Mahomes Ranks Sixth in NFL Career Earnings Despite Record $500M Deal

Patrick Mahomes signed a massive, record-breaking contract extension with the Kansas City Chiefs in June 2026, an 8-year, $500 million deal. However, he does not lead the NFL All-Time Career Earnings Leaders board. According to Spotrac's Active All-Time NFL Career Earnings Leaders board through 2026, the Chiefs quarterback ranks sixth with $288 million. He trails Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff, who is fifth with $314 million. Matthew Stafford, Aaron Rodgers, Dak Prescott, and Kirk Cousins occupy the top four spots among active players.

NFL Career Earnings Through 2026 Active Players

The list below comprises all-time active players currently in the NFL, featuring nine quarterbacks and one offensive tackle:

Matthew Stafford - QB - $448 million
Aaron Rodgers - QB - $417 million
Dak Prescott - QB - $337 million
Kirk Cousins - QB - $332 million
Jared Goff - QB - $314 million
Patrick Mahomes - QB - $288 million
Josh Allen - QB - $287 million
Deshaun Watson - QB - $280 million
Trent Williams - OT - $242 million
Lamar Jackson - QB - $239 million

NFL Career Earnings Through 2026 All-Time Players

This list includes both retired and active players. Retired players like Tom Brady, Russell Wilson, and Matt Ryan have transitioned to broadcasting roles. Tom Brady signed a 10-year, $375 million deal with FOX Sports, while Russell Wilson retired in June 2026 and works as an analyst for CBS Sports. Matt Ryan serves as the Atlanta Falcons' president of football.

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Matthew Stafford - $448 million
Aaron Rodgers - $417 million
Dak Prescott - $337 million
Kirk Cousins - $332 million
Tom Brady - $332 million
Russell Wilson - $315 million
Jared Goff - $314 million
Matt Ryan - $303 million
Patrick Mahomes - $288 million
Josh Allen - $287 million

NFL Career Earnings Through 2025 All-Time Players

This table includes all players through 2025, with retired figures like Drew Brees and Ben Roethlisberger. Drew Brees is a FOX Sports commentator and entrepreneur, while Ben Roethlisberger hosts the podcast "Footballin' with Ben Roethlisberger" and appeared on ManningCast during the 2025 NFL Playoffs.

Matthew Stafford - $408 million
Aaron Rodgers - $394 million
Tom Brady - $332 million
Kirk Cousins - $321 million
Russell Wilson - $315 million
Matt Ryan - $303 million
Dak Prescott - $297 million
Drew Brees - $271 million
Ben Roethlisberger - $267 million
Jared Goff - $259 million

Top 10 Massive NFL Contracts

Despite Mahomes' record deal, the top contract before his was Josh Allen's. ESPN's Bill Barnwell reported that Lamar Jackson could sign a 4-year, $260 million deal with an average annual salary of $65 million, surpassing Mahomes' $63 million average.