Resetting NFL QB Contract Market: How Much Is Every Starting QB Really Worth?
Lamar JacksonPerry Knotts/Getty Images
Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow
AAV: $55 million
The 2020 No. 1 overall pick was clearly a star in 2021 and 2022, putting up triple-digit passer ratings in both seasons. Burrow took the Bengals to the Super Bowl in 2021 and to the AFC Championship Game the following year, but injuries slowed him down in 2023 and it’s safe to say he hasn’t been at his absolute best since 2021. So, he doesn’t quite deserve to be the highest-paid player in NFL history.
What he’s really worth: $50 million
Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield
AAV: $33.3 million
The 2018 No. 1 pick deserves a ton of props (and cash) for a 4,000-yard breakout 2023 season in Tampa. That said, his track record before then explains why he isn’t making elite quarterback money just yet. This is a fair spot.
What he’s really worth: $30 million
Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff
AAV: $53 million
Goff’s new deal might seem eye-poppingly high on the surface, but the league’s sixth-highest rated passer since the start of 2022 simply hit a contract year at the right time for the competitive Lions.
What he’s really worth: $50 million
New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers
AAV: $37.5 million
Yeah, he’s 40 and may be washed-up coming off a big injury, but when you’re a four-time MVP on the way to the Hall of Fame, you need to at least be paid above the league median for starters. Rodgers is in the right territory.
What he’s really worth: $35 million
Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold
AAV: $10 million
This might look like an overpay based solely on what he’s accomplished, but Darnold, 26, has a lot of talent and could still come through as a late bloomer. That’s worth a little more than guys like Minshew and Brissett.
What he’s really worth: $8 million
Indianapolis Colts QB Anthony Richardson
AAV: $8.5 million
Richardson barely played due to injury last season and thus loses a little value compared to his slotted rookie contract.
What he’s really worth: $8 million
Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young
AAV: $9.5 million
Young bombed as a rookie, but we’re still talking about a 22-year-old No. 1 overall pick with lots of room to grow.
What he’s really worth: $9 million
Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford
AAV: $40 million
Stafford hasn’t been consistently healthy or overly effective since leading the Rams to a title in 2021, and momentum might not be on his side heading into his age-36 season. Still, he’s an above-average QB making above-average money and his resume speaks for itself.
What he’s really worth: $40 million
New England Patriots QB Jacoby Brissett
AAV: $8 million
Brissett is an occasional starter on his fifth roster in five years being paid about what you give a veteran backup with the ability to be a bridge quarterback. This checks out.
What he’s really worth: $8 million
Washington Commanders QB Marcus Mariota
AAV: $6 million
See: Brissett, Jacoby.
What he’s really worth: $6 million
Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott
AAV: $40 million
I can see why the Cowboys are unsure where to go with Prescott. As the 2024 MVP runner-up and in his prime, the 30-year-old is surely worth a lot more in terms of market value. That said, a lack of playoff success is a big factor ahead of a contract year. He’s done more than higher-paid guys like Herbert, Hurts and Murray, but not to such an extent that he’s overpaid for now. This will be a huge year in that regard.
What he’s really worth: $42 million
Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson
AAV: $52 million
His inability to finish the 2021 and 2022 seasons is indicative of a potential lack of sustainability, and he hasn’t led the Ravens to much playoff success. Still, a two-time MVP with an incredible skill set has to be in this range at age 27.
What he’s really worth: $54 million
