NFL's Top 10 Highest-Paid Players in 2026: Quarterbacks Sweep the List - Tempo.co English
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - This year, the NFL’s highest-paid players are all quarterbacks, collectively earning an estimated $598 million before taxes and agent fees. The figure is up 5 percent from $571 million in 2025, although it remains below the record $693 million recorded in 2024.
This is only the second time in the 17-year history of the NFL's earnings ranking that quarterbacks have occupied all 10 spots. The rise comes as the NFL salary cap increased 8 percent to $301 million in 2026, with record average annual values also reached at 13 other positions.
These records may not last long. According to the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement, players are guaranteed at least 48 percent of the league's revenue. This means that the salary cap is expected to continue rising as the NFL reaches new financial milestones, providing teams with more funds to spend on players. Here are the top 10 highest-paid NFL players ranked by Forbes.
The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback remains the NFL’s highest-paid player for the second consecutive year. Mahomes is expected to earn $56.8 million on the field and another $30 million off the field from endorsements and business ventures. His reworked eight-year contract is worth nearly $505 million and carries an NFL-record annual average of $63.1 million.
The Buffalo Bills star ranks second with $55 million in on-field earnings and $18 million off the field. Allen is entering the second season of his six-year, $330 million contract and is seeking to lead Buffalo to its first Super Bowl appearance in more than three decades. His endorsement portfolio includes New Balance, Delta Air Lines, New Era and Pizza Hut.
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is projected to earn $55 million on the field and $5 million off it. The five-time Pro Bowler signed a four-year, $212 million extension in 2024 and enters the season under pressure to help the Lions return to the playoffs. His sponsors include Ford and Little Caesars.
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts ranks fourth, with $51.5 million in on-field earnings and $5 million off the field. Playing under a five-year, $255 million contract, Hurts will look to rebound after a disappointing season. His commercial partners include Beats by Dre, Jordan Brand and Wheaties.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is fifth despite signing a one-year deal worth only $1.2 million with Atlanta. He is still owed $54 million by the Miami Dolphins following his release, bringing his estimated on-field earnings to $54 million and total income to $56 million. Tagovailoa was named Atlanta’s starter but missed its Week 1 game after suffering an oblique injury.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love is projected to earn $50.4 million on the field and $4 million off it. His four-year, $220 million contract includes incentives that could raise his on-field compensation to $51 million if he remains healthy and active throughout the season. His sponsors include American Family Insurance, Sony and Toyota.
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is tied for seventh with $52 million in on-field earnings and $2 million off the field. The two-time MVP is entering the penultimate season of his five-year, $260 million contract while negotiating a possible extension. Jackson has relatively few endorsement deals but owns a restaurant in Florida and runs the Era 8 apparel line.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield also earns an estimated $54 million, including $50 million on the field and $4 million off it. Just before the season, Mayfield agreed to a three-year, $165 million extension with $110 million in new guarantees. He also has commercial partnerships with Sonic Drive-In and Every Man Jack.
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott ranks ninth with $40 million in on-field earnings and $12 million off the field. Prescott became the Cowboys’ career passing leader in 2025 and is entering the third season of his four-year, $240 million contract. His business partners include Athletic Brewing Company and H-E-B.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones rounds out the top 10 with $49.5 million on the field and $2 million off it. After recovering from an Achilles injury, Jones signed a two-year, $88 million contract with Indianapolis that can reportedly reach $100 million. His commercial partners include FedEx and Nike.
