{"id":209,"date":"2026-04-27T01:47:32","date_gmt":"2026-04-27T01:47:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/?p=209"},"modified":"2026-04-27T01:47:33","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T01:47:33","slug":"highest-paid-nfl-player-top-10","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/highest-paid-nfl-player-top-10\/","title":{"rendered":"Highest Paid NFL Player of All Time 2026: Salaries, Top 10 &#038; More"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Ever wondered how much the biggest names in football actually take home? The NFL pays its stars millions, but the numbers behind contracts, career totals, and weekly paychecks can surprise even die-hard fans. Whether you\u2019re curious about the highest paid NFL player of all time, what rookies earn, or how salaries stack up by position in 2026, this guide has clear answers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ll cover real earnings data, explain how players get paid, and compare the gridiron to the hardwood with the NBA\u2019s top earner. Let\u2019s break it down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/highest-paid-nfl-player-top-10\/#Who_Is_the_Highest_Paid_NFL_Player_of_All_Time\" >Who Is the Highest Paid NFL Player of All Time?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/highest-paid-nfl-player-top-10\/#Top_10_Highest_Paid_NFL_Players_of_All_Time\" >Top 10 Highest Paid NFL Players of All Time<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/highest-paid-nfl-player-top-10\/#Highest_Paid_NFL_Player_in_2026\" >Highest Paid NFL Player in 2026<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/highest-paid-nfl-player-top-10\/#NFL_Player_Salary_Per_Month_How_Does_It_Actually_Work\" >NFL Player Salary Per Month: How Does It Actually Work?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/highest-paid-nfl-player-top-10\/#Average_NFL_Salary_by_Position_2025%E2%80%932026\" >Average NFL Salary by Position (2025\u20132026)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/highest-paid-nfl-player-top-10\/#Who_Is_the_Lowest_Paid_NFL_Player\" >Who Is the Lowest Paid NFL Player?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/highest-paid-nfl-player-top-10\/#Highest-Paid_NBA_Player_Quick_Comparison\" >Highest-Paid NBA Player (Quick Comparison)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/highest-paid-nfl-player-top-10\/#Key_Takeaways_on_NFL_Player_Salaries\" >Key Takeaways on NFL Player Salaries<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/highest-paid-nfl-player-top-10\/#FAQ_Section\" >FAQ Section<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/highest-paid-nfl-player-top-10\/#What_is_the_highest_paid_NFL_player_of_all_time\" >What is the highest paid NFL player of all time?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/highest-paid-nfl-player-top-10\/#How_much_does_the_average_NFL_player_make_per_year\" >How much does the average NFL player make per year?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/highest-paid-nfl-player-top-10\/#Who_is_the_highest_paid_NFL_player_in_2026\" >Who is the highest paid NFL player in 2026?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/highest-paid-nfl-player-top-10\/#How_are_NFL_salaries_paid_%E2%80%94_monthly_or_weekly\" >How are NFL salaries paid \u2014 monthly or weekly?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/highest-paid-nfl-player-top-10\/#What_is_the_lowest_paid_NFL_player_salary_in_2026\" >What is the lowest paid NFL player salary in 2026?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/highest-paid-nfl-player-top-10\/#How_does_the_highest_paid_NBA_player_compare\" >How does the highest paid NBA player compare?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_Is_the_Highest_Paid_NFL_Player_of_All_Time\"><\/span>Who Is the Highest Paid NFL Player of All Time?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"723\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Matthew-Stafford-leader-on-the-field-1-723x1024.webp\" alt=\"Matthew Stafford\" class=\"wp-image-212\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Matthew-Stafford-leader-on-the-field-1-723x1024.webp 723w, https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Matthew-Stafford-leader-on-the-field-1-212x300.webp 212w, https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Matthew-Stafford-leader-on-the-field-1-768x1087.webp 768w, https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Matthew-Stafford-leader-on-the-field-1.webp 1054w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 723px) 100vw, 723px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Matthew-Stafford-sports-portrait-683x1024.webp\" alt=\"Matthew Stafford\" class=\"wp-image-213\" srcset=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Matthew-Stafford-sports-portrait-683x1024.webp 683w, https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Matthew-Stafford-sports-portrait-200x300.webp 200w, https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Matthew-Stafford-sports-portrait-768x1152.webp 768w, https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Matthew-Stafford-sports-portrait.webp 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>When people ask about the <strong>highest paid NFL player of all time<\/strong>, they usually mean total career earnings. According to Spotrac\u2019s latest rankings, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Matthew_Stafford\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Matthew Stafford<\/a><\/strong> tops the list with <strong>$408.3 million<\/strong> earned across his career with the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Close behind is <strong>Aaron Rodgers<\/strong> at <strong>$394.8 million<\/strong>, followed by <strong>Tom Brady<\/strong> ($333 million), <strong>Kirk Cousins<\/strong> ($321.7 million), and <strong>Russell Wilson<\/strong> ($315.9 million). These figures include base salaries, signing bonuses, and incentives \u2014 but not endorsements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Why do quarterbacks dominate? Their impact on wins is massive, and teams pay premium prices for proven leaders. Note that these are cumulative earnings, not single-season pay. Patrick Mahomes