Highest-Paid NFL Players in 2025

Below are the Most Valuable Football Players 2025 in terms of salary plus endorsements—ranked 20 to 1. This list highlights Record-Breaking Football Salaries 2025, focusing on Football Stars with Highest Salaries 2025 in the NFL, though a few non-quarterbacks break in thanks to significant off-field earnings. Discover the Top Football Contracts 2025 and see how High-Income Football Players 2025 leverage bonuses, marketability, and success to secure these deals. Let’s dive into the Leading Football Player Earnings 2025 in American football:

20. Matthew Stafford – ~$33 Million

Quarterback – Los Angeles Rams. A Super Bowl LVI champion, Stafford inked a 4-year, $160 million extension in 2022. Though the deal was front-loaded (with big bonuses in 2022–2023), he’s still due around $31 million in 2025. At 37 years old, his resume includes a Lombardi Trophy, multiple 4,000-yard seasons, and the all-time passing records for the Lions. While not heavily endorsed nationwide, his veteran status and L.A. platform maintain a moderate off-field profile. If he remains healthy and on the Rams’ roster, Stafford’s existing contract keeps him in this top-20 earnings group despite talk of retirement or potential trade.

• On-Field Salary (2025): ~$31 M base salary (plus minor guarantees if still on roster)
• Off-Field Income: $2–3 M via moderate endorsements (AT&T commercials, some local deals post-Super Bowl)

19. Justin Jefferson – ~$35–40 Million (Projected)

Wide Receiver – Minnesota Vikings. Jefferson, 25, is the NFL’s premier wideout, setting receiving records and consistently topping 1,400+ yards each season. A three-time Pro Bowler and 2022 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, he’s poised to reset the WR market with a massive extension in 2025—likely $30M+ in AAV. His “Griddy” dance became a nationwide phenomenon, boosting his popularity. This contract plus modest endorsements (Under Armour, EA Sports) should vault him above $35 million total. The Vikings can’t afford to lose him, making him one of the Best Paid Footballers 2025 outside the QB position.

• On-Field Salary (2025): Potential $30M–$35M from a new extension (large signing bonus + base)
• Off-Field Income: $2–3 M (equipment/apparel sponsors, marketing the “Griddy” brand)

18. Jordan Love – ~$40 Million (Projected)

Quarterback – Green Bay Packers (or another team). Love, 26, took over for Aaron Rodgers in 2023. If he excels, he’ll command a giant extension or a franchise tag by 2025. Forecasts suggest a new multi-year contract with a hefty $40M+ first-year payout (bonus + salary). This reflects the NFL’s growing appetite for paying even moderately proven QBs top-tier money. As a calmer personality, Love’s endorsement presence is small, but the contract alone could catapult him into the Highest Paid Football Players 2025 discussion if he’s the Packers’ long-term starter.

• On-Field Salary (2025): Could be $40M+ if he signs a big extension/franchise tag
• Off-Field Income: Under $1 M (regional deals, limited brand exposure so far)

17. Josh Allen – ~$40 Million

Quarterback – Buffalo Bills. Allen’s 6-year, $258 million extension (2021) was initially front-loaded. By 2025, he’ll earn a more modest base—but Buffalo may rework it, giving him $30M+ in actual pay that year. One of the league’s most marketable QBs, Allen draws roughly $10–12M in endorsements, thanks to his big arm, highlight-reel plays, and Buffalo’s resurgence as a contender. That combination keeps him among the Top Earning Football Players 2025 even if his contract structure defers some money.

• On-Field Salary (2025): $30M+ (depending on bonus conversions)
• Off-Field Income: $10–12 M (Nike, Pepsi, Verizon, local Buffalo sponsors)

16. Derek Carr – $40 Million

Quarterback – New Orleans Saints. Carr, 34, signed a 4-year, $150 million deal in 2023, with $100 million guaranteed. In 2025, he’s set to receive a fully guaranteed $30 million salary plus a $10 million roster bonus. While not a perennial All-Pro, he’s a solid veteran QB who commanded a big contract on the free-agent market. Off the field, his endorsements remain modest, reflecting his low-key persona and smaller markets (Raiders, Saints).

