These days, securing a top-tier quarterback comes with a massive price tag. But NFL teams don’t hesitate to spend record-breaking amounts to strengthen their offense. The San Francisco 49ers’ Brock Purdy is the latest example.
The 49ers just signed him to a five-year deal worth $265 million. This new contract not only gives a huge boost to his underdog story but also shakes up the rankings. Here’s a closer look at the updated list of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL—and the college programs that helped shape these multi-million-dollar stars into who they are today.
College Football Origins of Top 10 Highest-Paid QB
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Lamar Jackson – Louisville
Lamar Jackson became a college football legend at Louisville in 2016, when he won the Heisman Trophy with his amazing skills in both passing and running. Over three seasons, Jackson threw for 9,043 yards and 69 touchdowns. He also rushed for 4,132 yards and scored 50 rushing touchdowns.
Now, with his five-year, $260 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens, he ranks as the 10th highest-paid quarterback in the country. The speed star is averaging $52 million per year, with $185 million guaranteed and $135 million fully guaranteed. The Baltimore Ravens set his deal to expire in 2028, which includes void years.
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Justin Herbert – Oregon
The number nine spot belongs to Los Angeles Chargers QB Justin Herbert, who was a four-year starter at Oregon, helping the Ducks win the 2019 Rose Bowl in his senior season.
He finished his college career with 10,541 passing yards and 95 touchdowns, a record-breaking stat that cemented him as one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Herbert’s annual salary is $52.5 million per year. He is currently under a five-year, $262.5 million contract, which includes $193.7 million guaranteed and $133.7 million fully guaranteed. His deal expires in 2030, and if his performance remains solid in the upcoming season, we can expect another massive contract extension shortly.
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Jared Goff – California
Jared Goff’s journey to becoming a top quarterback prospect started in California. His ability to read defenses and make pinpoint throws earned him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. The California native ended his college career with 12,195 passing yards and 96 touchdowns. He also holds the Pac-12 record for most passing yards per game.
He has recently signed a four-year, $212 million contract with the Detroit Lions, which will expire in 2029. Through this deal, he is now making $53 million per year, with $170.6 million guaranteed and $113.6 million fully guaranteed.
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Brock Purdy – Iowa State
Despite being selected as “Mr. Irrelevant” in the 2022 NFL Draft, Brock Purdy has made a name for himself. The former Iowa State QB finished his time with the Cyclones with 12,170 passing yards and 81 touchdowns. The last season was crucial for him, as he led the San Francisco 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance.
As a reward, the team has given the underdog a five-year, $265 million contract. This new deal will pay him $53 million per year, with $181 million guaranteed and $110 million fully guaranteed. Purdy now ranks fifth in total contract value among quarterbacks and seventh in average annual salary.
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Tua Tagovailoa – Alabama
Tua Tagovailoa rose to fame at Alabama, leading the Crimson Tide to a national championship victory in 2017. His college career was impressive, throwing for 7,442 yards and 87 touchdowns. Tua earned several accolades, including the Maxwell and Walter Camp Player of the Year awards in 2018, and he was a Heisman Trophy finalist.
Now, he’s with the Miami Dolphins under a four-year, $212.4 million contract. This deal pays him an average of $53.1 million per year, with $167.2 million guaranteed and $93.1 million fully guaranteed, placing him among the top five highest-paid quarterbacks.
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Trevor Lawrence – Clemson
Trevor Lawrence led Clemson to a national championship in 2018 and quickly became one of the most hyped quarterback prospects ever. Known for his size, arm strength, and football IQ, he lived up to the hype.
The 25-year-old has signed a five-year, $275 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The contract averages $55 million per year, with $200 million guaranteed and $142 million fully guaranteed.
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Jordan Love – Utah State
Jordan Love, a former Utah State quarterback, ranks fourth on the list. Despite being underrated early in his career, he gained national recognition over time. Love has signed a four-year, $220 million contract with the Green Bay Packers, earning $55 million per year. It includes $160.3 million guaranteed and $100.8 million fully guaranteed.
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Josh Allen – Wyoming
Now we enter the top three, starting with Buffalo Bills’ star Josh Allen. Allen developed into a star, passing for 5,066 yards and 44 touchdowns during his college career at the University of Wyoming. He has recently signed a six-year, $330 million contract, which allows him to earn $55 million per year.
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Joe Burrow – LSU
Joe Burrow’s 2019 season at LSU is one of the best in college football history. He led the Tigers to a national title, threw for 5,671 yards and 60 touchdowns, won the Heisman Trophy, and broke several records.
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Burrow is currently the second-highest-paid quarterback in NFL history. He has signed a five-year, $275 million contract with the Cincinnati Bengals, earning $55 million per year. Many anticipated that Burrow’s contract would shatter previous records, yet one player still leads the pack.
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Dak Prescott – Mississippi State
Dak Prescott, quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys, is leading the ranks. Prescott was a standout at Mississippi State, leading the Bulldogs to a No. 1 national ranking in 2014. He rushed for 2,521 yards and scored 41 rushing touchdowns, making him one of the best quarterbacks in SEC history.
Prescott’s record-breaking four-year, $240 million extension with the Cowboys is still leading the NFL rank book. The deal, with void years attached, averages $60 million per year and expires in 2029.
But, in terms of total valuation, Patrick Mahomes is leading the NFL record books, as his 10-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs is worth $450 million. However, the Chiefs plan to revisit his contract after 2026, potentially restructuring it to reflect his continued dominance in the league.
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