The Miami Dolphins dished out the richest contract in franchise history Friday when they agreed to a four-year, $212.4 million extension with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
It was nearly the largest contract in NFL history, but came up just a bit short of a couple deals that have a higher annual average. It also probably won’t be long before the Green Bay Packers hand a new deal to Jordan Love, which may eclipse Tagovailoa’s.
But until more contracts get done in coming years, Tagovailoa is near the top of the list of highest paid quarterbacks. Here’s a list of the top 20 after the Dolphins locked down their quarterback Friday (contract details via Over the Cap, except for Tagovailoa’s, which were reported by NFL Network):
1. Joe Burrow, Bengals: $55 million per year
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While Burrow and Lawrence have equal average annual salaries now, Burrow wins the tiebreaker in the highest-paid quarterback competition given his $146.5 million in full guarantees, compared to Lawrence’s $142 million.
2. Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars: $55 million per year
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3. Tua Tagovailoa, Dolphins: $53.1 million per year
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4. Jared Goff, Lions: $53 million per year
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5. Justin Herbert, Chargers: $52.5 million per year
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6. Lamar Jackson, Ravens: $52 million per year
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7. Jalen Hurts, Eagles: $51 million per year
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8. Kyler Murray, Cardinals: $46.1 million per year
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9. Deshaun Watson, Browns: $46 million per year
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10. Kirk Cousins, Falcons: $45 million per year
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Cousins edges out Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes here. They’re tied in average annual salary at $45 million, but Cousins’ contract includes $90 million fully guaranteed compared to Mahomes’ $63.1 million. Mahomes beats Cousins in total guarantees ($141 million versus $100 million) due only to the length of his deal, 10 years.
11. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs: $45 million per year
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12. Josh Allen, Bills: $43 million per year
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13. Dak Prescott, Cowboys: $40 million per year
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Prescott, Matthew Stafford, and Daniel Jones all average $40 million in annual salary and are listed in order of full guarantees as a tiebreaker. Prescott, who is entering the final season of his contract, signed for $95 million fully guaranteed, Jones signed for $81 million and Stafford signed for $63 million.
14. Daniel Jones, Giants: $40 million per year
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15. Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams: $40 million per year
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16. Aaron Rodgers, Jets: $37.5 million per year
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Tied with Derek Carr in average annual salary, Rodgers wins the tiebreaker here with $75 million fully guaranteed in his deal compared to Carr’s $60 million.
17. Derek Carr, Saints: $37.5 million per year
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18. Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers: $33.3 million per year
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19. Geno Smith, Seahawks: $25 million per year
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20. Jordan Love, Packers: $13.5 million per year
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