Football is no ordinary game. It’s also a very big business. Each season NFL teams pay substantial contracts to their big stars. The amount of cash available is greater than it’s ever been in 2026. The salaries of some of these players are even higher than what most people make in a lifetime. So if you have ever wondered who the top paid NFL players are this year, you’re in the right place.
This article explains it in easy-to-understand terms. From the most paid NFL players overall to the highest paid NFL players by position and even the top paid NFL players by team, we’ll take a look at the top 10. We will also be explaining how contracts actually work in the NFL, the significance of the salary cap and why the quarterbacks are always the highest paid players in the NFL. At the end, you’ll have a clear idea of who’s getting the best pay in football this season and why.
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Highest Paid NFL Players 2026 — Top 10 Overall
1. Patrick Mahomes
- Team: Kansas City Chiefs
- Position: Quarterback (QB)
- Net Worth: Estimated around $90–100 million
- AAV: $63 million
- Social Link: https://www.instagram.com/patrickmahomes
Patrick Mahomes is the Highest Paid NFL Players in 2026 with an unprecedented annual average value of $63 million. This offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs superstar inked a groundbreaking new two-year contract extension, becoming the first player in NFL history to sign one with a total dollar value over $500 million. The milestone victory is a testament to the Chiefs’ dedication to their cornerstone of the franchise.
The 3-time Super Bowl champion and 2-time MVP has already made his mark in history as one of the greatest quarterbacks of his generation. His two-way game (arm strength and mobility) has changed the game of quarterbacking. His new AAV won’t come into effect until 2027, but his current salary will be the league’s highest this year, starting the 2026 season. He’s the leading player both on and off the field, and most certainly the most valuable player and highest-paid player on the gridiron.
2. Dak Prescott
- Team: Dallas Cowboys
- Position: Quarterback (QB)
- Net Worth: Estimated around $90 million
- AAV: $60 million
- Social Link: https://www.instagram.com/_4dak
Dak Prescott was the Highest Paid NFL Players until Patrick Mahomes did it to him. The Dallas Cowboys quarterback is still on top at No. 2, making a huge $60 million a year. Prescott has proved his value with four Pro Bowl selections and a consistent year after year of statistical production, which has helped him establish himself as one of the league’s premier signal callers. But his big salary has caught the attention of a few analysts and fans, especially in terms of his lack of playoff success against his regular-season awards.
The amount of money the Dallas Cowboys paid him still doesn’t seem like enough despite the criticisms he received. The face of “America’s Team,” Prescott has a lot of pressure on him, both on and off the field. His contract is also a testament to his value to one of the NFL’s most valuable franchises, as well as his talent.
3. Josh Allen
- Team: Buffalo Bills
- Position: Quarterback (QB)
- Net Worth: Estimated around $70–80 million
- AAV: $55 million
- Social Link: https://www.instagram.com/joshallenqb
Josh Allen is a rare combination of size, arm strength and outstanding athleticism, playing the archetype of the modern day quarterback. He is in the top tier of quarterbacks with an annual contract value of $55 Million, making him one of the most dynamic players in the game. Allen can impact games in a lot of ways, and this is through the air and on the ground. The Buffalo Bills built their whole game around him, and relied on him to take on a lot of intricate plays that would take advantage of his dual-threat skill set.
As the Bills’ starter, Allen has turned the team into a reliable playoff team, a team that has been irrelevant for almost 20 years. He’s been a fierce leader and a fire that has won the hearts of Buffalo fans and the admiration of the entire league. He’s MVP-caliber and has been selected to multiple Pro Bowls. Allen’s four-year, $55 million AAV put him firmly in the top tier of the NFL’s quarterbacks, thereby cementing his reputation as one of the best quarterbacks of his generation.
4. Joe Burrow
- Team: Cincinnati Bengals
- Position: Quarterback (QB)
- Net Worth: Estimated around $60–70 million
- AAV: $55 million
- Social Link: https://www.instagram.com/joeyb_9
Joe Burrow’s massive signing with the Cincinnati Bengals was one of the first contracts to cross over the $50 million mark for NFL quarterbacks. The former LSU standout was drafted first overall in 2020 and have come close to meeting that promise when he’s healthy. Burrow has All-Pro arming ability and great pressure composure, showcased well in his Heisman Trophy season and Super Bowl victory with the Tigers.
