Who are the highest paid NFL Players in 2023?

The 2023 NFL season has kicked off with a bang, featuring a slew of record-breaking contracts for some of the league’s top players. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of NFL salaries and explore the top 10 highest paid NFL players for the 2023 season, according to Forbes. These athletes are not only redefining the game but also setting new standards for financial success in professional football.

While these players are the cream of the crop in terms of earnings, it’s also worth noting that they often hail from some of the most popular NFL teams in the league. The fan bases of these teams are passionate and dedicated, driving significant revenue and media attention.

10 Highest Paid NFL Players in 2023

Wondering who are the highest paid NFL Players in 2023? In the world of professional sports, it’s no secret that American football players command some of the highest salaries. As we dive into the 2023 NFL season, we take a closer look at the top earners in the league and what’s contributing to their record-breaking paydays.

Collectively, the top ten highest-earning NFL players in 2023 are set to make an astounding $508 million in the league year, before factoring in taxes and agent fees. This represents a 4% increase from the previous year’s record of $489 million. However, it’s worth noting that off-field earnings for the top ten have decreased, falling from $120 million in 2022 to $69 million. This decline can be attributed to the retirement of Tom Brady, who was a significant contributor to off-field earnings in 2022.

10. Russell Wilson

• Age: 34
• Position: Quarterback
• Team: Denver Broncos
• On-Field Earnings: $28 million
• Off-Field Earnings: $13 million

9. Kyler Murray

• Age: 26
• Position: Quarterback
• Team: Arizona Cardinals
• On-Field Earnings: $39 million
• Off-Field Earnings: $3.5 million

8. Dak Prescott

• Age: 30
• Position: Quarterback
• Team: Dallas Cowboys
• On-Field Earnings: $66 million

7. Joe Burrow

• Age: 26
• Position: Quarterback
• Team: Cincinnati Bengals
• On-Field Earnings: $41 million
• Off-Field Earnings: $4 million

6. Deshaun Watson

• Age: 27
• Position: Quarterback
• Team: Cleveland Browns
• On-Field Earnings: $46 million
• Off-Field Earnings: $0.5 million

5. Daniel Jones

• Age: 26
• Position: Quarterback
• Team: New York Giants
• On-Field Earnings: $46 million
• Off-Field Earnings: $1.5 million

4. Aaron Rodgers

• Age: 39
• Position: Quarterback
• Team: New York Jets
• On-Field Earnings: $36.9 million
• Off-Field Earnings: $11 million

3. Nick Bosa

• Age: 25
• Position: Defensive End
• Team: San Francisco 49ers
• On-Field Earnings: $51 million
• Off-Field Earnings: $1 million

2. Patrick Mahomes

• Age: 27
• Position: Quarterback
• Team: Kansas City Chiefs
• On-Field Earnings: $40.5 million
• Off-Field Earnings: $20 million

1. Lamar Jackson

• Age: 26
• Position: Quarterback
• Team: Baltimore Ravens
• On-Field Earnings: $80 million
• Off-Field Earnings: $1.5 million

1. Lamar Jackson: Leading the Pack ($81.5 Million)

Age: 26 | Position: Quarterback | Team: Baltimore Ravens

Lamar Jackson kicks off our list as the highest paid NFL player for the 2023 season. With a jaw-dropping salary of $80 million, coupled with an estimated $1.5 million from endorsements and business ventures, Jackson’s total earnings for the year stand at a whopping $81.5 million. This massive payday puts him comfortably at the top of the highest paid NFL Players list, including the renowned Patrick Mahomes.

2. Patrick Mahomes: Still a Major Contender ($60.5 Million)

Age: 27 | Position: Quarterback | Team: Kansas City Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes, the golden boy of the NFL, claims the second spot on our list. Despite signing a historic ten-year, $450 million contract in 2020, Mahomes continues to rake in the big bucks. His on-field earnings tally up to $40.5 million, but it’s his off-field endorsements that truly set him apart, with a staggering $20 million in annual earnings from various brands and endorsements.

