In the NFL, there is generally one role above all others that gets the highest contract. As the quarterback, you are expected to lead the team on and off the field, which is why it’s the highest-paid position in the league. This is especially true for the names on this list, representing some of the biggest quarterback names and contracts the NFL has ever seen, including contract money, signing bonuses, and other guarantees.
15. Terry Bradshaw
Terry Bradshaw was the highest-paid quarterback of his era.
- Highest annual salary: $470,000
- Year: 1983
Today, he’s a famous talking head during NFL games, but Terry Bradshaw was once the NFL’s premiere quarterback and his 1983 performance showed exactly that.
14. Joe Montana
Joe Montana is one of the best quarterbacks ever.
- Highest annual salary: $4 million
- Year: 1994
Often considered the best quarterback in history alongside Tom Brady, Joe Montana is a four-time NFL Champion during a legendary San Francisco 49ers run.
13. Dan Marino
Dan Marino is among the highest-paid quarterbacks who never won a Super Bowl.
- Highest annual salary: $6.3 million
- Year: 1999
Dan Marino is regarded as royalty in Miami despite never bringing a Super Bowl to the city. He was rewarded handsomely for his outstanding playmaking.
12. Brett Favre
Brett Favre has won against every other team in the NFL.
- Highest annual salary: $16 million
- Year: 2010
The legendary Green Bay Packers quarterback has beaten every NFL team and was the first QB to do so.
11. Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning has become one of the game’s best media personalities in retirement.
- Highest annual salary: $35 million
- Year: 2004
One of the greatest quarterbacks of his era, Peyton Manning, holds several NFL records and is third in career passing touchdowns.
10. Tom Brady
Tom Brady is arguably the best quarterback of all time.
- Highest annual salary: $39 million
- Year: 2022
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers opened its wallet for Tom Brady in 2022, and he rewarded them with a Super Bowl.
9. Drew Brees
Drew Brees achieved legendary status playing for the New Orleans Saints.
- Highest annual salary: $40 million
- Year: 2018
A Super Bowl champion, Drew Brees deserved every penny of the contract he received in 2018.
8. Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger played for the Pittsburgh Steelers for his entire career.
- Highest annual salary: $41.25 million
- Year: 2021
The Pittsburgh Steelers rewarded Ben Roethlisberger with a big payday after winning the team two Super Bowls.
7. Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan earned a big payday only to be forgotten in retirement.
- Highest annual salary: $418.6 million
- Year: 2022
Matt Ryan’s biggest payday came at the end of his storied career before announcing his retirement.
6. Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers is at the tail end of his storied career.
- Highest annual salary: $50.3 million
- Year: 2022
Aaron Rodgers didn’t capitalize on his 2022 salary, but he’s already a Super Bowl winner.
5. Patrick Mahomes
Patrick Mahomes is the best quarterback playing in the league today.
- Highest annual salary: $59.4 million
- Year: 2022
With three Super Bowl wins in the last four seasons, Patrick Mahomes is worth every penny the Kansas City Chiefs pay him.
4. Deshaun Watson
Deshaun Watson is a controversial but highly-paid quarterback.
- Highest annual salary: $64 million
- Year: 2022
If Deshaun Watson can stay healthy and out of trouble, he could be among the league’s best quarterbacks and truly earn his huge salary.
3. Josh Allen
Josh Allen is a fantastic quarterback who struggles in the postseason.
- Highest annual salary: $66.9 million
- Year: 2022
Josh Allen is one of the most likable quarterbacks in the league, but he has yet to take the Buffalo Bills to the promised land.
2. Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson was an utter disappointment during his time in Denver.
- Highest annual salary: $67 million
- Year: 2023
Russell Wilson was a total bust in Denver, and his massive salary could have been better spent.
1. Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson is a Super Bowl win away from legendary status.
- Highest annual salary: $80 million
- Year: 2023
The Baltimore Ravens QB is the best-paid in history between signing bonuses, contracts, and performance-based escalators.
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