The 2020-2021 NFL season isn’t underway yet, of course, as it’s only April! However, with the COVID-19 pandemic, no one, not even Roger Goodell, is sure if it will begin on time, when it will begin, or if it will begin at all. Fingers crossed that the world has this virus beat by August so we can get our football fix from both the NFL and NCAA. Not only that, but there are also some fat NFL quarterback contracts out there, and the guaranteed money of the 10 highest-paid quarterbacks is pretty insane!
Consider the fact that NFL contracts are not all that player-friendly. Fully guaranteed contracts are nearly non-existent. The average NFL career only lasts three years as well, so it can be hard to make a lot of money—as we know from all the stories of former professional football players that are broke after their NFL career ends. If you’re a quarterback, the chance of a guaranteed contract and making good money are an easier proposition, as you can see from the 10 quarterbacks below. From Matt Ryan to Tom Brady, these athletes will take home a guaranteed amount ranging from $50 million to $94.5 million from their current contracts.
Tom Brady comes in 10th on the list of the richest NFL quarterback contracts, with the $50 million he’s guaranteed to make with his brand new two-year contract with Tampa Bay. Speaking of Brady, it’s going to be weird seeing him in a Buccaneers jersey and how long it will take Pats fans to get over losing their golden boy? The Atlanta Falcons' Matt Ryan has the richest contract of any NFL quarterback. He earns $30 million a year and is guaranteed to make $94.5 million on his current five-year contract, which started with the 2019-2020 season.
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Top NFL Quarterback Contracts
As we dive into the world of NFL quarterback contracts, it’s important to highlight how lucrative these deals can be. Quarterbacks are often the face of their teams, and as such, they command some of the highest salaries in professional sports. The contracts listed below reveal how these athletes have secured their financial futures.
Tom Brady – $50 million guaranteed
Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Total Contract: 2 years, $50 million
Details: Brady and Tampa agreed to a two-year, $50 million, fully guaranteed contract. This contract also includes up to $9 million in additional incentives. The Bucs have agreed not to use the franchise tag on him or trade him when the deal expires, and Brady will be 45 years old when this contract expires, suggesting he may retire at that point.
Alex Smith – $55 million guaranteed
Team: Washington Redskins
Total Contract: 4 years, $94 million
Details: Smith and the Redskins agreed to a four-year, $94 million contract, including a $27 million signing bonus. His average annual salary during the contract period is $23.5 million, with a base salary of $16 million in 2020.
Jared Goff – $57.04 million guaranteed
Team: Los Angeles Rams
Total Contract: 4 years, $134 million
Details: In 2019, Goff signed a four-year contract extension for $134 million, ensuring he remains with the Rams through 2024.
Matthew Stafford – $60.5 million guaranteed
Team: Detroit Lions
Total Contract: 5 years, $135 million
Details: Stafford signed a five-year contract with the Lions that includes a $50 million signing bonus and an average annual salary of $27 million. In 2020, he will earn a base salary of $7.8 million and a workout bonus of $500,000.
Ryan Tannehill – $62 million guaranteed
Team: Tennessee Titans
Total Contract: 4 years, $118 million
Details: Tannehill signed a four-year contract extension in 2020, which averages $29.5 million guaranteed each year.
Individual Details of Each Contract
Now that we have covered some of the key contracts, let’s take a closer look at the remaining quarterbacks and their impressive deals. Each contract tells a story of talent, hard work, and the high stakes of professional football.
Kirk Cousins – $66 million guaranteed
Team: Minnesota Vikings
Total Contract: 2 years, $66 million
Details: Cousins signed a two-year contract extension worth $66 million in 2020. Overall, his deal amounts to $96 million over three years.
Carson Wentz – $66.47 million guaranteed
Team: Philadelphia Eagles
Total Contract: 4 years, $128 million
Details: Wentz signed a four-year contract with a $16.4 million signing bonus and an average salary of $32 million. In 2020, he will earn a base salary of $1.4 million, a roster bonus of $8 million, and a signing bonus of $30 million.
Russell Wilson – $70 million guaranteed
Team: Seattle Seahawks
Total Contract: 4 years, $140 million
Details: Wilson agreed to a four-year contract extension in 2019, which included a $65 million signing bonus and an average annual salary of $35 million. This contract was notable for being the biggest signing bonus in NFL history at the time.
Aaron Rodgers – $78.7 million guaranteed
Team: Green Bay Packers
Total Contract: 4 years, $134 million
Details: Rodgers signed a new four-year contract in 2018, with a signing bonus of $57 million, keeping him in Green Bay for the remainder of his NFL career.
Matt Ryan – $94.5 million guaranteed
Team: Atlanta Falcons
Total Contract: 5 years, $150 million
Details: Ryan was entering the final year of his six-year contract when he signed a new five-year extension. The new contract included $94.5 million guaranteed, ensuring a substantial payday over the next two seasons.
In summary, the contracts of these quarterbacks highlight not just their talent on the field but also their significant financial rewards. The NFL continues to be a league where the best players can secure life-changing contracts, allowing them to focus on their game while enjoying the fruits of their labor.
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