- There are now 37 NFL players who have made at least $100 million in their career.
- The list is loaded with quarterbacks, including two Mannings.
- Eli Manning, who has now retired after 16 seasons, is the highest-paid player in NFL history.
- The list is updated through the 2019 season.
In the NFL, lots of players sign big contracts. But unlike other sports, NFL deals are rarely guaranteed, and few players see all of the money in those large deals.
But a select few have gone on to make big money in their careers as there are now 29 players who have made at least $100 million.
The list includes 26 active players, 20 quarterbacks, 1 Tom Brady, and 2 retired Mannings.
Using contract data obtained by Spotrac.com and other sources, here are the 29 highest-paid players in NFL history.
37. Kirk Cousins, QB — $100.6 million
Seasons: 8
Highest single-season earnings: $28 million (2019)
Championships: 0
Pro Bowls: 1
First-team All-Pro: 0
One thing to know: Cousins has made a lot of money in his career, but he still drives a 2000 GMC passenger van.
36. Adrian Peterson, RB — $101.8 million
Seasons: 13
Highest single-season earnings: $20.5 million (2011 with the Vikings including a $12 million signing bonus)
Championships: 0
Pro Bowls: 7
First-team All-Pro: 4
One thing to know: Peterson missed most of the 2014 season after being charged in a case in which he was accused of using a "switch" on his son. He later pleaded no contest and returned in 2015 to lead the NFL in rushing.
35. Champ Bailey, CB — $102.8 million
Seasons: 15
Highest single-season earnings: $16.5 million (2010; included $3 million roster bonus)
Championships: 0
Pro Bowls: 12
First-team All-Pro: 3
One thing to know: Bailey's largest contract came after the 2003 season when he signed a seven-year, $63 million deal.
34. Calais Campbell, DE — $103.1 million
Seasons: 12
Highest single-season earnings: $17.0 million (2012 with the Cardinals, including a $16 million signing bonus)
Championships: 0
Pro Bowls: 4
First-team All-Pro: 1
One thing to know: In 2019, the Jaguars picked up the option for the third year on his 4-year, $60 million contract.
33. Julio Jones, WR — $103.1 million
Seasons: 9
Highest single-season earnings: $26.5 million (2019 including a $25 million signing bonus)
Championships: 0
Pro Bowls: 6
First-team All-Pro: 2
One thing to know: Jones signed a $66 million extension that could keep him with the Falcons through at least the 2023 season. The $25 million signing bonus is most ever for a wide receiver.
32. Trent Williams, LT — $104.9 million
Seasons: 10
Highest single-season earnings: $14.9 million (2016)
Championships: 0
Pro Bowls: 7
First-team All-Pro: 0
One thing to know: Trent Williams has played every season with the Redskins but did not play during the 2019 season. Despite demanding a trade, he wasn't moved, and later failed a physical when he was reinstated.
31. Joe Haden, CB — $107.5 million
Seasons: 10
Highest single-season earnings: $23.0 million (2014 with the Browns, including a $16 million signing bonus)
Championships: 0
Pro Bowls: 2
First-team All-Pro: 0
One thing to know: No other active cornerback has made more in their career than Haden.
30. Terrell Suggs, LB — 108.2 million
Seasons: 17
Highest single-season earnings: $24.9 million (2010; included a $23.0 million bonus)
Championships: 1
Pro Bowls: 7
First-team All-Pro: 1
One thing to know: Suggs spent the first 16 years of his career with the Ravens, but became an unrestricted free agent after the 2018 season and signed with the Cardinals. He was released after 13 games and landed with the playoff-bound Chiefs.
29. Von Miller, LB — $108.5 million
Seasons: 9
Highest single-season earnings: $25.1 million (2016, including a $17 million signing bonus)
Championships: 1
Pro Bowls: 7
First-team All-Pro: 3
One thing to know: The $114.1 million total value in Miller's contract and the $42 million signing bonus are both the third-largest ever for a defensive player.
28. Russell Wilson, QB — $109.4 million
Seasons: 8
Highest single-season earnings: $35.0 million (2019, including a $30 million signing bonus)
Championships: 1
Pro Bowls: 5
First-team All-Pro: 0
One thing to know: Wilson signed a 4-year, $140 million contract prior to the 2019 season. the $35 million average annual value is the largest in NFL history.
27. Jason Peters, LT — $111.7 million
Seasons: 15
Highest single-season earnings: $21.5 million (2009; $11.0 million signing bonus)
Championships: 1
Pro Bowls: 9
First-team All-Pro: 2
One thing to know: The now-37 years old Peters signed a 1-year deal prior to the 2019 season. He is still not thinking about retiring.
26. Calvin Johnson, WR — $113.8 million
Seasons: 9
Highest single-season earnings: $25 million (2013; includes $20 million option bonus)
Championships: 0
Pro Bowls: 6
First-team All-Pro: 3
One thing to know: Johnson retired after the 2015 season because he was "in pain." He walked away from the final four years and $67.7 million on his contract.
