NFL's Most Lucrative Contracts
The world of professional football is no stranger to astronomical contracts. Recently, we've seen a slew of high-profile signings that have reshaped the financial landscape of the NFL. Let's take a closer look at some of these headline-making deals.
Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars: 5 years, $275 million
Signed in 2024, Trevor Lawrence’s contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars, featuring $200 million guaranteed, shows the franchise's significant commitment to their young quarterback. Despite the team's middle-of-the-pack 8-8 record in the 2023 season, Lawrence threw for 21 touchdowns, which is the second-most in his career thus far. Over the last two years, he has compiled over 8,000 passing yards and 55 combined passing and rushing touchdowns, joining elite company alongside Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Jared Goff.
Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals: 5 years, $275 million
Joe Burrow’s 2023 contract with the Cincinnati Bengals ensures his place as a franchise cornerstone, backed by a colossal $219 million in guaranteed money. Burrow led the Bengals to a stellar 12-4 record during the 2022-23 season. His impressive stats include 35 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 4,475 passing yards, and a 68.3% completion rate, underscoring his value and the team's confidence in him.
Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers: 5 years, $170 million
Nick Bosa's 2023 deal with the San Francisco 49ers, including $122.5 million in guaranteed money, makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Bosa’s outstanding performance, earning him the Defensive Player of the Year award and leading the league with 18.5 sacks, justified this hefty contract.
Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers: 5 years, $262.5 million
The Los Angeles Chargers secured Justin Herbert with a 2023 deal guaranteeing 83.3% of the total contract value. Herbert, who set records as the most successful rookie quarterback in terms of passing yards and completions, led the Chargers to their first playoff appearance in four years. Notably, 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 2023 contract with the Baltimore Ravens, including $185 million guaranteed, came after painstaking negotiations. Representing himself, Jackson, the second unanimous selection as NFL MVP, secured a deal that reflects his massive contribution to the team.
Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles: 5 years, $255 million
Jalen Hurts' 2023 extension with the Philadelphia Eagles features a no-trade clause, a first in franchise history. With 70.3% of his contract guaranteed, Hurts aims to build on his previous success, highlighted by leading the Eagles to a Super Bowl berth.
Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns: 5 years, $230 million
Deshaun Watson's 2022 contract with the Cleveland Browns stands out largely due to its full guarantee of $230 million. However, his tenure has been rocky, marred by an 11-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy.
Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals: 5 years, $189.5 million
Kyler Murray's 2022 deal with the Arizona Cardinals includes 82.2% in guaranteed money. Despite a solid performance, his season was cut short due to injury, and the Cardinals ended with a disappointing 4-13 record.
Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos: 5 years, $161 million
The Denver Broncos' 2022 contract with Russell Wilson may go down as one of the worst trades in NFL history if his first season performance is any indicator. Wilson struggled severely, completing barely 60% of his passes and throwing just 16 touchdowns.
Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers: 3 years, $150.8 million
Aaron Rodgers' 2022 Green Bay Packers contract made him one of the highest-paid athletes yearly. However, following a lackluster season, Rodgers now plays for the New York Jets after a high-profile trade.
Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills: 6 years, $150 million
Josh Allen's 2021 extension with the Buffalo Bills guarantees him $150 million. With over 9,306 passing yards and 74 touchdowns over the past two years, Allen continues to demonstrate why he is worth every penny.
MLB’s Most Valuable Players
Baseball has also seen its share of record-shattering contracts, and none more so than Shohei Ohtani. His exceptional talent and marketability have earned him a historic payday.
Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers: 10 years, $700 million
Shohei Ohtani’s 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2023 smashed all predictions and solidified his status as arguably the best player in baseball. Despite an elbow injury sidelining him as a pitcher next season, Ohtani is determined to make his first playoff appearance.
Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels: 12 years, $426.5 million
Mike Trout's 2019 contract with the Los Angeles Angels ensured one of baseball’s best players remained with the team. Despite enduring some injuries, Trout has managed to play 423 games and win the 2019 MVP since signing his contract.
NBA’s Record Contracts
The NBA has witnessed stupendous deals in recent times that have set new benchmarks. Jaylen Brown and Nikola Jokic are two standout recipients.
Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics: 5 years, $304 million
Jaylen Brown's 2023 contract with the Boston Celtics is the largest in NBA history. Averaging 26.6 points per game, Brown has been instrumental in leading the Celtics to three of the last four Eastern Conference Finals, usually in tandem with 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, which was the largest contract in NBA history until Jaylen Brown’s record deal.
NHL’s Distinguished Deals
The NHL has its own set of monumental deals, with Shea Weber and Sidney Crosby being prime examples.
Shea Weber, Nashville Predators: 14 years, $110 million
Shea Weber's 14-year deal signed in 2012 has had its ups and downs. Despite being plagued by injuries, this agreement remains noteworthy, though it is uncertain whether Weber will play in the NHL again.
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins: 12 years, $104.4 million
Sidney Crosby’s 2013 contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins ensures the team will benefit from his skills until he is 38. Despite his advancing age, Crosby continues to perform at a high level.