He is able to get precision passes into tight windows, so he can be a threat to any opposition secondary. Despite having some serious injuries that have made him less available, Burrow has produced top-of-the-line efficiency numbers when he is on the field. Given how much guaranteed money the Bengals will be willing to put behind him, I don’t think anyone is under any delusion concerning his franchise altering potential. His comeback from serious knee injuries have been a testament to not only his resilience, but his determination as well.
5. Trevor Lawrence
- Team: Jacksonville Jaguars
- Position: Quarterback (QB)
- Net Worth: Estimated around $50–60 million
- AAV: $55 million
- Social Link: https://www.instagram.com/tlawrence16
Trevor Lawrence is the clear-cut No. 1 overall pick from the 2021 NFL Draft and the Jacksonville Jaguars are making a long-term investment with a huge bankroll to make him the core of their franchise. Despite his relatively brief career in the NFL, he falls somewhere between the league’s most coveted players thanks to his $55 million average annual value. Lawrence was known for his composure, quick-line thinking and decision-making abilities at the line of scrimmage. The Jaguars made a bold move with their roster and surrounded Lawrence with talented offensive weapons, as well as playing an aggressive offensive game that would maximize his strengths.
He has been a good fit in the NFL, although he had struggled a little in the adjustment phase, but his college resume and confidence looked like he would be an instant success. Jacksonville is a big-money franchise, and they know that it must be betting on Lawrence’s future success and title aspirations. He is often the deciding factor in the fortunes of the franchise in big moments.
6. Jordan Love
- Team: Green Bay Packers
- Position: Quarterback (QB)
- Net Worth: Estimated around $40–50 million
- AAV: $55 million
- Social Link: https://www.instagram.com/jordan3love/
Jordan Love’s blossoming into a viable starting quarterback instilled much-needed hope into the Green Bay Packers faithful, who were in a rough transition after Aaron Rodgers’ departure. His season as the starting quarterback for the Packers was his breakthrough season in 2025 and earned him a big contract extension to play for the Packers at $55 million per season. During his first full season, Love significantly improved his decision making, accuracy and overall knowledge of the Packers system.
The Packers were obviously impressed by his performance and have offered him a long-term financial contract, which suggests their trust in his leadership to take the Packers forward. Love is in the company of some of the elite quarterbacks to receive $55 million a year in love. He is a great natural arm, has a strong competitive spirit and leadership abilities developing, which makes him a deserving successor to Green Bay’s quarterback.
7. Matthew Stafford
- Team: Los Angeles Rams
- Position: Quarterback (QB)
- Net Worth: Estimated around $90–100 million (long career earnings)
- AAV: $55 million
- Social Link: https://www.instagram.com/matthewstafford
Matthew Stafford’s impressive career and continued elite play has meant that he can still be a top-tier compensation package as a senior quarterback. The $55 million a year that he makes is warranted by decades of productive play and championship success that have established his reputation as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. After a decade with the Detroit Lions, Stafford gained a more than a decade in playing exceptionally well on often less competitive teams, before finally finding championship glory with the Los Angeles Rams.
The Super Bowl LVI win solidified his career path and showcased his prowess and potential on the grandest stage. Stafford’s passing accuracy, field vision and competitiveness are still working wonders for teams facing him. He has a wealth of knowledge gained from playing in difficult playoff situations that he can pass on to younger teammates.
8. Will Anderson Jr.
- Team: Houston Texans
- Position: Edge Rusher (EDGE)
- Net Worth: Estimated around $20–25 million
- AAV: $50 million
- Social Link: https://www.instagram.com/will.andersonjr/
Will Anderson Jr. has broken the historical boundaries that generally limited the compensation of a player who isn’t a quarterback with a three-year deal that saw him earn $150 million with the Houston Texans. That is the equivalent of $50 million per season and a quantum shift in the way that elite pass-rushers are valued in today’s salary cap era. Anderson was considered by many to be the number one defensive prospect in recent years and his play in the minors has proven that hype was well warranted.
He has a motor, is technically gifted and has a knack for getting the ball in his hands and exploding. The Texans went for the big bet with Anderson knowing he had the talent to run a big sack, and knew they were taking a chance on an elite pass rush for years to come. His contract – a successful one – proves that top defensive play gets top money.
