Which NFL Players Will Be The Highest Paid in 2023?

You don’t have to be an elite player to be the highest-paid NFL athlete. Youth and exceptional talent are the key factors in earning top dollar in the league. Over the past decade, players like Derek Carr, Jimmy Garoppolo, Matthew Stafford and Joe Flacco have secured the richest paychecks. However, staying on top is never a guarantee, and players must continually prove themselves to secure great deals. In 2011, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning earned the highest salary of 18 million dollars each, but just eight years later, Russell Wilson was earning an impressive 35 million dollars.

The most significant overall contract in NFL history is the 150 million dollar deal awarded to Matt Ryan, although this is subject to change in the future. Who will be the next NFL player to command the highest salary?

Patrick Mahomes

Patrick Mahomes is undoubtedly one of the best quarterbacks in the league, and his upcoming deal is set to break NFL history records as the wealthiest contract ever. His new deal will surpass Matt Ryan’s $150 million contract and set a new benchmark for player contracts. Mahomes has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership skills, making him a beloved figure in Kansas City. The superstar quarterback could potentially sign a five-year deal worth $220 million.

Dak Prescott

The negotiation process between Dak Prescott and Jerry Jones was filled with twists and turns, making it almost seem like a comedy show. Despite being convinced not to settle by his agent Tod France, Prescott was franchise-tagged for the 2020 season. Jerry Jones’ procrastination in signing his top players has resulted in him having to spend more than he initially planned. At this rate, he may have to pay at least $40 million per year to retain Prescott as his starting quarterback.

Despite the drama surrounding his contract, Prescott’s fortune changed when he received the prestigious tag in Dallas, which will earn him over $31 million in 2020. With his undeniable talent and impressive stats, it’s clear that Prescott is a valuable asset to the Cowboys, and his future in Dallas remains bright.

Deshaun Watson

Deshaun Watson has earned a spot among the upper echelon of NFL quarterbacks, and at the end of the 2020 season, he was in line to receive the highest payday of $13.8 million. Bill O’Brien had no choice but to pay him the amount he deserved. Although Watson didn’t receive a contract as large as Patrick Mahomes, he could still receive a deal worth between $180 to $190 million, which is an impressive sum.

Jamal Adams

The negotiation process between Jamal Adams and Joe Douglas has been somewhat ambiguous, with Douglas sending mixed signals regarding whether he would offer Adams a long-term deal. However, it appears that Adams’ chump change days may soon come to an end, and he could potentially sign a six-year contract worth $90 million. Whether he ends up in Dallas or New York City, it’s clear that Adams is a valuable asset to any team, and his future is bright.

T.J Watt

T.J. Watt’s 2020 salary of $1.7 million, co-matched with the biggest jackpot in the casino, does not reflect his impressive performance on the field, and the Pittsburgh Steelers may have to increase his compensation to keep him. Watt has established himself as one of the top defensive players in the league, earning three consecutive Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro selections from 2018-2020. He is an integral part of the Steelers’ defense and a leader in the locker room.

What About The NFL Veterans

The NFL veterans who have already signed their second or third contracts may also be in the running for the top-paid player spot. However, the criteria for this group may differ slightly. 

• For quarterbacks, it could be those who are still in their prime and have yet to reach their full potential but could potentially leave in free agency soon
• Alternatively, established quarterbacks in their early 30s who have won an MVP award or a Super Bowl in the past could also be in contention

Players like Aaron Rodgers, Matt Ryan, and Tom Brady come to mind as examples of veterans who could be in the running for a high-paying contract. Ultimately, it will depend on their performance and negotiating skills when it comes time for contract renewals.

The following veterans may turn out to be the highest-paid:

Russell Wilson

Russell Wilson has been a star quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks since 2012. After leading the team to their first Super Bowl victory in 2013, Wilson has continued to perform at a high level and earn accolades, including seven Pro Bowl selections and one first-team All-Pro nod. His contract extension in 2019 made him the highest-paid player in the league at the time, and he is set to be a free agent after the 2023 season. Despite being 35 years old, Wilson has been incredibly durable throughout his career, never missing a start in his seven years as a pro. With his track record of success and longevity, it’s likely that Wilson will continue to be one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league for years to come.

Andrew Luck

Andrew Luck was one of the most promising young quarterbacks in the league before he abruptly retired at the age of 29 due to injuries. However, rumors have circulated that he may consider a comeback, and if he does, he could be in line for a renegotiated contract. Before his retirement, Luck had led the Indianapolis Colts to four Pro Bowl selections and one first-team All-Pro nod, and he was also the league’s highest-paid player at one point. If he does make a return, it will be interesting to see how he performs after his time away from the game and how that affects his earning potential.

Cam Newton

Newton had a successful career with the Carolina Panthers, including leading them to the Super Bowl in 2015, where he was named the league’s MVP. After several injuries and inconsistent play, Newton signed a one-year deal with the New England Patriots in 2020. While he didn’t have the best season, he did show flashes of his former brilliance and could be in line for a renegotiated contract. At 32 years old, Newton still has plenty of football left in him, and if he can recapture some of his past form, he could be a valuable asset to any team willing to pay his asking price.

Final Thoughts

In regard to the highest-paid NFL player, the quarterback position tends to command the biggest contracts, especially for those under 35 or even under 30. However, holding the top spot is temporary as players continually set new records. As fans of the NFL, we should always remember to gamble responsibly and seek help if needed, such as by exploring 10-dollar minimum deposit casinos for a more controlled betting experience. It’s important to acknowledge and appreciate the hard work and dedication that goes into playing at a professional level, and players like T.J. Watt should be compensated accordingly.