As one of the most popular sports in America, football has no shortage of talented and highly paid athletes. From quarterbacks to running backs, wide receivers to defensive players, the game of football has seen some of the largest contracts signed in professional sports history. In this article, we’ll be exploring the top five largest American football contracts in history.
1. Patrick Mahomes – Kansas City Chiefs
In 2020, Patrick Mahomes signed the largest contract in NFL history, with the Kansas City Chiefs. The 10-year contract is worth a whopping $503 million, with $477 million in guaranteed mechanisms. The contract also includes an injury guarantee of $141 million. With this record-breaking contract, Mahomes continues to be one of the highest-paid football players in the league.
2. Dak Prescott – Dallas Cowboys
Dak Prescott signed a four-year contract with the Dallas Cowboys in 2021, worth $160 million. The deal includes a $126 million guarantee, with a $66 million signing bonus. Prescott had an outstanding season before his injury in 2020, making him one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the league.
3. Deshaun Watson – Houston Texans
Deshaun Watson signed a four-year contract with the Houston Texans in 2020, for $156 million. The deal includes a $27 million average salary per year, with a $27 million signing bonus and $110 million in guarantees. Watson has proven himself to be one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league, making him a highly sought-after player for several teams.
4. Russell Wilson – Seattle Seahawks
Russell Wilson signed a four-year contract extension with the Seattle Seahawks in 2019, worth $140 million. The deal includes $107 million in guaranteed mechanisms, making Wilson one of the highest-paid players in the NFL. Wilson has consistently proven himself to be one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league, leading the Seahawks to Super Bowl victory in 2014.
5. Aaron Rodgers – Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers signed a four-year contract extension with the Green Bay Packers in 2018, worth $134 million. The deal includes a $57.5 million signing bonus, with $98.7 million in guarantees. Rodgers has consistently been one of the most talented quarterbacks in the league, leading the Packers to several successful seasons.
In conclusion, these top five largest American football contracts are a testament to the talent and hard work of these athletes. As the NFL continues to grow in popularity, it’s likely that we’ll see even larger contracts signed in the future. For fans of American football, these talented players are certainly worth watching.