As the NFL continues to grow in global popularity and financial strength, the league’s top stars are cashing in both on and off the field. According to Sportico, the list of the highest-paid NFL players in 2025 reveals just how much today’s athletes are earning from contracts and endorsements combined.
Patrick Mahomes Tops the List
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes leads the way, with his total earnings exceeding $60 million. His salary and bonuses account for the bulk of his income, but Mahomes also commands one of the largest endorsement portfolios in sports. His partnerships with major brands make him not only the highest-paid player in the league but also one of the most marketable athletes in the world.
Quarterbacks Dominate the Rankings
The top of the list is packed with elite quarterbacks:
- Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills) and Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) both hover near the $60 million mark, combining monster contracts with lucrative endorsement deals.
- Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys) and Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins) follow closely, showing how valuable consistent QB play is in today’s NFL.
- Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers), despite his rookie contract beginnings, now earns at a level comparable with seasoned veterans thanks to performance incentives and sponsorships.
Non-Quarterbacks Making Their Mark
While QBs dominate, several non-quarterbacks cracked the list:
- Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs) stands out as the highest-paid non-QB, with endorsements boosting his earnings significantly, reflecting his status as one of the most recognizable faces in the NFL.
- Micah Parsons (Dallas Cowboys) and T.J. Watt (Pittsburgh Steelers) highlight how dominant defenders can also command major paydays.
- Ja’Marr Chase (Cincinnati Bengals) and Justin Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings) showcase how elite wide receivers are redefining their value in today’s passing-heavy league.
Veterans Still Cashing In
Longtime stars are still raking in big checks:
- Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams) and Deshaun Watson (Cleveland Browns) continue to rank among the league’s highest earners thanks to massive contracts signed earlier in their careers.
- Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens) also maintains a high spot after negotiating his record-breaking extension.
Rising Stars and Endorsement Power
The chart also highlights the growing impact of endorsements:
- Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars) and Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals) are already commanding impressive sponsorship deals alongside their contracts.
- Baker Mayfield, despite ups and downs in his career, benefits from a strong endorsement presence, keeping him among the top earners.
- Players like Sam Darnold and Geno Smith prove that even journeyman quarterbacks can earn significantly in the modern NFL economy.