Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady trail unexpected names in all-time earnings as NFL contracts hit record highs

NFL contracts continue to skyrocket, with guaranteed money becoming an increasingly important factor in negotiations. Every season, players push for higher guarantees, whether through signing bonuses or fully guaranteed deals. Just yesterday, the Cincinnati Bengals made headlines by locking up their receiving duo: Ja'Marr Chase signed a four-year, $161 million deal with $112 million guaranteed, while Tee Higgins signed a four-year, $115 million deal. These moves reflect the influence of franchise quarterbacks, as Joe Burrow - who ranks third among active players in guaranteed money - ensured his top targets stayed put. As for next season, only Deshaun Watson and Josh Allen surpass Burrow among all NFL players in guaranteed money, with Allen's recent contract restructuring after winning the MVP bumping him up the list. Just to remind you, the top 14 players on the list with the most guaranteed money for next year are quarterbacks.

Most Career Earnings All-Time List

Topping the list of career earnings is Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has amassed a staggering $391 million over his 17-year career. A Super Bowl champion with Los Angeles, Stafford recently agreed to a restructured extension that lowered his salary - likely a strategic move that helped facilitate the Rams' acquisition of star receiver Davante Adams. Now paired with Puka Nacua, Adams forms one of the most dynamic receiving duos in the league. With two years remaining on his contract, Stafford has a real shot at another ring, especially with the Rams defense expected to be among the league's best next season and Sean McVay's offensive system remaining as effective as ever.

Stafford is followed by Aaron Rodgers ($380 million) and Tom Brady ($332 million). The two legendary quarterbacks account for seven MVP awards between them - nearly half of the 16 total MVPs accumulated by the top 20 players on this list.Peyton Manning, who sits at No. 12, owns five of those MVPs, while his brother Eli is one spot ahead of him at No. 11. Known for consistently restructuring his contract to create cap space for his teams, Brady has prioritized winning over maximizing personal earnings. As some have humorously put it: "Brady belongs in the Hall of Fame, and Cousins belongs in the Hall of Negotiations.

The Most Surprising Names on the List

Of the top 20 highest-paid players, nine have played at least 15 seasons. Looking ahead, Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen are prime candidates for future record-setting contracts, as both are expected to sign extensions worth at least $100 million in additional guarantees. If they stay healthy and maintain their current level of play, it's only a matter of time before one (or both) of them breaks into the top five. The upside for them is that the money they generate from sponsorships is also much higher than it used to be, so I guess they'll learn from the best, Tom Brady, and look to lower their salaries so the team can sign other players to remain competitive for the rest of their careers.

The rapid inflation of NFL salaries means that current players are securing contracts that dwarf what some of the game's greatest legends earned during their entire careers. While elite quarterbacks dominate the earnings leaderboard, a few names stand out as financial "winners" despite their on-field performances. Kirk Cousins, Derek Carr and Deshaun Watson have each surpassed $200 million in career earnings, while Ryan Tannehill is just shy of that milestone - all without ever being considered elite at their position, as they all have play in five or less playoff games.

The Impact of Longevity and Playoff Success

Six of the top 10 highest-earning players have won at least one Super Bowl, and eight have played in one. Among them, Kirk Cousins is the clear outlier - he ranks fourth in career earnings despite playing fewer than five career playoff games. That's more a testament to his negotiating skills than his postseason success.

Meanwhile, Derek Carr (one playoff game) and Deshaun Watson (three playoff games) have the fewest postseason appearances among the top 20. Watson, who ranks 15th in career earnings, holds the record for the highest guaranteed contract in NFL history ($230 million) and will be the highest-paid player in the league next season. Still do not know if he will recover from the injury he suffered because reports indicate that he will not recover for the start of the season.

The list is overwhelmingly dominated by quarterbacks, with only two exceptions: left tackle Trent Williams and pass rusher Von Miller, who managed to crack the top 20 despite playing non-premium positions. With salary caps rising every year, it's only a matter of time before the next wave of contracts pushes new names onto this elite list.