9. Jaxon Smith-Njigba
- Team: Seattle Seahawks
- Position: Wide Receiver (WR)
- Net Worth: Estimated around $10–15 million
- AAV: $42.15 million
- Social Link: https://www.instagram.com/jaxsnj/
Jaxon Smith-Njigba rose to NFL stardom with a spectacular breakout season that changed the game for NFL wide receivers and also took the Seattle Seahawks by surprise to the Super Bowl. His 4-year, $168.8 million deal puts him at the top of the league in terms of salary, earning $42.15 million per year and one of the top deals in the NFL for wide receivers. Smith-Njigba is a generational player at receiver who excels with his route running, body control and creating separation.
In his breakthrough year he had hit-the-ground-breaking receiving yardage while also showing his quality of consistency and rapport with his quarterback. The Seahawks have been willing to spend a lot on a young receiver as they have believed in him for the long-term as a key piece to their passing game. He has become famous after his Super Bowl championship and proved that management had faith that he has a long-term future.
10. Jalen Carter
- Team: Philadelphia Eagles
- Position: Interior Defensive Line (IDL)
- Net Worth: Estimated around $15–20 million
- AAV: $38 million
- Social Link: https://www.instagram.com/breadmanjalen
The Philadelphia Eagles have implemented historic terms in the contract of Jalen Carter, with terms that will pay him $38 million annually once they kick in after the 2027 season that will make him a Highest Paid NFL Players in football history. Management is banking on Carter to be a lineman anchor for the foreseeable future in Philadelphia, and has looked forward to the $106-million guarantee. Carter is a first-round NFL Draft selection of the 2023 season and is now one of the league’s most disruptive defensive linemen.
He’s big, strong and quick, making him a nightmare to tackle for opponents when he’s on the ball. Playing in a Super Bowl winning system under Jonathan Gannon at defense will make him a much better player, and more valuable, than he was before. The Eagles’ investment in Carter shows their intent to continue to play at that level and be a championship team.
AAV vs. Guaranteed Money: How NFL Contracts Really Work
NFL contracts seem massive when they’re on paper, but the actual number to consider is actually often a secret. Let’s simplify this:
- AAV is not cash in hand: AAV assumes the total value of the contract and divides it into equal parts, which means that it is possible for a player to receive a lot less in year one and a lot more in years later.
- The true prize is guaranteed money: It’s the amount a player is promised, regardless of whether he is cut or injured.
- Unlike the NBA, NFL deals are not guaranteed in full: A “$200 million contract” could only amount to $80–100 million, depending on the player remaining on the roster.
- Dead cap can hurt a team for a long time: When a team makes an unpaid signing bonus, it is still counted against the cap, and sometimes decades after the player leaves.
- Total contract value may not always tell the whole story: An eight-year contract with a large total price tag might not actually cost as much annually as a shorter, bolder one.
Highest Paid NFL Players by Position
Not all the money is distributed equally throughout the field. There are a great number of positions which pay much more than others. The top dollar-line by line for the NFL’s best players in 2026.
Quarterback (QB)
The money talk is all about quarterbacks and it’s not that close. Patrick Mahomes leads all quarterbacks, and the entire league, in terms of salary, at $63 million per year. Dak Prescott is at $60 million, right behind him, a big bunch of guys at $55 million: Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Trevor Lawrence, Jordan Love, and Matthew Stafford. The quarterback position is the most important position in football and that’s why eight of the top 10 highest-paid NFL players are quarterbacks.
Running Back (RB)
Historically, running backs are undervalued when it comes to overall valuation vs. other skill positions, but things changed in 2026. Jahmyr Gibbs, who signed a three-year, $67.5 million contract with the Detroit Lions, up to $75.75 million, of which $51.5 million is guaranteed, is the new top earner at the position. He is the new highest paid back in football after Bijan Robinson.
Wide Receiver (WR)
Over the past few years, the pay of wide receivers has skyrocketed. Jaxon Smith-Njigba tops the position at $42.15 million a year after his breakout, Super Bowl-winning season with Seattle. Other top-tiers at the position include players such as Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson, who are also high on the list of receivers.
Offensive Line
The function of offensive linemen is to safeguard the quarterback, and the best line men get paid accordingly. Laremy Tunsil, a left tackle, is the highest-paid with Washington (signed at $30.1 million), with Darnell Wright’s extension with the Bears coming in at $29 million annually with $93 million guaranteed. Peter Skoronski is leading the market at $25 million at guard in Tennessee and Tyler Linderbaum is the top center at $27 million with the Raiders.
