While baseball is considered our country’s national pastime, football is, without question, the most popular sport in America. The NFL alone raked in roughly $15.3 billion in revenue last year. Combine this figure with the cash that NCAA football brings in, and one can easily see how dominant the sport is in the United States. Quarterbacks are the highest-paid position in the NFL. Most have great endorsement deals that supplement their already hefty contracts. Needless to say, it pays well to be a QB. The following is a list of the wealthiest quarterbacks in the NFL, according to their net worth.
Deshaun Watson (Houston Texans) – $24M
Deshaun Watson was picked #12 overall by the Houston Texans in the 2017 NFL Draft following a very successful college career at Clemson. While he’s struggled to perform in key moments in his four seasons with the team, the Texans believe Watson is their franchise quarterback. Before the start of the 2020 NFL season, Watson signed a four-year $156 million extension that came with a $27 million signing bonus. After just four full years in the NFL, Watson’s net worth sits around $24 million.
Jim Kelly (Buffalo Bills) – $25M
Pennsylvanian-born Jim Kelly was selected by the Buffalo Bills during the 1983 NFL Draft. However, he ended up playing with the Houston Gamblers and the New Jersey Generals of the rival USFL until the league collapsed in 1986. Kelly would later sign with the Bills and take them to four straight Super Bowls. He made the Pro Bowl five times and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002. Kelly also has a net worth of $25 million.
Jay Cutler (Chicago Bears) – $30M
Retired Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler was selected out of Vanderbilt University by the Denver Broncos in the 2006 NFL Draft. Three years later, he was traded to the Bears but didn’t live up to expectations. While Chicago offered him a seven-year contract extension in 2014, the team released him three years later. After moving to Chicago in 2019, Cutler started a relationship with Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County and The Hills star Kristin Cavallari. Although they got married in 2013, the couple recently announced they were going their separate ways. Cutler’s net worth was cut in half to $30 million as a result.
Jared Goff (Detroit Lions) – $30M
Jared Goff was picked #1 overall in the 2016 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams. He would go on to sign a four-year contract for $27.9 million that same year, making him the highest-earning player from his draft class. In August 2019, Goff signed a new four-year deal with the Rams worth $134 million. It includes $110 million guaranteed and two bonuses totaling $46 million. However, he was traded to the Detroit Lions following the completion of the 2020-2021 season. With the help of his JG16 clothing line, Goff’s net worth hovers around $30 million.
Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs) – $40M
NFL 2020 Super Bowl Champion Patrick Mahomes’ net worth is only going to grow as long as he stays healthy. The 10th-overall pick of the 2017 NFL Draft signed a four-year deal with the Chiefs worth $16.2 million. Following his phenomenal 2019-2020 season, Kansas City and Mahomes agreed to a 10-year contract extension worth well over $400 million. It was later revealed that he could make roughly $503 million if he makes it to the end of his contract. Until then, his net worth sits at a “measly” $40 million.
Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys) – $40M
It’s a good time to be Dak Prescott. The Dallas Cowboys quarterback is currently worth about $40 million, but his net worth is only going to go up over time. Prescott just signed a new deal with the Cowboys worth a whopping $160 million over four years. Not only did he get a $66 million signing bonus, which is the highest in NFL history, but $126 million of his contract is guaranteed. In fact, in the first three years of his new contract, he’ll be averaging about $42 million a year.
Andrew Luck (Indianapolis Colts) – $40M
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck was on pace to fill the shoes left behind by Hall of Fame QB Peyton Manning. Drafted in 2012, Luck earned his way to a five-year $123 million dollar contract extension in 2016. Poised for a deep playoff run in 2019, Luck shocked the NFL world when he announced his retirement on August 24. Various persistent injuries forced Luck to hang up his cleats and start the next chapter of his life. He currently has a net worth of $40 million.
Terry Bradshaw (Pittsburgh Steelers) – $45M
Terry Bradshaw is best known for leading the Pittsburgh Steelers to four Super Bowl victories in the span of six years, an accomplishment that probably no quarterback will ever match in the future. The Louisiana native was drafted in 1970 out of Louisiana Tech University and retired in 1983. He would go on to become an NFL analyst and star in several TV commercials and sitcoms, including Everybody Loves Raymond, Married… With Children, and Modern Family. Bradshaw has a net worth of $45 million.
Carson Wentz (Indianapolis Colts) – $45M
Carson Wentz signed a 4-year $26 million contract upon being selected #2 overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2016 NFL Draft. Despite underperforming and only playing 13 games during the 2017 season due to an ACL injury, the Eagles offered Wentz a 4-year extension worth a total of $128 million. However, following a disappointing 2020-2021 season, Wentz was traded to the Indianapolis Colts for a 2021 third-round draft pick and a conditional 2022 second-round pick. He currently has a net worth of $45 million.
Drew Bledsoe (New England Patriots) – $48M
The man who “paved the way” for Tom Brady by getting injured midway through the season is actually doing quite well for himself. Former New England Patriots quarterback Drew Bledsoe played in the NFL for 14 seasons before calling it quits in 2007 as a member of the Dallas Cowboys. Bledsoe currently lives in Bend, Oregon with his wife Maura and their four children. With a net worth of $48 million, the former NFL quarterback and his family are doing just fine.