• On-Field Salary (2025): $40 M (combined guaranteed salary and bonus)
• Off-Field Income: < $1 M (equipment, local endorsements)

15. Kyler Murray – ~$40 Million

Quarterback – Arizona Cardinals. Murray, 28, is in year 4 of his 5-year, $230.5M extension. Despite injuries and a struggling roster, he’s owed ~$37M guaranteed in 2025. A dynamic dual-threat QB and former Offensive Rookie of the Year, he draws moderate endorsements due to his popularity at Oklahoma and unique brand (also a former baseball draftee). That said, the Cardinals’ faith in him has locked in these large guaranteed sums.

• On-Field Salary (2025): ~$37M guaranteed
• Off-Field Income: $2–3 M (Nike, gaming sponsors, local deals)

14. Travis Kelce – $50 Million

Tight End – Kansas City Chiefs. Kelce, 35, is an outlier as a non-QB in this list, thanks to massive off-field revenue. On the field, his contract yields around $12–17M yearly, but he remains underpaid relative to QBs. However, Kelce’s off-field empire soared to $30M+ in 2024–25 via commercials (State Farm, Pfizer, Experian), his hit “New Heights” podcast with brother Jason, SNL hosting, and more. A future Hall of Famer with multiple Super Bowl rings, Kelce’s charismatic personality made him one of the NFL’s biggest crossovers, rivaling even star quarterbacks in endorsements.

• On-Field Salary (2025): ~$15–20 M (depending on restructured deals or incentives)
• Off-Field Income: $30M+ (podcast revenue, major ad campaigns, media appearances)

13. Kirk Cousins (Free Agent) – $40+ Million (Projected)

Quarterback – Potentially leaving Minnesota after 2024. Cousins, 37, consistently signs high-value, fully guaranteed contracts. If he returns healthy from his 2023 Achilles injury, a QB-needy team might pay him $35–40M for a one-year prove-it deal or short-term contract. Cousins has historically maximized earnings, making him a perennial high earner. Off the field, he’s fairly low profile, maybe $1M in endorsements.

• On-Field Salary (2025): $35–40 M if he signs a new short-term, high-guarantee deal
• Off-Field Income: ~$1 M from smaller endorsements (faith-based or local partnerships)

12. Tua Tagovailoa – $45–50 Million (Projected)

Quarterback – Miami Dolphins. Tua, 27, is due for a mega-extension or a franchise tag. If he remains healthy and productive, his 2025 pay could easily top $45M from a new deal or tag. He has a small but growing endorsement presence, aided by his Samoan heritage and an ascending Dolphins offense. With the QB market ballooning, Tua’s potential extension can put him in the $50M range.

• On-Field Salary (2025): $45–50 M (new contract or franchise tag)
• Off-Field Income: ~$2–3 M (Nike, Bose, local Miami sponsors)

11. Trevor Lawrence – $50 Million (Projected)

Quarterback – Jacksonville Jaguars. A generational prospect, Lawrence, 25, has led the Jags to playoff success early, so the team is likely to sign him to a $260M+ extension by 2025. That first contract year could deliver $40–45M in signing bonus plus an 8-figure salary. Off the field, he’s consistently top 10 in endorsement income (Adidas, Gatorade, Bose, etc.), near $10M a year. Combining those, we project about $50M total if the extension lands in 2025.

