As Alec Pierce might be aware, money inflates over time in certain instances. For some, this means weakening salaries without raises as prices go up. For others, it means more money for the same product. NFL players, almost like cars or houses, have become more expensive over the years.
A solid receiver today usually costs more than a solid receiver did ten years ago. As such, most of the most expensive free agents have recently been added to a team. Keeping this in mind, here’s a look at the highest-paid free agents (not traded players) in NFL history by total contract size.
Highest Paid Free Agents In NFL history
#6 – Alec Pierce, $114 million in 2026
Alec Pierce cracked the top six in 2026 with his $114 million contract to bring him back to the Indianapolis Colts. Pierce, riding a hot few years with Indianapolis, threatened to leave, but Indianapolis blinked first.
#5 – Von Miller, $120 million in 2022
Von Miller cashed in after winning the Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos. After winning the Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams, he won another huge contract, joining the Buffalo Bills. According to Spotrac, the deal offered $51 million guaranteed with the ability to earn up to $120 million.
#4 – Jaelan Phillips: $120 million in 2026
2026’s free agency window gave two of the most expensive free agent contracts in NFL history. In addition to Alec Pierce, pass rusher Jaelan Phillips cashed in, joining the Carolina Panthers. It wasn’t cheap to get him to do so with $80 million guaranteed.
#3 – Trent Williams: $138 million in 2021
Trent Williams, like Alec Pierce, entered free agency only to turn around to rejoin the San Francisco 49ers. However, it took a de facto mortgage to do so, even by NFL standards. The left tackle secured a deal with $55 million guaranteed.
#2 – Derek Carr: $150 million in 2023
Derek Carr ended his career without a notable playoff run, but he scored an equally impressive amount of money to join the New Orleans Saints in 2023 with $100 million guaranteed. The quarterback didn’t end up fixing much for the team and is now out of the NFL.
#1 – Kirk Cousins: $180 million in 2024
Kirk Cousins was part of a two-pronged all-out attack on Atlanta’s quarterback situation. Not only did Atlanta give out the most expensive free agent deal in NFL history, but the team also drafted Michael Penix Jr. in the first round that season. Cousins soon became a backup quarterback, and the general manager who drafted him, Terry Fontenot, was out of a job.
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