Highest Paid NFL Players of 2025: Patrick Mahomes Is Not Number 1!
With Thanksgiving Day football upon us, we have some interesting salary data to share! The highest paid NFL players of the 2025-2026 season have been revealed, and you may be surprised by some of the numbers.
There are a few noteworthy things to note about this list.
Usually, quarterbacks dominate the highest paid players each and every year. This year is mostly no exception. Interestingly enough, there are 2 defensive players on this list in addition to the star quarterbacks!
Any big football fan knows that a star defensive player can easily change the trajectory of a game, and these two big stars have certainly made their mark in the league.
We’re breaking down the salaries of all the highest paid players this year…and the consensus best player in the league, Patrick Mahomes, is not number 1!
Keep reading to see which athletes are the highest paid in the NFL in 2025…
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Jalen Hurts
Jalen Hurts
10. Jalen Hurts, QB, Eagles
2025 salary: $42,507,560
Jalen Hurts is earning over $42 million this year for his work leading the Eagles. He won the Super Bowl MVP in 2025, and fans have high hopes for the NFC East team’s chances in 2025! They are currently contenders for the Super Bowl, should the playoffs start today.
Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson
9. Lamar Jackson, QB, Ravens
2025 salary: $42,750,000
Lamar Jackson and the Ravens come so close to the Super Bowl every year. Right now, they are fighting for a playoff spot in a crowded AFC.
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TJ Watt
TJ Watt
8. TJ Watt, linebacker, Steelers
2025 salary: $44,000,000
TJ Watt was given a big new contract for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and he’s had 7 sacks this year already. His next game won’t be played until Sunday in a big matchup against the Bills.
Micah Parsons
7. Micah Parsons, defensive end, Packers
2025 Salary: $45,170,000
Micah Parsons previously played for the Cowboys, but was traded to the Packers in a blockbuster move just ahead of the season. He’s considered one of the best defensive ends in the league.
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Deshaun Watson
Deshaun Watson
6. Deshaun Watson, QB, Browns
2025 salary: $46 million
Browns QB Deshaun Watson continues healing from a torn Achilles tendon, and has not played for Cleveland all year.
Dak Prescott
Dak Prescott
5. Dak Prescott, QB, Cowboys
2025 salary: $47,758,820
Dak Prescottis the starter for the Cowboys, and they are currently fighting for a playoff spot. Thursday’s game against the Chiefs is a must-win.
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Patrick Mahomes
Patrick Mahomes
4. Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs
2025 salary: $50,000,000
Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs have been hit or miss this season, shocking many fans as the team has been considered one of the best in the league for years. They can still make the playoffs but they’d need to win heavily going forward.
Tua Tagovailoa
3. Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Miami Dolphins
2025 salary: $51,046,000
Fans have had high expectations for Tua Tagovailoa. The season has not gone the way the Dolphins would have hoped, after his 2024 season was interrupted by a scary concussion.
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