The NFL money machine is fully operational, and in 2025, it’s churning out some jaw-dropping paydays. With contracts ballooning across the league, players at nearly every position are cashing in like never before.
While quarterbacks still dominate the highest-paid ranks, don’t sleep on the rise of elite wide receivers and disruptive defenders. These are the 25 NFL stars currently living the luxury tax life, ranked by their average annual value.
25. Amon-Ra St. Brown – $30 million
Detroit’s favorite sun god finally got paid, and rightfully so. He’s been the heart of that offense, and now his paycheck matches the energy.
24. Derek Stingley Jr. – $30 million
Locked-down corners don’t come cheap, and Houston knows it. Stingley’s proving that elite coverage is worth every dollar.
23. Chris Jones – $31.75 million
The Chiefs’ defensive anchor continues to get his bag while terrorizing quarterbacks. He’s built like a wall and paid like one, too.
22. A.J. Brown – $32 million
Philly’s go-to guy on the outside is built like a linebacker and paid like a quarterback. His bruising style and big-play ability make him worth every cent.
21. DK Metcalf – $33 million
Now wearing black and gold, DK’s bank account is as jacked as his biceps. The Steelers needed star power, and they paid for it.
20. Nick Bosa – $34 million
Quarterbacks fear him, and the 49ers pay him accordingly. Bosa keeps printing money with every sack.
19. CeeDee Lamb – $34 million
The Cowboys doubled down on star power and made sure CeeDee got his coin. America’s Team loves its flashy playmakers, and Lamb fits the bill.
18. Justin Jefferson – $35 million
The Griddy King keeps cashing checks and breaking records. Minnesota paid up to keep the league’s smoothest route-runner happy.
17. Maxx Crosby – $35.5 million
Crosby plays with his hair on fire, and the Raiders rewarded the chaos. His motor never stops—and neither does the cash flow.
16. Myles Garrett – $40 million
Garrett is a one-man wrecking crew, and the Browns paid him like one. Defensive ends getting quarterback money is the new norm.
15. Ja’Marr Chase – $40 million
Burrow’s favorite weapon wasn’t cheap, but he’s worth every penny. The Bengals know keeping their duo intact is the key to their title dreams.
13. Patrick Mahomes – $45 million
Still one of the league’s most underpaid superstars considering the rings. Kansas City locked him in early, and he’s still worth every cent.
13. Kirk Cousins – $45 million
The NFL’s most consistent contract king is back in Atlanta. Say what you will, but Kirk always secures the bag.
12. Deshaun Watson – $46 million
The contract still raises eyebrows, but the Browns stand by their investment. Now it’s just a matter of on-field return.
11. Kyler Murray – $46.1 million
Even with questions swirling, Kyler’s cashing in. Arizona is banking on his dual-threat talent bouncing back in a big way.
10. Jalen Hurts – $51 million
From second-round pick to face of the franchise, Hurts got his. Philly believes in his leadership, and now he’s paid like it.
9. Lamar Jackson – $52 million
Lamar finally got his big deal and reminded everyone who he is. Dual-threat quarterbacks don’t come more electric—or expensive.
8. Justin Herbert – $52.5 million
Herbert’s arm strength was never in doubt, and now neither is his bank account. The Chargers are betting big on his future.
7. Jared Goff – $53 million
Goff’s renaissance tour in Detroit came with a major payday. From castoff to cornerstone, he flipped the narrative in style.
6. Tua Tagovailoa – $53.1 million
Miami went all-in on Tua, and the money reflects that. Now it’s time to prove the investment leads to playoff wins.
5. Trevor Lawrence – $55 million
Jacksonville gave him the keys and backed it up with a massive check. The expectations are sky-high, and so is the salary.
4. Jordan Love – $55 million
Green Bay saw enough and paid up before the price went even higher. Love’s ascent from clipboard holder to franchise guy came fast.
3. Josh Allen – $55 million
Still one of the league’s top dual-threat weapons, Allen’s price tag is no surprise. Buffalo is keeping their MVP happy.
Read More: 20 Sports Contracts That Looked Crazy — Until They Paid Off
2. Joe Burrow – $55 million
Joe Cool makes things look easy—and now he’s being paid like a top dog. The Bengals know keeping him upright and on the field is everything.
Read More: 15 Highly Paid Quarterbacks Who Never Played Like It
1. Dak Prescott – $60 million
The new king of the salary cap is Dak, and the Cowboys aren’t shy about it. Whether he delivers a title or not, his wallet is already winning.
