Bay Packers in 2025. Shortly after, he signed a four-year, £142.2M deal, making him the highest-paid defensive player in the NFL. Known for his versatility and dominance, Parsons is expected to be the centerpiece of Green Bay’s defense.

11. Jalen Hurts — £40.3M

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts signed a five-year, £201.5M extension in 2023 after leading his team to the Super Bowl. Following a shaky 2023, he bounced back in 2024 to secure the Eagles’ championship, cementing his status as one of the league’s top dual-threat quarterbacks.

10. Lamar Jackson — £41.1M

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson remains one of the NFL’s most dynamic players. His five-year, £205.4M deal signed in 2023 has paid off, with Jackson delivering an MVP-caliber season in 2024. However, the Ravens are still chasing their elusive Super Bowl appearance under his leadership.

9. Justin Herbert — £41.5M

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert signed a five-year, £207.4M extension in 2023, securing his place as the team’s franchise centerpiece. Despite a lack of elite receiving weapons, Herbert continues to put up elite numbers, but playoff success remains his biggest challenge.

8. Brock Purdy — £41.9M

Once dubbed “Mr. Irrelevant,” Brock Purdy went from underdog to superstar with a five-year, £209.4M extension from the San Francisco 49ers in 2025. After leading the team to a Super Bowl appearance in 2023, Purdy has quickly proven he belongs among the league’s elite quarterbacks.

7. Jared Goff — £41.9M

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff signed a four-year, £167.5M extension in 2024. Goff transformed from a “bridge quarterback” to a franchise cornerstone, leading Detroit to a historic 15-win season in 2024. The pressure is now on for Goff to deliver a deep playoff run.

6. Tua Tagovailoa — £42M

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa secured a four-year, £167.7M extension in 2024. While injuries and concussion concerns remain, Tua’s importance to Miami’s offense is undeniable. When healthy, he’s one of the league’s most efficient passers and a crucial part of Miami’s playoff aspirations.

5. Jordan Love — £43.5M

Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love signed a four-year, £173.8M extension in July 2024. After a 9-6 record as a starter and a playoff appearance, the Packers showed their faith in Love as the future of the franchise. Now, expectations are sky-high heading into 2025.

4. Trevor Lawrence — £43.5M

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence landed a five-year, £217.2M extension in 2024. However, a rough 2-8 starting record last season raised questions about his consistency. With a new head coach, Lawrence faces a critical year to justify his massive contract.

3. Joe Burrow — £43.5M

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow signed a five-year, £217.2M extension in 2023, keeping him under contract through 2028. Despite missing the playoffs last season, Burrow threw for nearly 5,000 yards and 43 touchdowns in 2024, showing he remains one of the NFL’s premier quarterbacks.

2. Josh Allen — £43.5M

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen signed a groundbreaking six-year, £260.7M contract in 2025, wiping out his previous deal. Fresh off his first MVP award, Allen is at the peak of his career. Now, the Bills are under immense pressure to capitalize on his prime years and chase a Super Bowl.

1. Dak Prescott — £47.4M

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott tops the list as the highest-paid player in the NFL. After signing a four-year, £236.8M extension in 2024, Prescott is determined to bounce back following an injury-hit season. With expectations sky-high in Dallas, all eyes are on him heading into 2025.