NFL's Lucrative Contracts
As the financial stakes in professional sports continue to rise, some of the NFL’s most prominent players have signed eye-popping contracts that redefine the market. From quarterbacks leading their teams to playoff berths to defensive stalwarts dominating the field, these deals showcase the league’s commitment to retaining top talent.
Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars: 5 years, $275 million
Trevor Lawrence’s contract, signed in 2024 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, includes a substantial $200 million in guaranteed money. This deal underscores the Jaguars' belief in their star quarterback. Lawrence led the Jaguars to an 8-8 record in the 2023 season and recorded 21 touchdowns, the second-highest of his career. Over the last two seasons, he amassed over 8,000 passing yards and accounted for 55 combined passing and rushing touchdowns. Such performance stats place him among the elite company of Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Jared Goff.
Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals: 5 years, $275 million
Joe Burrow’s 2023 contract cements his role as a cornerstone for the Cincinnati Bengals, with $219 million guaranteed. In the 2022-23 season, Burrow led the Bengals to a 12-4 record. His impressive statistics include 35 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 4,475 passing yards, and a completion rate of 68.3%, highlighting his invaluable contribution to the team.
Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers: 5 years, $170 million
Nick Bosa’s 2023 deal with the San Francisco 49ers, including $122.5 million guaranteed, makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Bosa’s exceptional performance the previous season, where he earned the Defensive Player of the Year award and led the league with 18.5 sacks, justified this significant investment.
Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers: 5 years, $262.5 million
The Los Angeles Chargers secured Justin Herbert with a 2023 contract guaranteeing 83.3% of its total value. Herbert, who had set records as the most successful rookie quarterback in terms of passing yards and completions, led the Chargers to their first playoff appearance in four years. His contract, with an average annual value of $52.5 million, is the highest in NFL history.
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens: 5 years, $260 million
Lamar Jackson’s 2023 contract with the Baltimore Ravens, which includes $185 million guaranteed, came after prolonged negotiations. Jackson, the second unanimous NFL MVP, chose to represent himself in these discussions, highlighting his unique approach both on and off the field.
Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles: 5 years, $255 million
Jalen Hurts’ 2023 extension with the Philadelphia Eagles includes a franchise first—a no-trade clause. With 70.3% of his $255 million contract guaranteed, Hurts aims to build on his success, which saw him lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl appearance.
Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns: 5 years, $230 million
Deshaun Watson’s 2022 contract with the Cleveland Browns is notable not only for the $230 million guarantee but also for the controversies surrounding his tenure. Watson faced an 11-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy, casting a shadow over his significant financial agreement.
Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals: 5 years, $189.5 million
Kyler Murray’s 2022 contract, which guarantees 82.2% of its value, reflects the Arizona Cardinals’ faith in their quarterback. Despite his solid performance, an injury truncated his season, and the Cardinals struggled to a 4-13 record.
Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos: 5 years, $161 million
The Denver Broncos' 2022 acquisition of Russell Wilson may be remembered as one of the worst trades and contracts in NFL history if his first season's performance holds steady. Wilson struggled significantly, barely completing 60% of his passes and throwing just 16 touchdowns.
Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers: 3 years, $150.8 million
Aaron Rodgers' 2022 contract with the Green Bay Packers made him one of the highest-paid athletes annually. Despite this, Rodgers has since transitioned to the New York Jets following a trade that came after a lackluster season with the Packers.
Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills: 6 years, $150 million
Josh Allen’s 2021 extension with the Buffalo Bills ensures $150 million in guaranteed money. Allen demonstrated his value by throwing for over 9,306 yards and 74 touchdowns over the past two years, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top quarterbacks.
MLB’s Most Valuable Players
In Major League Baseball, the financial figures are similarly staggering, with superstars commanding record-breaking contracts.
Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers: 10 years, $700 million
Shohei Ohtani’s 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, signed in 2023, shattered predictions and cemented his status as arguably the best player in baseball. Despite being sidelined as a pitcher next season due to an elbow injury, Ohtani aims to make the playoffs for the first time in his career.
Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels: 12 years, $426.5 million
Mike Trout’s 2019 deal with the Los Angeles Angels ensured that one of baseball’s best players remained with the team. Despite injuries, Trout has continued to deliver, playing 423 games and winning the 2019 MVP award since signing his contract.
NBA’s Record Contracts
The NBA has also witnessed record-breaking contracts, rewarding players for their outstanding contributions on the court.
Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics: 5 years, $304 million
Jaylen Brown’s 2023 deal with the Boston Celtics stands as the largest in NBA history. Averaging 26.6 points per game, Brown has been pivotal in leading the Celtics to three of the last four Eastern Conference Finals alongside Jayson Tatum.
Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets: 5 years, $272 million
Nikola Jokic, the reigning NBA Finals MVP, signed a max extension with the Denver Nuggets in 2022 worth $272 million. At the time, it was the largest contract in NBA history, underscoring Jokic’s immense value.
NHL’s Distinguished Deals
Finally, in the NHL, contracts tend to be long-term commitments, reflecting the physical demands and career longevity in the sport.
Shea Weber, Nashville Predators: 14 years, $110 million
Shea Weber’s 14-year deal signed in 2012 with the Nashville Predators has seen its share of ups and downs. While Weber has been plagued by injuries, it remains uncertain whether he will play in the NHL again.
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins: 12 years, $104.4 million
Sidney Crosby’s 2013 contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins ensures that the team will benefit from his skills until his age-38 season. Despite aging, Crosby continues to perform at a high level.
The financial landscape of professional sports reveals a trend towards larger and longer contracts, reflecting the escalating value placed on elite talent. As these athletes continue to set new records both on the field and in their bank accounts, fans and analysts alike watch closely to see who will be next to break the mold.