NFL's Lucrative Contracts
The National Football League (NFL) continues to set the standard for lucrative player contracts, cementing the financial importance of star athletes in professional sports. Let’s take a look at some of the most significant recent deals.
Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars: 5 years, $275 million
Signed in 2024, Trevor Lawrence's contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars represents a significant commitment, offering $200 million guaranteed. Lawrence has been instrumental for the Jaguars, leading the team to an 8-8 record in the 2023 season and throwing for 21 touchdowns, the second-highest of 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 elite company with the likes 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 cornerstone for the Cincinnati Bengals, with $219 million in guaranteed money. Burrow led the Bengals to a stellar 12-4 record in the 2022-23 season, throwing for 35 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and passing for 4,475 yards. His completion rate of 68.3% underscores his value and the team's confidence in him.
Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers: 5 years, $170 million
Nick Bosa's 2023 deal includes $122.5 million in guaranteed money, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. The 49ers recognized Bosa’s outstanding performance, as he earned the Defensive Player of the Year award and led the league with 18.5 sacks.
Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers: 5 years, $262.5 million
The Los Angeles Chargers locked in Justin Herbert in 2023 with a deal guaranteeing 83.3% of the total contract value. Herbert, who became the most successful rookie quarterback in terms of passing yards and completions, led the Chargers to their first playoff appearance in four years. His contract’s average annual value of $52.5 million is the highest in NFL history.
Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens: 5 years, $260 million
Lamar Jackson's 2023 contract with the Baltimore Ravens, which includes $185 million guaranteed, came after a lengthy negotiation period. Jackson, who was the second unanimous selection as NFL MVP, chose to represent himself in these negotiations.
Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles: 5 years, $255 million
Jalen Hurts' extension in 2023 includes a franchise-first no-trade clause. With 70.3% of his $255 million contract guaranteed, Hurts aims to build on his success, which saw him lead 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 not only for the $230 million guarantee but also for the controversies that have marred his tenure. Watson faced an 11-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy.
Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals: 5 years, $189.5 million
Kyler Murray's deal, signed in 2022, includes an impressive 82.2% in guaranteed money. Despite his solid performance, his season was cut short due to injury, and the Cardinals struggled with a 4-13 record.
Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos: 5 years, $161 million
The Denver Broncos' 2022 deal with Russell Wilson might be one of the worst trades and contracts in NFL history based on his first season’s performance. Wilson struggled, 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 makes him one of the highest-paid athletes annually. Despite this, Rodgers now plays for the New York Jets following a trade that occurred after a lackluster season with the Packers.
Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills: 6 years, $150 million
Josh Allen's extension, signed in 2021, guarantees him $150 million. Allen demonstrated his worth by throwing for over 9,306 yards and 74 touchdowns over the past two years, proving his value to the Buffalo Bills.
MLB’s Most Valuable Players
Major League Baseball (MLB) has also seen its share of groundbreaking contracts, reflecting the tremendous value of its top 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, smashed predictions and 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 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
The National Basketball Association (NBA) continues to push the boundaries of player salaries, with recent deals setting new records.
Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics: 5 years, $304 million
Jaylen Brown's deal, signed in 2023, 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
The National Hockey League (NHL) has seen its own share of significant contracts, reflecting the league's recognition of its top talent.
Shea Weber, Nashville Predators: 14 years, $110 million
Shea Weber's 14-year deal signed in 2012 has seen its share of ups and downs. While Weber has been plagued by injuries, it remains uncertain whether he will play in the NHL again.
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins: 12 years, $104.4 million
Sidney Crosby’s 2013 contract ensures that the Penguins will benefit from his skills until his age-38 season. Despite aging, Crosby continues to perform at a high level.
It is clear that professional sports leagues are willing to invest heavily in their star players, offering unprecedented financial commitments to keep their top talent. These contracts not only underscore the players’ immense value but also highlight the evolving landscape of sports economics.