Dan Marino (Miami Dolphins) – $50M
Despite never winning a Super Bowl after playing 17 years in the NFL, Miami Dolphins' former quarterback Dan Marino is widely considered one of the greatest players to ever play the position. Though he had absolutely incredible statistics, Marino only made it to one Super Bowl during his career. Marino announced his retirement in 1999 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005. In addition to participating in various television and film projects, Marino earned tens of millions from endorsements. His total net worth is around $50 million.
Troy Aikman (Dallas Cowboys) – $65M
Troy Aikman was selected #1 overall by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1989 NFL Draft, where he played his entire 12-year career. He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection and captured three Vince Lombardi trophies. While his annual base salary was quite low when compared to the lucrative contracts quarterbacks are receiving today, he is still doing just fine. In fact, he is supplementing his earnings by working as a Fox television commentator for around $7.5 million a year. He has a net worth of around $65 million.
Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings) – $70M
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins was selected #102 overall by the Washington Football Team in the 2012 NFL Draft. While playing for the nation’s capital, Cousins threw the 65th perfect game in NFL history in 2015. After a handful of years in Washington, Cousins was traded to the Vikings ahead of the 2018 season. He is still the team’s starting quarterback and is currently one of the highest-paid NFL players in the world, having just signed a two-year contract extension worth $66 million. His net worth sits around $70 million.
Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons) – $70M
Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan was selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the third overall pick of the 2008 NFL Draft. He is now in his 13th year with the franchise. Despite a rather successful NFL career, Ryan will forever be remembered as the quarterback who couldn’t finish the job against the Patriots in Super Bowl LI. Though the Falcons were up 28-3 late in the third quarter, Tom Brady willed the Patriots to victory in overtime. It’s no skin off his nose, however. Ryan’s net worth is around $70 million.
Tony Romo (Dallas Cowboys) – $70M
Prior to becoming the Dallas Cowboys' starting quarterback in 2006, Tony Romo was the holder. He went on to have a successful career, despite going just 2-4 in six playoff games in a span of 11 seasons. After he retired in 2017, Romo went on to become the lead color analyst for NFL broadcasts at CBS Sports. While many around the sport were skeptical of this move, Romo demonstrated his ability to read and predict plays before they happened. He has a current net worth of approximately $70 million.
Cam Newton (New England Patriots) – $75M
Although Cam Newton’s tenure as a Carolina Panther is over, he still believes he has plenty more in the tank to replace Tom Brady as the Patriots’ starting quarterback. While his early college years were tattooed with disciplinary issues, he excelled at Auburn, leading the Tigers to a BCS National Championship Game in 2011. His recent NFL career has been plagued by injuries, but he's still managed to win an NFL MVP award and has made a Super Bowl appearance. His current net worth sits at $75 million and is climbing.
Joe Flacco (New York Jets) – $85M
Even if you’re a casual NFL fan, chances are you’re surprised to see former Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl-winning quarterback Joe Flacco on this list. But then again, professional sports are filled with players who are grossly overpaid. Shortly after the Ravens' Super Bowl victory over the 49ers in 2013, Flacco signed a six-year deal worth $120.6 million, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history at the time. He’s now the QB of the New York Jets after a short stint in Denver. Flacco has a net worth of $85 million.
Carson Palmer (Cincinnati Bengals) – $90M
Carson Palmer played in the NFL for 15 seasons, primarily for the Cincinnati Bengals. After a short stint with the Raiders, he was traded to the Arizona Cardinals in 2013, where he experienced a bit of a resurgence. In fact, he actually led the team to the NFC Championship Game in 2015. At the time of his retirement on January 2, 2018, Palmer was 12th all-time in both passing yards and passing touchdowns with 46,247 and 294, respectively. He currently has a net worth of $90 million.
Fran Tarkenton (Minnesota Vikings) – $100M
During his 18 seasons in the NFL, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Fran Tarkenton amassed 47,003 yards passing and 342 touchdowns, ranking him 6th and 4th respectively in NFL history. Along with making money playing football, Tarkenton had a career off the field as well. Not only did Tarkenton serve as a commentator on Monday Night Football, but he also founded Tarkenton Software, a computer-program generator company. Additionally, he owns $40 million worth of Apple stock and $15 million worth of real estate. He has a net worth of around $100 million.
Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh Steelers) – $100M
Despite the endless bumps and bruises over the last 18 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, “Big” Ben Roethlisberger is still performing at an elite level in the NFL. With two Super Bowl championships under his belt, he is hoping to add one more before he retires. Roethlisberger’s NFL career has been plagued with poor decisions which have resulted in injuries, missed games, and suspensions. He appears to have turned things around and is focused on winning before he ultimately retired. Like Tarkenton, “Big” Ben has a net worth of $100 million.
Joe Montana (San Francisco 49ers) – $100M
For the majority of his 16 NFL seasons, quarterback Joe Montana led the San Francisco 49ers offense to nine playoff appearances and four Super Bowl championships. “Joe Cool” was an 8-time Pro Bowl selection and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000. In addition to his many professional accomplishments and endless accolades, “The Comeback Kid” has pursued business ventures outside of football and is doing very well for himself in retirement. Joe, too, has a net worth of around $100 million.