• On-Field Salary (2025): $40–45 M (big signing bonus + option/fifth-year or new deal)
• Off-Field Income: $10 M (various major brand endorsements)

10. Aaron Rodgers (QB, New York Jets) – $45 Million

A 4-time MVP and Super Bowl champion, Rodgers, 41, reworked his deal to join the Jets in 2023 but tore his Achilles in Week 1. If he returns in 2025, he could either finalize a new short contract or exercise leftover guaranteed sums, netting around $30+M on-field. Off the field, Rodgers consistently earns $9–10M from sponsors (State Farm, Nike, Bose). Despite age and injury, his Hall of Fame status keeps him among the Football Stars with Highest Salaries 2025 if he plays.

• On-Field Salary (2025): $30+ M (assuming he’s active, either via new Jets deal or existing structure)
• Off-Field Income: $9–10 M (State Farm, marketing deals)

9. Russell Wilson (QB, Denver Broncos) – $45 Million

A 9-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl XLVIII champion, Wilson, 36, has a 5-year, $245M deal in Denver. Despite a rocky start there, he’s fully guaranteed about $37M in 2025. His off-field endorsements remain around $8M (Nike, Bose, Microsoft). Married to pop star Ciara, Wilson has mainstream recognition. Even as performance lags, his contract ensures top-tier pay until at least 2025.

• On-Field Salary (2025): $37 M guaranteed
• Off-Field Income: $8–10 M (apparel, music/entertainment tie-ins)

8. Jared Goff (QB, Detroit Lions) – $45 Million (Est.)

Goff, 31, resurrected his career in Detroit, earning a 4-year, $212M extension in 2024 with a massive Year-1 bonus. That soared him to $85.6M in 2024. In 2025, his cash likely dips to $35–40M from salary and smaller bonus. Endorsements around $5M push his total near $45M. A two-time Pro Bowler, Goff is capitalizing on the Lions’ newfound success.

• On-Field Salary (2025): $35–40 M
• Off-Field Income: $5 M (BMW, Red Bull, Nike)

7. Deshaun Watson (QB, Cleveland Browns) – $47 Million

Watson’s 5-year, $230M fully guaranteed contract yields $46M each season from 2023–2026. His off-field is minimal (~$1M) after lost endorsements from misconduct allegations. He remains top-paid purely on the basis of this unique guaranteed deal. A 3-time Pro Bowler with the Texans, Watson joined Cleveland in 2022 but faced an 11-game suspension. Despite controversies, the contract’s structure keeps him among the Record-Breaking Football Salaries 2025 list.

• On-Field Salary (2025): $46 M guaranteed
• Off-Field Income: <$1 M (small biz investments, limited sponsorships)

6. Jalen Hurts (QB, Philadelphia Eagles) – $47 Million

Hurts, 26, penned a 5-year, $255M extension in 2023 (avg $51M/yr). In 2025, his option bonus and base total about $42.5M. Add endorsements (~$5M) from Jordan Brand, Beats, Champs Sports, and it’s near $47M. The 2022 MVP runner-up and NFC Champion quickly became one of the league’s top QBs. Marketability soared with his “underdog to star” storyline, fueling an endorsement surge.

• On-Field Salary (2025): $42.5 M
• Off-Field Income: $5 M (Jordan, Beats, Lemon Perfect)

5. Lamar Jackson (QB, Baltimore Ravens) – $45–50 Million

The 2019 MVP overcame a lengthy negotiation to sign a 5-year, $260M deal in 2023. In 2025, he’ll earn about $43–44M in cash. Jackson’s swift, electrifying style and accolades secured him top-tier pay. He earns an additional $5M from deals like Oakley, though overshadowed by bigger endorsers. At 28, he remains the Ravens’ dynamic centerpiece.

• On-Field Salary (2025): $43–44 M
• Off-Field Income: $5 M (equipment sponsors, apparel, entrepreneurial projects)

4. Joe Burrow (QB, Cincinnati Bengals) – $50+ Million

Burrow’s 5-year, $275M extension (signed 2024) sets him above $55M average. In 2025, he pulls $35M salary/bonus plus $15M off-field (Nike, Bose, BodyArmor), hitting $50M total. At just 28, he’s led the Bengals to a Super Bowl and multiple playoff runs. Calm and charismatic, Burrow’s endorsement portfolio is expanding, proving that even a “small market” star can land major deals when performing at an MVP level.

