The National Football League (NFL) is not just a venue for athletic brilliance. It’s also a profitable league that is seeing billions of dollars in revenue per year. NFL players typically command enormous salaries making them among the highest-paid athletes in sports. This article will examine the number of the top 10 highest-paid athletes in the NFL in 2025. We will also examine their salaries and reasons they are paid so much.
1. Patrick Mahomes
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is number 1 on the list of highest-paid athletes in NFL for 2025. His yearly wage in 2025 is around $50 million in salary. Mahomes signed a 10-year contract with the team for up to $503 million in 2020, making it one of the biggest contracts ever in sports in history. He has been a top quarterback with talent, leadership qualities, and an uncanny ability to play well in pressure situations, supported his role as a franchise quarterback and fan-favorite.
2. Josh Allen
In second place is Josh Allen, the quarterback for the Buffalo Bills with a 2025 Salary of $45 million. Allen has quickly become one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL due to his ability to throw and run as a dual-threat quarterback. The success he has achieved with the Bills has put the franchise in serious contention in the AFC which reflects the amount of the contract.
3. Dak Prescott
With a $44 million earnings, Dak Prescott the quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys is in third place. Prescott signed a four-year $160 million contract in 2021 which included a $66 million signing bonus. With his statistical performances and leadership on and off the field. Prescott has secured his spot as one of the best quarterbacks currently in play.
4. Aaron Rodgers
Experienced quarter back Aaron Rodgers who plays for the Green Bay Packers. He is at number fourth with a $42 million in salary for 2025. Rodgers is a two-time NFL MVP, he’s always been one of the best performers in the league. It is not surprising that he is included in the top 10 earners. There is a lot of value in a player with his experience and skill set, and his contract accounts for the significance of being one of the best quarterbacks of all time.
5. Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson, the quarterback of the Denver Broncos rates fifth with a $40 million salary for 2025. Wilson has always been a weekend and week out performer in the NFL with success in the Seattle Seahawks leading to the Super Bowl and several Pro Bowls. His ability to extend plays and make big time throws with his arm and legs is one of the reasons he is respected as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.
6. Deshaun Watson
Deshaun Watson, who plays quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, is next in line with a $39 million dollar salary. Watson has made plays with both his arm and legs which has made him an exciting quarterback to watch with the right amount of athletic ability and seems to get better at making every play when there are challenges. He has had off the field challenges that but has made his money and stay has kept him amongst NFL players in pay.
7. Kyler Murray
Kyler Murray’s the quarterback of the Arizona Cardinals and ranks seventh with a $38 million salary. Murray is an explosive dual-threat quarterback. His ability to create plays off of his legs and arm have electrified people since day 1 in the league, he can play to the highest level when he chooses to. This contract is evidence of him having the goal of being the franchise quarterback in the NFL for the Cardinals.
8. Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson’s the quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens and ranks eighth with a $37 million salary. Jackson is known for a play style that has an innate ability to effect a game, with his legs being one of the more gamechanging commodities in the NFL, as well as being awarded NFL MVP in 2019. Jackson’s resume speaks for itself, furthermore, the impact Jackson has made and the contract he executes will show for itself.
9. Jimmy Garoppolo
Jimmy Garoppolo is the quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders and the ninth ranked on the list with a $36 million salary. Garoppolo has had a great career a Super Bowl appearance with the 49ers speaks for itself. Garoppolo seems very confident in his ability to throw a football but moreover, lead the team which will show itself through the contracts he executes that undoubtedly establish him amongst the highest paid athletes in the NFL.
10. Tua Tagovailoa
Rounding out the top 10 is Tua Tagovailoa. He is the quarterback for the Miami Dolphins, with a salary of $35 million. Tagovailoa has shown promise as a young quarterback, and his potential has led to a significant contract. As he continues to develop and improve, he has the opportunity to climb higher on this list in the coming years.
Conclusion
The NFL continues to be a lucrative platform for athletes, with the top players earning staggering salaries that reflect their talent and contributions to the game. As we look ahead to 2025, the top 10 highest-paid athletes in the NFL showcase the financial rewards that come with excellence in football.
If you want to know more about player salaries, just check out more players’ salaries at Moneyleak.com.
