The highest-paid NFL players, in particular, garner a lot of attention
You won’t believe the staggering amounts of money these NFL athletes are raking in, it’s not just their on-field earnings that will leave you in awe.
The highest-paid players are often the best in the league. Their contracts reflect their exceptional skills and performance, making them the focal point of their teams and the league. In this article, you will meet the highest-paid 2023 NFL players.
Meet the NFL’s Top Money Earners in 2023
In 2023, the NFL isn’t just about touchdowns; it’s about jaw-dropping contracts and star-studded rosters Here are the highest-paid NFL players this year with a presence that electrifies stadiums:
1. Joe Burrow, Bengals
Joe Burrow, affectionately known as “Joe Brrr,” secured the number one spot with his five-year, $275 million contract. He’s now the highest-paid player in NFL history. This rising star has been instrumental in guiding the Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance and an AFC championship game in recent seasons. His 2022 performance included 35 touchdowns, 4,475 passing yards, and many touchdowns.
- Annual Salary: $55 million
- Total Value of Contract: $275 million
- Guaranteed Money: $219.01 million
2. Justin Herbert, Chargers
Justin Herbert, the sixth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, inked a lucrative five-year deal that slightly edged out Lamar Jackson’s contract. Herbert’s stellar career start includes posting the most passing yards in the first three years for any quarterback and 94 passing touchdowns, second only to Dan Marino.
- Annual Salary: $52.5 million
- Total Value of Contract: $262.5 million
- Guaranteed Money: $218.7 million
3. Lamar Jackson, Ravens
Lamar Jackson climbed the ladder to become the highest-paid quarterback with his five-year, $260 million deal. His performance on the field, when healthy, has earned him this big-money contract. However, staying injury-free will be crucial for him to fulfill this massive deal.
- Annual Salary: $52 million
- Total Value of Contract: $260 million
- Guaranteed Money: $185 million
4. Jalen Hurts, Eagles
Jalen Hurts secured one of the most lucrative deals in NFL history with his five-year extension totaling $255 million. He led the Eagles to the Super Bowl and impressed with 3,701 passing yards and 22 touchdowns, plus 760 rushing yards and 13 scores in the 2022 season.
- Annual Salary: $51 million
- Total Value of Contract: $255 million
- Guaranteed Money: $179.3 million
5. Russell Wilson, Broncos
Wilson, after moving to the Broncos, will be looking to bounce back from a challenging season with the Seahawks. Denver is hoping for a revival under the guidance of coach Sean Payton, but Wilson will need to step up to justify the team’s investment.
- Annual Salary: $48.5 million
- Total Value of Contract: $242.5 million
- Guaranteed Money: $150 million
6. Kyler Murray, Cardinals
Murray faced struggles in 2022, and an ACL tear in December has raised questions about his return in 2023. Cardinals fans may have to wait until 2024 to see if he can regain his form as a solid starter.
- Annual Salary: $46.1 million
- Total Value of Contract: $230.5 million
- Guaranteed Money: $146.5 million
7. Deshaun Watson, Browns
Watson, who turns 28 this month, still makes some off-field money from the NFL Players Association’s group licensing agreements. These include from sales of his jersey, and his playing contract is set to pay him $46 million in 2023 and each of the next three years.
- Annual Salary: $46 million
- Total Value of Contract: $230 million
- Guaranteed Money: $150 million
NFL Stars and Sports Betting
The highest-paid players can influence sports betting. Fans are monitoring these players and taking their passion for the game to the next level by engaging in sports betting through platforms. Websites like Legit Gambling Sites provide fans with the opportunity to wager on games, player performances, and even the outcomes of entire seasons.
The Heart Behind the Helmets
It’s crucial to look beyond the figures and contracts to truly appreciate these athletes. Every player on this list reached the top through sheer dedication and hard work. They’ve invested endless hours in training, faced setbacks head-on, and pushed their bodies and minds to the limit to excel in football.
Their success isn’t just about money; it’s a testament to the unwavering commitment of professional athletes. So, as you root for your favorite teams and players, remember the incredible journeys that brought them to this point.