• On-Field Salary (2025): $35 M
• Off-Field Income: $15 M

3. Justin Herbert (QB, Los Angeles Chargers) – $60+ Million

Herbert’s 5-year, $262.5M extension (2023) has a giant $45M option bonus for 2025. Throw in a $15M salary, and his on-field pay is around $60M. Off the field, he racks up $10–11M from sponsors (Nike Jordan, Bose, SoFi), as a rising star. Known for his big arm, he’s become the Chargers’ franchise QB, rewriting rookie passing records and consistently in Pro Bowl form. The front-loaded contract spiking in 2025 cements him in the top three.

• On-Field Salary (2025): $60 M (incl. massive option bonus)
• Off-Field Income: $10–11 M

2. Patrick Mahomes (QB, Kansas City Chiefs) – $75–80 Million

A two-time MVP and three-time Super Bowl winner, Mahomes, 29, remains the NFL’s top superstar. His 10-year, $450M contract pays about $50M in 2025, including roster bonuses. Endorsements add $25–30M (State Farm, Adidas, Oakley, etc.), as he’s the face of the NFL globally. With multiple MVPs and an electric style, Mahomes is recognized even by casual sports fans, driving huge corporate interest. He’s easily among the Football Stars with Highest Salaries 2025 with that combination of on-field payout and massive brand power.

• On-Field Salary (2025): $50 M
• Off-Field Income: $25–30 M

1. Dak Prescott (QB, Dallas Cowboys) – $100 Million

Prescott’s 4-year, $240M extension in 2024 became the NFL’s first $60M-per-year deal, front-loaded so that he earns $86M on the field in 2025 alone. Off the field, the Cowboys’ QB pulls in about $14M via Nike Jordan Brand, AT&T, Beats, Sleep Number, and more. That giant salary plus top-tier endorsements make him the Highest Paid Football Player 2025 at an eye-popping nine-digit total. Prescott, a two-time Pro Bowler and leader of “America’s Team,” consistently ranks near the top for NFL endorsements. His contract cements him at #1 for 2025, surpassing even Mahomes.

• On-Field Salary (2025): $86 M
• Off-Field Income: $14 M

These Top Earning Football Players 2025 underscore the NFL’s spiraling quarterback contracts and rising endorsement clout. Nearly all the Best Paid Footballers 2025 are QBs, as star passers drive Record-Breaking Football Salaries 2025. While a few positions (like Travis Kelce at TE) appear, it’s primarily franchise quarterbacks—some reaping major bonuses from new extensions (Herbert, Burrow) and others locking in guaranteed pay (Watson). Off the field, certain personalities (Mahomes, Prescott, Kelce) turn success into double-digit millions in endorsements. Overall, the NFL’s booming revenues and fierce competition for top QBs ensure that these Football Stars with Highest Salaries 2025 push annual pay to historic heights, setting the stage for even bigger deals in the years to come.

Check Out Our Other Reports

• Top 15 Highest Rated Universities in 2025
• Top 15 Highest Rated Universities in United States 2025
• Top 15 Highest Rated Law Schools in 2025
• 20 of The Best Universities for Finance in the World
• Top 15 Highest Rated Canadian Universities in 2025
• The Top 10 Most Expensive NFTs Ever Sold
• Most Valuable Watch Brands in the World
• Largest American Fast Food Chains
• Best Streaming Services in the USA for 2025
• Top 10 Cities in North America With a Booming Real Estate Market
• Top 10 Largest Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.: The Chains With the Biggest National Footprint
• Top 10 Canadian Fast Food Chains: The Fast Food Companies Shaking Up Canada
• Highest Paid Soccer Players in 2025
• Highest Paid Hockey Players in 2025