Brett Favre (Green Bay Packers) – $100M
The quintessential All-American quarterback Brett Favre had arguably one of the best NFL careers, despite just winning one Super Bowl. Over the course of 20 seasons, Favre won one Super Bowl, was First-Team All-Pro three times, and was invited to 11 Pro Bowls. After playing for the New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings following two retirements, he finally called it quits in January 2011. Favre finished with NFL records in passing (71,838) and touchdowns (508). He also has a net worth of about $100 million.
Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers) – $120M
Despite Favre’s departure from the Green Bay Packers following the 2007 season, the cheesehead faithful were in good hands with new starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers signed a four-year, $134 million contract extension in 2018, which indicates he has no interest in retiring anytime soon. While he most certainly has earned every bit of his salary, his additional endorsements and commercials push his net worth upwards of $120 million. He’s starred in TV spots for State Farm Insurance and Pizza Hut and even has a stake in the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks.
Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks) – $135M
In just his ninth NFL season, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson already has a net worth of around $135 million. Along with his base salary of $35 million a year, Wilson earned $90 million from various ventures between June 2018 and 2019. Since joining the Seahawks football program, Wilson was named Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year and PFF Offensive Rookie of the Year. He was a 2012 Pro Bowl selection and led the Seahawks on an 80-yard drive to win Super Bowl XLVIII in overtime.
John Elway (Denver Broncos) – $145M
Interesting story: Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway was drafted by the Baltimore Colts in 1983, but threatened to join the New York Yankees if the team didn’t trade him immediately. It wasn’t an empty threat either, since he had the skills and talent to become a professional baseball player. Elway was then traded to the Denver Broncos where he spent his entire 16-year career. He played in five Super Bowls, winning the last two before he announced his retirement. He’s amassed a net worth of $145 million due to various outside business investments.
Eli Manning (New York Giants) – $160M
There will forever be controversy surrounding how good of an NFL quarterback Eli Manning really was. While he had some incredible years with the New York Giants, he also had some painfully disastrous ones. Despite his mixed reviews, Manning will forever be remembered for beating Tom Brady and the undefeated New England Patriots 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII. He then defeated the Patriots again in Super Bowl XLVI, where he was named MVP. Manning has a current net worth of $160 million.
Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints) – $160M
Drew Brees, the 41-year-old New Orleans Saints quarterback, is still picking apart defenses with his precise throws and pure grit on the gridiron. He is arguably the best passer the National Football League has ever seen. Although Brees had replaced Chargers QB Doug Flutie on numerous occasions due to injuries, he always had to fight for a starting position, especially after the club acquired Philip Rivers in 2004. After two seasons as the Chargers starting quarterback, Brees left and joined the Saints. The rest is history. Brees currently has a net worth of $160 million.
Steve Young (San Francisco 49ers) – $200M
San Francisco 49ers' longtime quarterback Steve Young is one of only a few NFL players who’s gone on to be a successful businessman. Prior to playing in the NFL, Young signed a contract with the Los Angeles Express of the USFL in 1984. Following the league’s demise, he signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and was later offloaded to San Francisco, where he served as Joe Montana’s backup for three years. In 1992, Young secured his spot as a starter, but he retired in 1999 due to repeated concussions he sustained over his career. Steve Young’s net worth far surpassed the other quarterbacks on this list so far, coming in around $200 million.
Tom Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) – $250M
With an estimated net worth of $250 million, Tom Brady is still performing at a high level in the NFL, despite moving on from the New England Patriots and Bill Belichick. It’s still weird seeing Brady sport a uniform void of the gray-faced minuteman. Believe it or not, Brady took several pay cuts to bring more offensive fire-power to the Patriots. Winning six Super Bowls in nine attempts is proof that this strategy worked. Along with numerous endorsements, Brady is married to Brazilian model Gisele Bündchen, who is rich beyond measure herself. His net worth alone is upwards of $250 million.
Peyton Manning (Indianapolis Colts) – $250M
In addition to being an incredible football player, Indianapolis Colts' longtime quarterback Peyton Manning is a charming individual. In fact, his personality and humor are what made watching him play football such a treat. Along with his amazing career, Manning's made a lot of income off the field. He’s endorsed tons of major brand names and has appeared in commercials for Buick, Papa Johns, DirecTV, and Nationwide Insurance. After winning Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos, he announced his retirement. Manning has a net worth of $250 million.
Roger Staubach (Dallas Cowboys) – $600M
Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame quarterback Roger Staubach has had just as much success off the field as he’s had on the field. After earning the 1963 Heisman Trophy while playing football for the U.S. Naval Academy, Staubach served in the Navy, including a tour in Vietnam. He joined the Cowboys in 1969 and led the club to the Super Bowl five times, securing victories in Super Bowl VI and Super Bowl XII. He spent 11 seasons with Dallas before retiring in 1979. His myriad of business endeavors has garnered him a net worth of roughly $600 million.