Defensive Line & Edge
That’s where the money for those other than quarterbacks has increased the most. Anderson, Jr., leads all edge rushers and all defenders with $50 million per year and is just ahead of Micah Parsons. In the interior line, Jalen Carter receives $38 million annually under his new contract with the Philly Eagles, beating out Jeffery Simmons for the best interior defensive line deal.
Cornerback & Safety
Devon Witherspoon revolutionized the cornerback position with his four-year, $132 million contract to Seattle in which he will earn $33 million per year and has $101 million guaranteed. Derwin James is the position leader at $25.2 million annually at safety for the Los Angeles Chargers, and has a decent résumé of Pro Bowl seasons.
Special Teams (Kicker/Punter)
Even professionals are making more money than ever. Brandon Aubrey is the highest-paid kicker in the history of the NFL, who inked a four-year, $28 million contract with Dallas that will pay him $7 million per season. Jordan Stout leads the punters with a three-year, $12.3 million contract valued at $4.1 million per year that he signed with the Giants.
How the NFL Salary Cap Affects Player Pay
The salary cap establishes a hard salary cap (salary limit) for all teams to adhere to. It influences nearly all of the way the Highest Paid NFL Players are paid.
- n just the past 10 years or so, the cap has more than doubled, now over $300 million per team heading into 2026.
- This is because teams have more money to be spent on the best players, and so the more they spend, the larger the contracts that they can award each year.
- Teams have to mix up their star players with some depth because if they pay one player $50-60 million a year, the rest of their roster is not getting paid.
- Unlike in other sports, teams may not run over the cap, the cap is hard.
- The cap is constantly being raised, and that is why year after year quads are getting paid more.
Highest Paid NFL Players by Team
Here’s how some teams choose to construct their rosters, with some having more big contracts than others.
The Dallas Cowboys are an example of a team that is able to include several superstars at a time. They’re paying Dak Prescott $60 million annually and a ton to other stars on the roster, making it even harder to make a full team of several of the NFL’s highest paid players.
The Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, Houston Texans and Philadelphia Eagles all have a major deal at their respective spots, too, as Mahomes at quarterback, Kittle and Warner in both corners for the 49ers, and Anderson Jr. and Carter in the middle of the defensive line for the Texans and Eagles. Recently winning teams such as Seattle and Philadelphia are likely to include some of the highest-paid NFL players since they can leverage winning games to negotiate better deals from the league.
Why Quarterback Salaries Keep Rising
Quarterback wages is the biggest media story of the NFL finance segment. It is climbing up these days, and here’s why.
- The quarterback is the most important player on the field; he handles the ball on each offensive play.
- A higher salary cap gives teams more flexibility to pay their QB more and more money without going over budget.
- Every new big contract “resets” the market, as agents apply the lowest number from the previous contract as the bottom line for the next one.
- Teams don’t like to lose a franchise quarterback and they don’t like to pay for one because it’s very difficult to find.
- When quarterbacks like Mahomes win Super Bowl championships, it creates even more pressure.
Conclusion
Taking a look at the top 10 Highest Paid NFL Players, it’s evident that quarterbacks remain the top earners, but other roles are closing the gap. Since Patrick Mahomes inked a contract worth more than $500 million last year, the biggest stars in the NFL like Will Anderson Jr., Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Devon Witherspoon are closing the gap. Since the salary cap has continued to increase, the NFL’s highest paid players list will continue to shift at least every offseason, and new records will likely be set almost every year.
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FAQs
Who will be the highest paid NFL players in 2026?
The Kansas City Chiefs have a big-time player in Patrick Mahomes who has an AAV of $63 million.
What is the difference between the AAV and TCV?
AAV refers to the annualized average payment throughout the contract, and the total contract value is the total payment over all years, sometimes of which is not guaranteed.
Why are quarterbacks paid more than others?
They make contact with the ball on every play and have the lowest knock on player to replace making teams pay top dollar for them.
What will be the 2026 NFL salary cap?
In 2026, the salary cap per team will be at $279.2 million.
What is the salary of the second highest paid player in the NFL that isn’t the quarterback?
Yearly edge rusher Houston Texans’ Will Anderson Jr. who is on the payroll of $50 million.
