NFL's Lucrative Contracts
The NFL is known for its lucrative contracts, and recent signings have only emphasized the substantial financial commitments teams are willing to make to secure top talent. Here are some of the most significant deals in recent years.
Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars: 5 years, $275 million
Signed in 2024, Trevor Lawrence's contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars includes $200 million guaranteed, indicating the team’s high expectations for their young quarterback. Lawrence led the Jaguars to an 8-8 record in the 2023 season, throwing 21 touchdowns — the second-most in his career so far. Over the last two seasons, he accumulated over 8,000 passing yards and 55 combined passing and rushing touchdowns, placing him in the elite company of Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Jared Goff.
Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals: 5 years, $275 million
Joe Burrow's 2023 contract ensures he remains a key player for the Cincinnati Bengals, with $219 million guaranteed. In the 2022-23 season, Burrow led the Bengals to an impressive 12-4 record, throwing for 35 touchdowns and 4,475 yards, with a completion rate of 68.3%. His performance underscores both his value and the team’s confidence in him.
Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers: 5 years, $170 million
Nick Bosa's 2023 deal makes him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history, with $122.5 million guaranteed. The San Francisco 49ers recognized Bosa's outstanding performance, as he earned the Defensive Player of the Year award and led the league with 18.5 sacks in the previous season.
Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers: 5 years, $262.5 million
In 2023, the Los Angeles Chargers signed Justin Herbert to a contract guaranteeing 83.3% of the total contract value. Herbert, known for his successful rookie season, led the Chargers to their first playoff appearance in four years. His contract's average annual value of $52.5 million makes it the highest in NFL history.
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens: 5 years, $260 million
Lamar Jackson's 2023 contract with the Baltimore Ravens includes $185 million guaranteed. Jackson, who was a unanimous selection as NFL MVP, represented himself during the protracted negotiation period, highlighting his confidence and determination to secure favorable terms.
Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles: 5 years, $255 million
Jalen Hurts’ 2023 extension with the Philadelphia Eagles includes a franchise-first no-trade clause. With 70.3% of his $255 million contract guaranteed, Hurts aims to build on his success, leading the Eagles to a Super Bowl berth.
Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns: 5 years, $230 million
Deshaun Watson's 2022 contract with the Cleveland Browns is notable for its full $230 million guarantee. Watson's tenure has been marred by controversies, including an 11-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy.
Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals: 5 years, $189.5 million
Kyler Murray's 2022 deal includes an impressive 82.2% in guaranteed money. However, his performance was hampered by an injury, and the Arizona Cardinals struggled with a 4-13 record.
Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos: 5 years, $161 million
The Denver Broncos' 2022 contract with Russell Wilson might go down as one of the worst in NFL history if his first season’s performance is any indication. Wilson struggled throughout the season, barely completing 60% of his passes and throwing just 16 touchdowns.
Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers: 3 years, $150.8 million
Aaron Rodgers' 2022 contract with the Green Bay Packers made him one of the highest-paid athletes annually. Despite his significant pay, Rodgers now plays for the New York Jets following a trade after a lackluster season with the Packers.
Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills: 6 years, $150 million
Josh Allen’s 2021 extension guarantees him $150 million. Over the past two years, Allen has thrown for over 9,306 yards and 74 touchdowns, proving his immense value to the Buffalo Bills.
MLB’s Most Valuable Players
Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers: 10 years, $700 million
Shohei Ohtani's 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, signed in 2023, cemented his status as arguably the best player in baseball. Despite being sidelined as a pitcher next season due to an elbow injury, Ohtani aims to make the playoffs for the first time in his career.
Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels: 12 years, $426.5 million
Mike Trout's 2019 deal with the Los Angeles Angels ensured that one of baseball’s best players remained an Angel. Despite injuries, Trout has managed to play 423 games and win the 2019 MVP since signing his contract.
NBA’s Record Contracts
Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics: 5 years, $304 million
Jaylen Brown's 2023 deal with the Boston Celtics stands as the largest in NBA history. Averaging 26.6 points per game, Brown has been pivotal in leading the Celtics to three of the last four Eastern Conference Finals alongside Jayson Tatum.
Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets: 5 years, $272 million
Nikola Jokic, the reigning NBA Finals MVP, signed a max extension with the Denver Nuggets in 2022 worth $272 million, making it the largest contract in NBA history until Brown's record deal.
NHL’s Distinguished Deals
Shea Weber, Nashville Predators: 14 years, $110 million
Shea Weber's 14-year deal signed in 2012 has had its share of ups and downs. Plagued by injuries, it remains uncertain whether Weber will play in the NHL again.
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins: 12 years, $104.4 million
Sidney Crosby’s 2013 contract ensures that the Pittsburgh Penguins will benefit from his skills until his age-38 season. Despite aging, Crosby continues to perform at a high level.