Who is the highest-paid NFL player in 2023? Delving into mega-million numbers around the league
A number of NFL players reset the market in 2022, but for some, the peak for their positions was the deal they made in the prior year. The 2023 NFL offseason has begun, and massive new contracts are already on their way.
Earlier, Daniel Jones signed a four-year, $160 million deal with the New York Giants, making him the ninth quarterback to earn over $40 million annually. Also, Geno Smith and the Seattle Seahawks agreed to a three-year $105 million contract, while Derek Carr and the New Orleans Saints reached a four-year $150 million agreement.
Next month's draft will be followed by a flurry of deals before the regular season kicks off. Hence, it is difficult to predict which player will earn the most money this year, but we may already know who the highest-paid NFL player is right now.
Aaron Rodgers became the highest-paid NFL player when he signed a three-year contract agreement with the Green Bay Packers in March 2022. Rodgers agreed to a three-year, $150,815,000 deal that had a $40,800,000 signing bonus, $150,815,000 in guarantees and an average yearly salary of $50,271,667.
Rodgers will get $1,165,000 in basic pay, $58,300,000 in signing bonus and $50,000 in workout bonus in 2023. He will also have a cap hit of $31,623,568 and a dead cap value of $99,778,568.
However, now Rodgers has been surpassed by Jalen Hurts. The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback recently signed a five-year, $255 million extension, including $179.304 million guaranteed money. As per Spotrac, he will receive a $23,294,000 signing bonus, $179,300,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $51,000,000.
In 2023, Hurts will earn a base salary of $4,204,000 and a roster bonus of $100,000, while carrying a cap hit of $4,789,486.
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Jets eyeing big Aaron Rodgers splash for 2023 NFL season
The New York Jets, on the other hand, are committed to making Aaron Rodgers their starting quarterback and are willing to accept the draft compensation necessary to do so, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.
Rodgers only needs to inform the Packers that he wants to be dealt to the Jets at this point. Because of the impending $58 million bonus in his deal, Rodgers basically has veto power over trades; thus, he may choose his destination.
The owners of the Jets visited Aaron Rodgers on Wednesday in California, and according to ESPN's Dianna Russini, the organization is "excited and satisfied" with Rodgers' compatibility with the squad.
Given that Rodgers hasn't been connected to any other team outside of rumors, it seems likely that he will play for either New York or Green Bay, and the Packers might be prepared for Jordan Love to take over.