3. Nick Bosa: Defensive Dominance Pays Off ($52 Million)

Age: 25 | Position: Defensive End | Team: San Francisco 49ers

Nick Bosa, the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year, steps onto the scene as the third-highest-paid player in the league. Bosa’s recent five-year, $170 million extension solidifies his place among the elite. With $52 million in earnings for the year, Bosa’s deal is not only a record-breaker in terms of total value but also in average annual value at $34 million.

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4. Aaron Rodgers: A New York State of Earnings ($47.9 Million)

Age: 39 | Position: Quarterback | Team: New York Jets

Aaron Rodgers, a veteran in the NFL, transitions to a new team with the New York Jets. Despite a reworked contract that reduced his pay by $35 million over two years, Rodgers remains one of the top earners. He’s on track to break Tom Brady’s career on-field earnings record, with projections of $342 million by the end of 2023. Off the field, Rodgers is involved in various ventures, including advocating for psychedelics.

5. Daniel Jones: Rising to the Occasion ($47.5 Million)

Age: 26 | Position: Quarterback | Team: New York Giants

Daniel Jones, the young quarterback for the New York Giants, saw a significant boost in his earnings after a standout season in 2022. His four-year, $160 million contract in March firmly places him in the upper echelon of NFL earners. While his endorsement portfolio was limited in the past, Jones is now expanding his brand partnerships and presence in the league.

6. Deshaun Watson ($46.5 Million)

Age: 27 | Position: Quarterback | Team: Cleveland Browns

Watson was reportedly earning $8 million off the field in 2020, according to Forbes, but he lost his endorsements when more than 20 women accused him of sexual assault or harassment the next year. (He has refuted the accusations and was not criminally prosecuted; last season, the NFL fined him $5 million and suspended him for 11 games.) The NFL Players Association’s group licensing agreements, which include revenue from the sale of Watson’s jersey, allow him to continue to earn some money off the field. His playing deal is expected to pay him $46 million in 2023 and each of the following three years.

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7. Joe Burrow: The Rising Star ($45 Million)

Age: 26 | Position: Quarterback | Team: Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow, often called “Jackpot Joey,” emerges as one of the NFL’s rising stars both on and off the field. His recent contract extension includes a jaw-dropping $219 million guaranteed, making him one of the top earners in the league. Burrow’s charisma and performance have also attracted sponsorships, including BodyArmor, Bose, and Guinness.

8. Dak Prescott: Still a Force to Be Reckoned With ($44 Million)

Age: 30 | Position: Quarterback | Team: Dallas Cowboys

Dak Prescott may have lost his record for the NFL’s largest signing bonus to Lamar Jackson, but he remains a formidable presence in the league. His consistent performance as a starter and numerous endorsements, including Nike’s Jordan Brand, Bud Light, and AT&T, keep him among the league’s top earners.

9. Kyler Murray: Facing a Recovery ($42.5 Million)

Age: 26 | Position: Quarterback | Team: Arizona Cardinals

Kyler Murray faces a setback in 2023 as he recovers from an ACL tear. Nonetheless, his five-year, $230.5 million contract from July 2022 secures his position among the NFL’s highest-paid players. Off the field, Murray boasts partnerships with Nike, BodyArmor, and esports giant FaZe Clan.

10. Russell Wilson: A New Chapter ($41 Million)

Age: 34 | Position: Quarterback | Team: Denver Broncos

Russell Wilson embarks on a new chapter with the Denver Broncos after leaving the Seattle Seahawks. Despite a challenging season in 2022, Wilson remains a significant force in the NFL. His off-field ventures include the fashion brand House of LR&C, co-founded with his wife, singer Ciara, and equity stakes in various sports ventures.

The Dominance of Quarterbacks

In the realm of NFL marketing, quarterbacks reign supreme. Nine out of the ten spots in this year’s total earnings ranking are occupied by quarterbacks, with legendary quarterbacks like Tom Brady serving as the driving force behind this trend. This trend has been consistent since 2018, and it shows no signs of changing. With the rise of young quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts, Trevor Lawrence, Tua Tagovailoa, and Justin Fields, it’s clear that contract records in the NFL are meant to be broken.

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