NFL's Lucrative Contracts: A Closer Look at the Stars and their Mega Deals
Professional sports have always been a lucrative industry, but recent years have seen some eye-popping contracts that redefine the term "big money." NFL players, especially quarterbacks, continue to land gargantuan deals, and this year has been no different. Let's delve into some of the most significant contracts in football and beyond.
Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars: 5 years, $275 million
The Jacksonville Jaguars made a substantial commitment to their young quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, signing him to a five-year deal worth $275 million in 2024. With $200 million of that guaranteed, Lawrence's contract demonstrates the Jaguars' faith in his future. In the 2023 season, he led the Jaguars to an 8-8 record and threw 21 touchdowns, the second-highest of his career. Over the past two seasons, he accumulated over 8,000 passing yards and 55 combined passing and rushing touchdowns, placing him among elite quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Jared Goff.
Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals: 5 years, $275 million
Joe Burrow’s 2023 contract ensures his place as a cornerstone for the Cincinnati Bengals, with $219 million guaranteed. Burrow’s performance in the 2022-23 season was nothing short of spectacular. He led the Bengals to a 12-4 record, throwing for 35 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and passing for 4,475 yards with a 68.3% completion rate. Burrow’s deal underscores his value to the Bengals and their confidence in his abilities.
Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers: 5 years, $170 million
Nick Bosa set a new standard for non-quarterbacks in the NFL with his five-year, $170 million contract, including $122.5 million guaranteed. Signed in 2023, this deal makes Bosa the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. The San Francisco 49ers rewarded Bosa for his outstanding performance the previous season, where he earned the Defensive Player of the Year award and led the league with 18.5 sacks.
Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers: 5 years, $262.5 million
The Los Angeles Chargers secured their franchise quarterback, Justin Herbert, with a five-year deal worth $262.5 million. Signed in 2023, the contract guarantees 83.3% of its total value. Herbert, who set records as a rookie for passing yards and completions, led the Chargers to their first playoff appearance in four years. His contract's average annual value of $52.5 million is the highest in NFL history.
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens: 5 years, $260 million
Lamar Jackson’s contract with the Baltimore Ravens, signed in 2023, is worth $260 million with $185 million guaranteed. This deal came after a lengthy negotiation period where Jackson represented himself. As the second unanimous selection for NFL MVP, Jackson's deal reflects his immense talent and value to the Ravens.
Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles: 5 years, $255 million
Jalen Hurts’ contract extension in 2023, valued at $255 million, includes a unique feature for the Philadelphia Eagles — a no-trade clause, the first in franchise history. With 70.3% of the deal guaranteed, Hurts aims to build on his success, which saw him lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl berth.
Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns: 5 years, $230 million
Deshaun Watson's 2022 contract with the Cleveland Browns guarantees $230 million, making headlines not just for the money but also the controversies Watson has faced. He was suspended for 11 games for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy, casting a shadow over his tenure with the Browns.
Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals: 5 years, $189.5 million
Kyler Murray signed a five-year deal worth $189.5 million with the Arizona Cardinals in 2022, with 82.2% of it guaranteed. Despite his solid performance, an injury cut his season short, and the Cardinals ended with a dismal 4-13 record.
Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos: 5 years, $161 million
The Denver Broncos’ deal with Russell Wilson, signed in 2022, could be one of the worst trades and contracts in NFL history if his first season’s struggles continue. Wilson barely completed 60% of his passes and threw just 16 touchdowns, raising concerns about his future performance.
Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers: 3 years, $150.8 million
Aaron Rodgers’ contract with the Green Bay Packers, signed in 2022, makes him one of the highest-paid athletes annually. However, Rodgers now plays for the New York Jets following a trade that came after a lackluster season with the Packers.
Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills: 6 years, $150 million
Josh Allen’s six-year extension, signed in 2021, guarantees him $150 million. Over the past two years, Allen has thrown for over 9,306 yards and 74 touchdowns, proving his immense value to the Buffalo Bills.
MLB’s Most Valuable Players
Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers: 10 years, $700 million
Shohei Ohtani’s 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, signed in 2023, set a new record in baseball. Despite being sidelined as a pitcher next season due to an elbow injury, Ohtani aims to make the playoffs for the first time in his career. This deal cements his status as arguably the best player in baseball.
Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels: 12 years, $426.5 million
Mike Trout's 2019 deal ensures that one of baseball’s best players remains an Angel. Despite injuries, Trout has managed to play 423 games and win the 2019 MVP since signing his contract.
NBA’s Record Contracts
Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics: 5 years, $304 million
Jaylen Brown’s 2023 deal with the Boston Celtics stands as the largest in NBA history. Averaging 26.6 points per game, Brown has been pivotal in leading the Celtics to three of the last four Eastern Conference Finals alongside Jayson Tatum.
Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets: 5 years, $272 million
Nikola Jokic, the reigning NBA Finals MVP, signed a max extension with the Denver Nuggets in 2022, worth $272 million, making it the largest contract in NBA history until Brown’s record deal.
NHL’s Distinguished Deals
Shea Weber, Nashville Predators: 14 years, $110 million
Shea Weber’s 14-year deal, signed in 2012, has seen its share of ups and downs. While Weber has been plagued by injuries, it remains uncertain whether he will play in the NHL again.
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins: 12 years, $104.4 million
Sidney Crosby’s 2013 contract ensures that the Penguins will benefit from his skills until his age-38 season. Despite aging, Crosby continues to perform at a high level.