The highest paid nfl player in 2025 is Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, who leads the league with a record-setting $60 million average annual salary. His four-year, $240 million extension signed last year made him the top earner not just among quarterbacks but across the entire NFL. This deal, with over $230 million guaranteed, reshaped the quarterback market and reaffirmed the premium teams place on elite passers.
But Prescott isn’t the only headline name in the pay rankings. The battle for the richest contracts has recently expanded beyond quarterbacks, with defensive stars and wide receivers now reaching historic figures of their own.
Dak Prescott Tops the League
Prescott’s extension with the Cowboys runs through 2028 and includes one of the biggest signing bonuses ever issued in football. His contract averages $60 million per season, securing his place at the top of the NFL’s pay scale.
- Joe Burrow previously set the standard with $55 million per year.
- Josh Allen and Justin Herbert also sit in the mid-50 million range.
Prescott’s deal pushed the bar higher, making him the highest paid NFL player in terms of annual average value.
Micah Parsons Becomes Highest Paid Non-Quarterback
Just days ago, edge rusher Micah Parsons signed a massive four-year, $188 million contract with the Green Bay Packers after a blockbuster trade from the Cowboys. His new deal averages nearly $47 million per season, instantly making him the highest paid non-quarterback in league history.
Parsons’ extension marks a turning point for defensive contracts. For years, wide receivers were climbing toward record deals, but a dominant pass rusher now holds the crown outside of the quarterback position.
Ja’Marr Chase’s Short-Lived Record
Earlier this year, Ja’Marr Chase signed a four-year, $161 million extension with the Cincinnati Bengals. At the time, that contract made him the highest paid non-quarterback in the NFL.
However, Chase’s reign lasted only a few months. Parsons’ historic deal surpassed him, shifting the balance from offense back to defense. Chase still holds the title of highest paid wide receiver, showing how critical his production is to Cincinnati’s future.
Top Contracts in 2025
Here’s a quick breakdown of the biggest deals right now:
| Player | Team | Position | Contract (Years/Total) | Average per Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dak Prescott | Dallas Cowboys | Quarterback | 4 yrs / $240M | $60M |
| Micah Parsons | Green Bay Packers | Edge Rusher | 4 yrs / $188M | $47M |
| Ja’Marr Chase | Cincinnati Bengals | Wide Receiver | 4 yrs / $161M | $40M+ |
| Joe Burrow | Cincinnati Bengals | Quarterback | 5 yrs / $275M | $55M |
| Josh Allen | Buffalo Bills | Quarterback | 6 yrs / $258M | $43M |
Shifting Dynamics in NFL Salaries
For decades, quarterbacks have been the runaway leaders in salary negotiations. Prescott’s deal reinforces that trend, but Parsons’ and Chase’s contracts show that other positions are beginning to catch up.
- Quarterbacks remain the highest earners due to their unmatched impact on wins and losses.
- Edge rushers are next in line, reflecting their importance in disrupting opposing quarterbacks.
- Wide receivers continue to climb, as teams prioritize elite playmakers in today’s pass-heavy game.
These shifts highlight how the league is evolving and how teams are allocating resources across the roster.
What’s Next for NFL Contracts?
With salary caps projected to keep rising, future deals may exceed even Prescott’s record. Young stars like C.J. Stroud, Caleb Williams, and other rising quarterbacks are on track for extensions in the coming years. Each new deal could reset the market yet again.
Still, as of today, Prescott firmly holds the top spot. Parsons and Chase have proven that non-quarterbacks can command historic money, but no one has yet matched the financial power that comes with being a franchise quarterback.
The NFL’s salary landscape is shifting faster than ever, with contracts growing larger every offseason. For now, Dak Prescott remains the highest paid nfl player, while Parsons and Chase showcase how other positions are closing the gap. Fans can expect even more fireworks in the years to come as stars chase the next record-breaking deal.