holds one of the largest single contracts ever signed (10 years, $450 million), but career totals favor longer-tenured stars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Top_10_Highest_Paid_NFL_Players_of_All_Time\"><\/span>Top 10 Highest Paid NFL Players of All Time<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s a quick look at the current top earners by career cash (Spotrac data):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Matthew Stafford<\/strong> (QB) \u2014 $408.3 million<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Aaron Rodgers<\/strong> (QB) \u2014 $394.8 million<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tom Brady<\/strong> (QB) \u2014 $333.0 million<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Kirk Cousins<\/strong> (QB) \u2014 $321.7 million<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Russell Wilson<\/strong> (QB) \u2014 $315.9 million<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Matt Ryan<\/strong> (QB) \u2014 $303.7 million<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Dak Prescott<\/strong> (QB) \u2014 $297.9 million<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Drew Brees<\/strong> (QB) \u2014 $271.5 million<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ben Roethlisberger<\/strong> (QB) \u2014 $267.3 million<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Jared Goff<\/strong> (QB) \u2014 $259.6 million<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Almost every name is a quarterback. The position\u2019s importance and shorter career windows drive massive contracts. Non-QBs rarely crack the top 20 in career earnings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Highest_Paid_NFL_Player_in_2026\"><\/span>Highest Paid NFL Player in 2026<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For the <strong>2026 season<\/strong>, <strong>Dak Prescott<\/strong> of the Dallas Cowboys leads with a <strong>$60 million<\/strong> average annual value (AAV) on his current deal. Other top earners include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs) \u2014 ~$56.75 million (cap hit)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Josh Allen (Bills), Joe Burrow (Bengals), Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars) \u2014 $55 million each<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jared Goff (Lions) \u2014 $55 million<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These are average annual values or projected cap hits. Actual cash flow varies by signing bonuses and incentives. The salary cap continues rising, pushing top deals higher every year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"NFL_Player_Salary_Per_Month_How_Does_It_Actually_Work\"><\/span>NFL Player Salary Per Month: How Does It Actually Work?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>NFL contracts are <strong>not<\/strong> paid like a normal job. Most players receive their <strong>base salary in weekly installments<\/strong> during the 17-week regular season (plus a bye week). A player earning $1 million in base salary might receive roughly <strong>$55,000\u2013$60,000 per week<\/strong> while the season is active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Signing bonuses and roster bonuses often drop as large lump sums upfront or in the offseason. Many players also earn performance incentives paid after the season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So while a $5 million annual contract sounds huge, the player might only see steady money from September through January. Offseason pay is minimal unless incentives or bonuses kick in. This structure keeps teams flexible with the salary cap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Average_NFL_Salary_by_Position_2025%E2%80%932026\"><\/span>Average NFL Salary by Position (2025\u20132026)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Salaries vary wildly. Here are approximate <strong>league-wide average annual earnings<\/strong> by position group for the 2025\u201326 season (based on Spotrac and other contract data):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Quarterback<\/strong>: $4.8 million (starters often $30M+)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Wide Receiver<\/strong>: $2.9 million<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Offensive Lineman<\/strong>: $3.5 million<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Edge Rusher<\/strong>: $3.1 million<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Defensive Lineman<\/strong>: $4.7 million<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Linebacker<\/strong>: $4.0 million<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Running Back<\/strong>: $3.1 million<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tight End<\/strong>: ~$2.0\u20132.5 million<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cornerback\/Safety<\/strong>: $2.2\u20132.6 million<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The overall NFL average sits around <strong>$2.5\u20133.5 million<\/strong> per player when including every roster spot. Starters at premium positions earn 5\u201310x more than backups. Rookies and practice-squad players pull the averages down significantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_Is_the_Lowest_Paid_NFL_Player\"><\/span>Who Is the Lowest Paid NFL Player?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>lowest paid NFL players<\/strong> are usually first-year rookies on the active roster. For <strong>2026<\/strong>, the minimum salary is <strong>$885,000<\/strong> for players with zero credited seasons. Veterans with 7+ years earn at least <strong>$1.3 million<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Practice squad players earn far less \u2014 often <strong>$13,000\u2013$23,000 per week<\/strong> depending on experience, totaling around $250,000\u2013$410,000 annually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even at the minimum, a rookie still earns more in one season than most Americans make in several years. The league\u2019s collective bargaining agreement guarantees these floors and raises them slightly each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Highest-Paid_NBA_Player_Quick_Comparison\"><\/span>Highest-Paid NBA Player (Quick Comparison)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While we\u2019re talking big paychecks, the <strong>highest-paid NBA player<\/strong> for the 2025\u201326 season is <strong>Stephen Curry<\/strong> of the Golden State Warriors at <strong>$59.6 million<\/strong>. Other top earners include Nikola Joki\u0107 and Joel Embiid (around $55 million each).