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The Detroit Lions have officially secured the services of franchise quarterback Jared Goff, for the next four years. Goff has received a four-year extension that is worth $212 million, with $170 million guaranteed. But where does that leave him amongst the top quarterbacks in the NFL?
Here are the top five highest-paid quarterbacks following Goff’s extension offer.
Joe Burrow established himself as the starting quarterback the Cincinnati Bengals had been missing. After back-to-back seasons with more than 4,000 yards and 30 TDs, the team did good by Burrow, signing him to a five-year extension worth $275 million ($219 million guaranteed) in Sept. 2023. The deal breaks down to $55 million per year, making him the highest-paid NFL player in history.
As stated above, Goff has received a four-year extension worth $212 million, with $170 million guaranteed. His new annual average places him at $53 million per year, beating out the previous second-place holder — more on him in just a bit. Goff secured back-to-back seasons of more than 4,000 passing yards and has emerged as a force that has elevated the Lions into a force in the NFC. This is a well-deserved extension.
Justin Herbert exploded onto the NFL in 2020, securing 4,336 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions to become the Offensive Rookie of the Year. After a Pro Bowl 2021 season, along with an impressive 2022 campaign, the Chargers signed Herbert to an extension in Summer 2023. His five-year extension was worth $262.5 million and included $218.7 million guaranteed. Herbert got the largest contract in NFL history at the time, pulling in $52.5 million.
Lamar Jackson was counted out by many people despite being one of the biggest dual-threat quarterbacks in the game. Jackson secured the MVP and Offensive Player of the Year awards in 2019 and followed that up with a Pro Bowl season in 2021. Jackson’s skillset was undeniable, leading to a five-year extension worth $260 million and $185 million guaranteed in May 2023. Though he signed the largest annual contract for an NFL player at the time, he was eventually surpassed by Herbert.
Much like Jackson, Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray became a force on the ground and through the air. Though many believed that he was too “short” to be a quarterback, Murray showcased his elite escapability and arm strength through four seasons, resulting in a five-year $230 million extension in Nov. 2023. His annual average lands at $46.1 million. Murray has run into injury issues recently, but he should bounce back in a big way — making this contract well worth it.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