25. Gerald McCoy, DT — $118.1 million
Seasons: 9
Highest single-season earnings: $14.0 million (2015; included $9.0 million in bonuses)
Championships: 0
Pro Bowls: 6
First-team All-Pro: 1
One thing to know: McCoy was a Pro Bowler six times in eight seasons with the Bucs but was released after the 2018 season. He then signed a 1-year, $8 million contract with the Panthers.
24. Mario Williams, DE — $120.4 million
Seasons: 11
Highest single-season earnings: $25 million (2012; includes $19 million signing bonus)
Championships:0
Pro Bowls: 4
First-team All-Pro: 1
One thing to know: Mario Williams was a No. 1 overall draft pick back when No. 1 overall draft picks received gigantic rookie contracts. Williams' first deal with the Texans was for six years and $54 million.
23. Cam Newton, QB — 121.4 million
Seasons: 9
Highest single-season earnings: $24.0 million (2015; included $15.5 million signing bonus)
Championships: 0
Pro Bowls: 3
First-team All-Pro: 1
One thing to know: Newton's 5-year, $103 million deal with $60 million guaranteed seems like a steal now compared to some of the deals being given to players, especially quarterbacks. He missed most of the 2019 season and is expected to land with a new team in 2020.
22. Jay Cutler, QB — $122.2 million
Seasons: 11
Highest single-season earnings: $20.5 million (2015; includes $5 million restructure bonus)
Championships: 0
Pro Bowls: 1
First-team All-Pro: 0
One thing to know: Cutler retired after the 2016 season. He later stepped away from an upcoming TV job to sign a 1-year, $10 million contract to replace the Miami Dolphins' injured quarterback, Ryan Tannehill for one season.
21. Joe Thomas, LT — $122.9 million
Seasons: 11
Highest single-season earnings: $19.1 million (2011; includes $6 million signing bonus)
Championships: 0
Pro Bowls: 10
First-team All-Pro: 6
One thing to know: Thomas had not missed a game in his career and had never missed a single snap until suffering an injury during the 2017 season, the final year of his career.
20. Darrelle Revis, CB — $124.2 million
Seasons: 10
Highest single-season earnings: $25 million (2011; includes $18 million option bonus)
Championships: 1
Pro Bowls: 7
First-team All-Pro: 4
One thing to know: In a league where most players are forced to take safe contracts, Revis continually bet on himself and won, often forgoing long-term deals. Instead, he took repeated chances in free agency.
19. Michael Vick, QB — $124.8 million
Seasons: 13
Highest single-season earnings: $27.5 million (2005)
Championships: 0
Pro Bowls: 4
First-team All-Pro: 0
One thing to know: Vick missed two seasons in the prime of his career following his dog-fighting conviction.
18. Tony Romo, QB — $127.4 million
Seasons: 13
Highest single-season earnings: $26.5 million (2013; includes $25 million signing bonus)
Championships: 0
Pro Bowls: 4
First-team All-Pro: 0
One thing to know: Romo chose retirement following the 2016 season over playing for another team. He is now earning a lot of praise for his work in the TV booth.
17. Sam Bradford, QB — $130.0 million
Seasons: 9
Highest single-season earnings: $26.8 million (2011; included $18 million signing bonus)
Championships: 0
Pro Bowls: 0
First-team All-Pro: 0
One thing to know: Bradford has already eclipsed the $100 million mark due in large part to luck and timing. He was the first pick in the 2010 draft, the last draft class before the NFL put restrictions on how much rookies could be paid. He was cut by the Cardinals mid-way through the 2018 season. He was cut by the Cardinals after just three games in 2018 and is still a free agent.
16. Brett Favre, QB — $137.8 million
Seasons: 20
Highest single-season earnings: $16 million (2010; includes $4.4 million signing bonus)
Championships: 1
Pro Bowls: 11
First-team All-Pro: 3
One thing to know: Favre only made more than $12 million once while with the Packers, but made more than that in each of his three seasons with the Jets and Vikings.
15. Ndamukong Suh, DT — $148.0 million
Seasons: 10
Highest single-season earnings: $26.5 million (2015; included $25.5 million signing bonus)
Championships: 0
Pro Bowls: 5
First-team All-Pro: 3
One thing to know: Much was made of Suh's 6-year, $114.4 million contract with the Dolphins, but like many large deals in the NFL, it was mostly a sham. Instead, he made $60 million over three years before he was released to save space on the salary cap. He is now on his third team in three years.
14. Alex Smith, QB — $161.5 million
Seasons: 15
Highest single-season earnings: $40.0 million (2018; included $27 million signing bonus)
Championships: 0
Pro Bowls: 3
First-team All-Pro: 0
One thing to know: Often referred to by the pejorative "game manager," Smith has led his team to the playoffs five times in seven years. But his career was put in jeopardy during the 2018 season when he suffered a gruesome broken leg.
13. Julius Peppers, LB — $165.0 million
Seasons: 17
Highest single-season earnings: $20.2 million (2010; includes $6.5 million signing bonus)
Championships: 0
Pro Bowls: 9
First-team All-Pro: 3
One thing to know: After several seasons with the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers, Peppers returned to his original club, signing a $3.5 million deal to play with the Carolina Panthers. In January, he retired at age 39.
