Josh Allen’s contract, signed two years ago, may not be memorable for casual fans due to recency bias. Still, he has the Buffalo Bills positioned at a strong 7-2 in the AFC, having thrown just two interceptions and accumulating 20 total touchdowns (17 passing). The Bills secured a dramatic 30-27 victory over the Miami Dolphins, thanks to a 61-yard field goal from Tyler Bass as time expired.
Regardless of the game’s outcome, Allen’s place among the elite NFL quarterbacks is undisputed. He consistently ranks among the top five in the league. However, when comparing his salary to others in that category, a different picture emerges. While Patrick Mahomes is often considered the highest-paid quarterback, the reality is that Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys holds that title. Prescott has led the Cowboys to the playoffs multiple times but has never advanced beyond the divisional round. After a quiet offseason for the team, the Cowboys currently sit near the bottom of the NFC standings, just above the New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, and New York Giants.
With a hamstring injury sidelining Prescott for several weeks, he might end up on injured reserve. Just before the start of the season, he signed a four-year extension worth $240 million, averaging $60 million per year, making him the top-paid quarterback. However, this puts Dallas in a challenging position for future improvements, especially with a new deal for Micah Parsons on the horizon.
The five highest-paid quarterbacks are as follows:
1. Dak Prescott, Dallas – $60 million
T-2. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati – $55 million
T-2. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville – $55 million
T-2. Jordan Love, Green Bay – $55 million
5. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami – $53.1 million
Jared Goff ($53 million), Justin Herbert ($52.5 million), Lamar Jackson ($52 million), and Jalen Hurts ($51 million) also make over $50 million annually.
Allen’s contract ranks at the lower end of the next tier, with Kyler Murray at $46.1 million as the 10th highest-paid quarterback. The top 15 includes:
11. Deshaun Watson, Cleveland – $46 million
T-12. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City – $45 million
T-12. Kirk Cousins, Atlanta – $45 million
14. Josh Allen, Buffalo – $43 million
Daniel Jones and Matthew Stafford complete the top 15 at $40 million each.
The trend of overpaying quarterbacks, regardless of their sustained success, has led many owners to invest heavily in their quarterbacks. Among the top 15, only Mahomes and Stafford have Super Bowl wins, while Hurts, Burrow, and Goff are the only others who have even made it to a Super Bowl. Players now hold more power than ever in negotiations, with owners preferring to pay a top 20 quarterback rather than risk searching for an adequate replacement.
When Allen signed his contract three years ago, it was one of the highest in the league. As other deals surpassed it since then, Allen has remained unbothered, stating that “everyone will have their day” and he will have his again.
His contract has provided Buffalo with the flexibility to acquire necessary talent (like Amari Cooper and Von Miller) to further their postseason aspirations. Conversely, the Cleveland Browns have faltered this season and are now in a rebuilding phase.
All quarterbacks on the list have made the playoffs, but their performances vary. Allen and Lamar Jackson are typically ranked among the top three, only trailing Mahomes. Both have made significant playoff runs but were ultimately eliminated by the Chiefs. In contrast, Daniel Jones has only playoff experience without consistent performance, and the Giants struggle as one of the league’s weakest teams. Watson, who became the highest-paid quarterback two years ago, has struggled and will miss the rest of the current season due to an ACL injury. Though Trevor Lawrence and Jordan Love have had noteworthy seasons, they face scrutiny beyond those performances. Love has his team at a competitive 6-3 in the NFC North despite his injury issues this season.
Deciding how to compensate quarterbacks is intricate, with some executives opting to keep pace with market trends, even if certain players haven’t consistently proven their worth. Unlike others, Allen had a successful track record prior to his extension and is in a similar situation as Dan Marino, a standout quarterback lacking a Super Bowl appearance or victory.
While Allen’s contract was considered top-tier three years ago, the market has shifted, making it a more favorable deal for the Pegulas and Buffalo. If he guides the Bills to a Super Bowl win, discussions about his contract will resurface, potentially leading to an increase in his ranking. For now, his deal allows the team the flexibility to sign and retain key players to achieve their ultimate goal.
