Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is the highest-paid player in NFL history, with his agreed-upon five-year contract extension worth $275 million checking in at an average annual value (AAV) of $55 million.
The stunner of a contract doled out by the Bengals includes $219 million in guarantees. To put that in perspective, Justin Herbert of the Chargers, the man Burrow and Co. were waiting to leapfrog, only got $133.7 million in guarantees.
So it’s the same five-year model in the traditional sense, but vastly more cash. Herbert shakes out at $52.5 million AAV. Lamar Jackson in Baltimore is at $52 million AAV. And Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia is $50 million AAV.
Burrow was always destined to surpass all other quarterback signees of late.
Even better for the Bengals, the extension tacks on to the back of his rookie deal, meaning it carries through the 2029 season.
