NFL's Lucrative Contracts
Trevor Lawrence: Jacksonville Jaguars
Trevor Lawrence's deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars, signed in 2024, demonstrates a significant commitment from the franchise. The 5-year contract worth $275 million includes a whopping $200 million in guaranteed money. Lawrence led the Jaguars to an 8-8 record in the 2023 season and threw for 21 touchdowns, the second-highest of his career thus far. Over the last two seasons, he accumulated over 8,000 passing yards and 55 combined passing and rushing touchdowns, joining the elite company of Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Jared Goff.
Joe Burrow: Cincinnati Bengals
In 2023, Joe Burrow signed a 5-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals that secures his place as a cornerstone of the team. The contract is worth $275 million, with $219 million guaranteed. Burrow's performance in the 2022-23 season justified this lucrative deal as he led the Bengals to an impressive 12-4 record. He threw for 35 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, passed for 4,475 yards, and completed 68.3% of his passes, underscoring his invaluable presence on the field.
Nick Bosa: San Francisco 49ers
Nick Bosa's 2023 contract with the San Francisco 49ers is worth $170 million over five years, with $122.5 million guaranteed. This deal makes Bosa the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. The 49ers recognized Bosa’s outstanding performance in the previous season, where he earned the Defensive Player of the Year award and led the league with 18.5 sacks.
Justin Herbert: Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert's contract with the Los Angeles Chargers, signed in 2023, guarantees 83.3% of its $262.5 million total value. Herbert, who became the most successful rookie quarterback in terms of passing yards and completions, led the Chargers to their first playoff appearance in four years. His contract’s average annual value of $52.5 million is the highest in NFL history.
Lamar Jackson: Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson signed a 5-year, $260 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023, which includes $185 million guaranteed. This deal came after a protracted negotiation period in which Jackson represented himself. As the second unanimous selection as NFL MVP, his negotiation skills proved as notable as his on-field performances.
Jalen Hurts: Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Hurts' 5-year, $255 million extension with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023 includes a franchise first: a no-trade clause. With 70.3% of his contract guaranteed, Hurts aims to build on his success, which saw him lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl berth.
Deshaun Watson: Cleveland Browns
Deshaun Watson's 2022 contract with the Cleveland Browns is notable for its entire $230 million guarantee. However, Watson's tenure has been marred by controversies, including an 11-game suspension for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy.
Kyler Murray: Arizona Cardinals
Kyler Murray's 5-year, $189.5 million deal, signed in 2022, includes an impressive 82.2% in guaranteed money. Despite his solid performance, his season was cut short by injury, and the Cardinals struggled with a 4-13 record.
Russell Wilson: Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos' 5-year, $161 million deal with Russell Wilson could be one of the worst trades and contracts in NFL history if Wilson's first season performance is any indicator. He struggled, barely completing 60% of his passes and throwing just 16 touchdowns.
Aaron Rodgers: Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers' 3-year, $150.8 million contract with the Green Bay Packers, signed in 2022, makes him one of the highest-paid athletes annually. Despite this, Rodgers now plays for the New York Jets following a trade that occurred after a lackluster season with the Packers.
Josh Allen: Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen's 6-year extension, signed in 2021, guarantees him $150 million. Allen has demonstrated his worth by throwing for over 9,306 yards and 74 touchdowns over the past two years, proving his value to the Buffalo Bills.
MLB's Most Valuable Players
Shohei Ohtani: Los Angeles Dodgers
Shohei Ohtani’s 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, signed in 2023, smashed predictions and cemented his status as arguably the best player in baseball. Despite being sidelined as a pitcher next season due to an elbow injury, Ohtani aims to make the playoffs for the first time in his career.
Mike Trout: Los Angeles Angels
Mike Trout's 12-year, $426.5 million deal, signed in 2019, ensured that one of baseball’s best players remained an Angel. Despite injuries, Trout has managed to play 423 games and win the 2019 MVP since signing his contract.
NBA's Record Contracts
Jaylen Brown: Boston Celtics
Jaylen Brown's 5-year, $304 million deal, signed in 2023, stands as the largest in NBA history. Averaging 26.6 points per game, Brown has been pivotal in leading the Celtics to three of the last four Eastern Conference Finals alongside Jayson Tatum.
Nikola Jokic: Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokic, the reigning NBA Finals MVP, signed a max extension with the Denver Nuggets in 2022 worth $272 million, making it the largest contract in NBA history until Brown's record deal. Jokic's performance has been instrumental to the Nuggets' success.
NHL's Distinguished Deals
Shea Weber: Nashville Predators
Shea Weber's 14-year, $110 million deal, signed in 2012, has seen its share of ups and downs. While Weber has been plagued by injuries, it remains uncertain whether he will play in the NHL again.
Sidney Crosby: Pittsburgh Penguins
Sidney Crosby’s 2013 contract ensures that the Penguins will benefit from his skills until his age-38 season. Despite aging, Crosby continues to perform at a high level, showcasing his enduring talent and dedication to the sport.