Top 5 players with biggest contracts entering 2022 NFL season
The quarterbacks are the highest-paid players in the NFL. The top ten highest earners in the NFL are all quarterbacks. An elite quarterback can make any team competitive instantly, regardless of the rest of the roster. Alternatively, a poor quarterback can waste a team filled with talent in every other position.
The importance of the quarterback is clearly shown in the massive contracts they receive.
Here are the top five highest-paid players entering the 2022 NFL season ranked by average annual value (AAV).
#5 - Derek Carr, Las Vegas Raiders - $40.5 million
Derek Carr signed a massive contract extension with the Las Vegas Raiders during the 2022 NFL offeason. The deal is worth a total of 121.5 million dollars over the next three years and includes more than 65 million dollars in guaranteed money. Carr is one of only seven players with an AAV of at least 40 million dollars.
"Today is a day to celebrate Raider Nation. Derek Carr will take the Raiders to the Super Bowl during the duration of this contract."
—@AdamSchein on @Raiders signing Derek Carr to a 3-year, $121.5M extension https://t.co/1gtPD3z76c
The Raiders rewarded Carr with a huge contract extension after a relatively successful 2021 season. Carr helped the Raiders defeat the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 18 of the regular season, punching their ticket to the playoffs.
#4 - Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills - $43 million
Josh Allen has emerged as the most lethal dual-threat quarterback in the entire league with his unique skillset. He has the rushing abilities of a running back but still has one of the strongest arms as well, making him a difficult challenge for opposing defenses.
The Buffalo Bills locked in Josh Allen as their starting quarterback by giving him a six-year contract worth more than 258 million dollars, including 150 million in guaranteed money. The Bills believe he is an integral part in their future after leading them to the playoffs in each of the last three seasons.