The NFL’s Highest-Paid Players 2024

In 2024, the NFL saw a record-breaking offseason for player contracts, with Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions leading the earnings at an estimated $85.6 million. This figure includes $80.6 million from his playing contract and $5 million from endorsements. The list of the highest-paid players is dominated by quarterbacks, with nine out of ten spots filled by them, reflecting the increasing financial power of the position in the league. The only non-quarterback in the top ten is Travis Kelce, a tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, who earned $52 million, largely due to his off-field income of $35 million, a record for players not named Tom Brady. The earnings threshold for the top ten players rose significantly, with the cutoff now at $47 million, a 15% increase from the previous year. This trend highlights the growing revenue of NFL teams, which averaged $630 million last season, up 8% year over year. The financial landscape of the league is shifting, with players benefiting from lucrative contracts and endorsements as teams capitalize on increased revenue streams. Notably, Goff's contract extension included a record-setting $73 million signing bonus, which was briefly the highest in NFL history. Other quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Jordan Love also secured substantial contracts, reflecting their value and performance on the field. The trend of high earnings among quarterbacks has been consistent, with at least nine quarterbacks making the list for three consecutive years. As the NFL continues to grow in popularity and profitability, the financial rewards for its top players are likely to keep increasing, setting new benchmarks for future contracts and player earnings. This evolution in player compensation underscores the importance of quarterback performance and marketability in the modern NFL.