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Basketball\u2019s smaller rosters and global appeal drive massive individual deals, but NFL contracts often include more guaranteed money over longer periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Takeaways_on_NFL_Player_Salaries\"><\/span>Key Takeaways on NFL Player Salaries<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Quarterbacks dominate both career earnings and 2026 top spots.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The highest paid NFL player of all time (Stafford) earned over <strong>$408 million<\/strong> cumulatively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In 2026, expect Dak Prescott and other elite QBs to clear <strong>$55\u201360 million<\/strong> annually.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Payment is seasonal and weekly \u2014 not a steady monthly check.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Averages hide huge gaps between stars and depth players.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Even the lowest-paid active players clear <strong>$885,000<\/strong> minimum in 2026.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>NFL salaries reflect the league\u2019s massive revenue and the short, high-risk careers of its athletes. Contracts keep evolving with the salary cap, so these numbers will look different in a few years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whether you\u2019re a casual fan or aspiring agent, understanding these figures shows just how much talent and leverage matter in professional football.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read more: <a href=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/gukesh-vs-sindarov-head-to-head\/\">Gukesh vs Sindarov Head to Head: The Youngest (19 vs 20) World Chess Championship Match in History<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"FAQ_Section\"><\/span><strong>FAQ Section<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1777251996333\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_highest_paid_NFL_player_of_all_time\"><\/span><strong>What is the highest paid NFL player of all time?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Matthew Stafford leads with over $408 million in career earnings, according to Spotrac.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1777252006920\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_much_does_the_average_NFL_player_make_per_year\"><\/span><strong>How much does the average NFL player make per year?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Roughly $2.5\u20133.5 million league-wide, though starters at key positions earn far more (often $10M+).<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1777252026883\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_is_the_highest_paid_NFL_player_in_2026\"><\/span><strong>Who is the highest paid NFL player in 2026?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Dak Prescott at $60 million average annual value.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1777252038826\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_are_NFL_salaries_paid_%E2%80%94_monthly_or_weekly\"><\/span><strong>How are NFL salaries paid \u2014 monthly or weekly?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Primarily weekly during the 17-week regular season, with large bonuses paid upfront or in installments.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1777252052676\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_lowest_paid_NFL_player_salary_in_2026\"><\/span><strong>What is the lowest paid NFL player salary in 2026?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Rookies start at a minimum of $885,000; veterans with 7+ years earn at least $1.3 million.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1777252082464\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h3 class=\"rank-math-question \"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_does_the_highest_paid_NBA_player_compare\"><\/span><strong>How does the highest paid NBA player compare?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Stephen Curry earns about $59.6 million in 2025\u201326 \u2014 similar to top NFL quarterbacks but on a shorter annual deal.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ever wondered how much the biggest names in football actually take home? The NFL pays its stars millions, but the numbers behind contracts, career totals, and weekly paychecks can surprise even die-hard fans. Whether you\u2019re curious about the highest paid NFL player of all time, what rookies earn, or how salaries stack up by position &#8230; <a title=\"Highest Paid NFL Player of All Time 2026: Salaries, Top 10 &#038; More\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/highest-paid-nfl-player-top-10\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Highest Paid NFL Player of All Time 2026: Salaries, Top 10 &#038; More\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":210,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[16,17],"class_list":["post-209","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-highest-paid-nfl-player","tag-salaries"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/209","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=209"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/209\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":214,"href":"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/209\/revisions\/214"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/210"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=209"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=209"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kheladesk.com\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=209"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}