There was a time when running backs were the highest-paid NFL players.
But ever since the league became pass-happy, quarterbacks have received top dollar.
It has become the most important position on the team, so getting it right translates to more victories.
Having a great play-caller elevates everyone’s performance enough to get individual accolades like Pro Bowls and All-Pros.
For that reason, quarterback salaries have skyrocketed, as shared by CBS Sports’ Jeff Kerr.
Patrick Mahomes is the 4th-highest paid QB in the #NFL (in terms of AAV).
Josh Allen is 5th.
Tip your cap to the #Chiefs and #Bills front offices.#ChiefsKingdom #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/lf6f5RSuTi
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) July 21, 2022
Kerr tweeted, “Patrick Mahomes is the 4th-highest paid QB in the #NFL (in terms of AAV). Josh Allen is 5th. Tip your cap to the #Chiefs and #Bills front offices.”
Both Mahomes and Allen have solid credentials to become the highest-paid quarterback in the league.
Mahomes has won a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs and has been a league and Super Bowl MVP.
Meanwhile, Allen has brought playoff success to the Buffalo Bills, which earned him a six-year, $258 million extension.
On the other hand, Mahomes has the richest contract in professional sports via a ten-year, $450 million deal.
But while their annual average values are already eye-popping, the market’s ceiling quickly went up after the contracts signed by Aaron Rodgers and Kyler Murray.
The four-time MVP averages $50 million a year while Murray is second after agreeing to a five-year, $230.5 million contract.
Both deals were finalized during this offseason only.
Quarterback Rates Will Only Go Up
Aside from the ceiling, the base rate for a starting NFL quarterback also increased to at least $40 million annually.
That’s why the Los Angeles Rams gave Matthew Stafford a four-year, $160 million deal while Derek Carr got a three-year, $121.5 million contract.
But another increase is due depending on how the negotiations between Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens will turn out.
If Murray gets $46.1 million annually, a former league MVP can command a higher value than that.
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