12. Joe Flacco, QB — $166.3 million
Seasons: 12
Highest single-season earnings: $30.0 million (2013; included $29.0 million signing bonus)
Championships: 1
Pro Bowls: 0
First-team All-Pro: 0
One thing to know: Joe Flacco has elite career earnings.
11. Carson Palmer, QB — $174.1 million
Seasons: 14
Highest single-season earnings: $19.0 million (2014; includes $10 million signing bonus)
Championships: 0
Pro Bowls: 3
First-team All-Pro: 0
One thing to know: Palmer's $24.1 million cap hit during the 2017 season was second only to Joe Flacco ($24.6 million). It would be his final season in the NFL.
10. Larry Fitzgerald, WR — $175.0 million
Seasons: 15
Highest single-season earnings: $26.3 million (2012; includes $15 million option bonus)
Championships: 0
Pro Bowls: 11
First-team All-Pro: 1
One thing to know: Fitzgerald is now No. 2 on the all-time receiving yards list and all-time receptions list, and No. 6 on the all-time receiving TDs list.
9. Matthew Stafford, QB — $203.8 million
Seasons: 11
Highest single-season earnings: $51.1 million (2017, includes $50.0 million signing bonus)
Championships: 0
Pro Bowls: 1
First-team All-Pro: 0
One thing to know: Stafford agreed to a new five-year, $135 million contract prior to the 2017 season, with a whopping $50 million signing bonus. The $27 million average annual salary was tops in the NFL at the time.
8. Philip Rivers, QB — $218.9 million
Seasons: 16
Highest single-season earnings: $32 million (2015; includes $17 million signing bonus)
Championships: 0
Pro Bowls: 8
First-team All-Pro: 0
One thing to know: Rivers got one of the surprise monster contracts in recent memory, which will likely push his career earnings close to $220 million when all's said and done. Of that, he spent $200,000 on a luxury SUV that has a film room in the back for his commutes to Los Angeles.
7. Matt Ryan, QB — $223.5 million
Seasons: 12
Highest single-season earnings: $44.8 million (2019 included $42 million in various bonuses)
Championships: 0
Pro Bowls: 4
First-team All-Pro: 1
One thing to know: Ryan's five-year, $103.8 million extension was set to expire after the 2018 season. He then signed a 5-year, $150 million extension with a $46.5 million signing bonus. The $100 million total guarantee in the deal was the largest ever for an NFL contract at the time.
6. Ben Roethlisberger, QB — $232.3 million
Seasons: 16
Highest single-season earnings: $35.3 million (2015; includes $31 million signing bonus)
Championships: 2
Pro Bowls: 6
First-team All-Pro: 0
One thing to know: At $87.4 million, the contract signed prior to the 2015 season by Big Ben didn't sound as sexy as the other deals signed by quarterbacks. But it was better than most, as he got more than $35 million in Year 1 and a whopping $53 million over the first two seasons.
5. Aaron Rodgers, QB — $233.6 million
Seasons: 15
Highest single-season earnings: $66.9 million (2018; includes $57.5 million signing bonus)
Championships: 1
Pro Bowls: 7
First-team All-Pro: 2
One thing to know: Prior to the 2018 season, Rodgers signed a 4-year, $134 million contract extension. The Packers have Rodgers under contract through the 2023 season which would push his career earnings to $313 million.
4. Tom Brady, QB — $235.2 million
Seasons: 20
Highest single-season earnings: $28.8 million (2016; includes $28.0 million signing bonus)
Championships: 6
Pro Bowls: 14
First-team All-Pro: 3
One thing to know: Brady has sacrificed at least $60 million in his career in discount contracts for the Patriots.
3. Drew Brees, QB — $244.7 million
Seasons: 19
Highest single-season earnings: $40 million (2012; includes $37 million signing bonus)
Championships: 1
Pro Bowls: 12
First-team All-Pro: 1
One thing to know: While much has been made of Tom Brady still playing well into his late 30s and early 40s, Brees is not far behind and doesn't seem ready to retire. His latest contract was restructured that will void the deal after the 2019 seson.
2. Peyton Manning, QB — $248.7 million
Seasons: 18
Highest single-season earnings: $35 million (2004; includes $34.5 million signing bonus)
Championships: 2
Pro Bowls: 14
First-team All-Pro: 7
One thing to know: Manning's final paycheck in the NFL was a $4 million bonus for winning the Super Bowl in 2015. He had one year and $19 million remaining on his Broncos contract when he retired.
1. Eli Manning, QB — $252.3 million
Seasons: 16
Highest single-season earnings: $37 million (2015; included $31 million signing bonus)
Championships: 2
Pro Bowls: 4
First-team All-Pro: 0
One thing to know: Manning will retire from the NFL this week after 16 seasons and two Super Bowl wins. However, not all is lost as the Giants paid him $17 million this season, making him the highest-paid player in NFL history. Not bad for being maybe just the third-best quarterback in his family.
