The $60 Million Man: Who Is The Highest Paid Quarterback In The NFL Right Now?

As of December 11, 2025, the title of the highest-paid quarterback in the National Football League (NFL) belongs to Dallas Cowboys star, Dak Prescott. This designation is based on the critical metric of Average Annual Value (AAV), with Prescott's latest contract extension setting a new benchmark for financial compensation in professional sports. His deal officially shattered the previous high-water mark, cementing his place at the pinnacle of NFL earnings.

The monumental contract signed by Prescott in late 2024 has redefined the financial landscape for elite quarterbacks, pushing the AAV threshold to an astonishing $60 million per year. This article dives deep into the details of his record-setting agreement, explores the full list of the league's top earners, and examines the crucial difference between AAV and guaranteed money in the high-stakes world of NFL contracts.

The New King of Compensation: Dak Prescott's Record-Shattering Contract

Dak Prescott's contract is more than just a large number; it is a strategic financial masterpiece that reflects his value to the Dallas Cowboys franchise. The deal, finalized in September 2024, is a four-year extension valued at a staggering $240 million.

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The $60 million Average Annual Value (AAV) is the headline figure that places him firmly at the top of the NFL salary rankings. However, the true measure of a contract's security and commitment lies in the guaranteed money. Prescott's deal includes an incredible $231 million in guaranteed money, which was the highest in NFL history at the time of signing.

This guaranteed figure is a critical component of the contract, as it ensures the player receives a vast majority of the total value regardless of future injuries or roster cuts, offering unparalleled financial security. The contract also featured an $80 million signing bonus, further demonstrating the Cowboys' commitment to their franchise quarterback.

Rayne Dakota Prescott: A Biography and Career Profile

Rayne Dakota Prescott has had a career defined by overcoming expectations and consistently delivering high-level performance for one of the most scrutinized teams in professional sports, the Dallas Cowboys.

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• Full Name: Rayne Dakota Prescott
• Born: July 29, 1993 (Age 32 as of 2025)
• College: Mississippi State University
• NFL Draft: 2016 NFL Draft, 4th Round, 135th Overall Pick
• Current Team: Dallas Cowboys (Since 2016)
• Career Highlights:
  • 3x Pro Bowl Selection (2016, 2018, 2022)
  • NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (2016)
  • Led the Cowboys to four NFC East Division titles.

Prescott's journey from a fourth-round pick to the highest-paid player in the league is an extraordinary story. He was initially drafted to be a developmental backup behind veteran Tony Romo but was thrust into the starting role during his rookie season due to injury. He excelled immediately, earning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award and never looking back.

The Top 5 Highest-Paid NFL Quarterbacks by Average Annual Value (AAV)

The quarterback market is the most volatile in the NFL, with each new elite contract setting the stage for the next. The following list represents the top five highest-paid quarterbacks in the league by their Average Annual Value (AAV) as of the 2025 season. This list reflects the current financial hierarchy of the position.

The tight clustering of the top contracts at the $55 million AAV mark highlights the rapid escalation of quarterback salaries. Just a year ago, the top spot was held by another player, demonstrating how quickly the market adjusts to new deals.

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Beyond AAV: The True Value of Guaranteed Money

While the Average Annual Value is the figure most often cited in headlines, NFL contract experts stress that guaranteed money is the most significant factor for a player's long-term financial stability. It is the amount an organization is contractually obligated to pay, regardless of injury, performance, or future decisions.

Dak Prescott's $231 million guaranteed money figure is a monumental achievement, surpassing the guaranteed money of other elite quarterbacks. For comparison, Joe Burrow's $275 million total value extension includes $219 million in guaranteed money. This difference of $12 million in guaranteed funds is often viewed as the real measure of a team's commitment.

The trend in quarterback contracts is moving toward higher guaranteed percentages, essentially transforming the deals into long-term, fully-guaranteed commitments. This shift is a major win for players and their agents, who are constantly pushing the boundaries of financial security.

The Future of NFL Quarterback Compensation

The $60 million AAV ceiling set by Dak Prescott will not hold for long. The NFL's salary cap continues to rise, and a new wave of star quarterbacks is approaching contract extensions that are expected to reset the market once again. This ongoing escalation is a key trend in the sport's financial structure.

One of the most anticipated contracts that will likely surpass Prescott's deal is that of San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. Purdy's recent five-year, $265 million extension is a fresh example of the rising market. His deal, alongside the future extensions for other young stars, is poised to push the AAV into the $65 million range or even higher within the next couple of seasons.

Furthermore, the contracts of established, high-performing QBs like Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Herbert, and Lamar Jackson will continue to be renegotiated or extended, ensuring the highest paid NFL QBs list remains a revolving door. The combination of rising team revenues, increased salary cap space, and the scarcity of truly elite talent ensures that the financial ceiling for the quarterback position will continue to climb rapidly, with each new deal becoming a temporary record holder.

In the high-stakes financial game of the NFL, Dak Prescott is currently the champion of compensation, but his reign is a testament to the league's ever-increasing financial commitment to its most valuable position.