Evaluating mega QB contracts, from Dak Prescott to Patrick Mahomes

It has been a great few years to be a starting NFL quarterback.

For all the criticism and physical abuse that signal-callers endure, they have massive paychecks waiting for them at the end of the week — and at the end of the season. Massive game checks. Massive signing bonuses. Massive guaranteed sums. 

The economy of the QB contract is … massive.

With Brock Purdy's recent extension, no less than 15 teams now pay their starting quarterback $45 million or more per year. So I decided to evaluate those contracts in terms of value. Did the teams overpay? Get a discount? Find the right value? 

Let's take a look.

In nine seasons with the Cowboys, Dak Prescott has a 76-46 regular-season record, but he has struggled in the postseason. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Signed in: 2024
AAV: $60 million
Terms: four years, $240 million

If you want confirmation that Prescott is overpaid, look only at the fact that no one has exceeded his average annual value in nearly one year since he signed his deal. This offseason, Josh Allen probably could have asked for $60 million or more per year, but the QB settled for a lesser sum to prioritize winning by limiting his footprint on the salary cap. So Prescott remains at the top, even after multiple new deals for elite QBs. That speaks to the overpayment.

Prescott is one of the most prolific passers in the NFL, but he’s 2-5 in the playoffs and has never made it past the divisional round. The Cowboys are always a circus — and a very profitable one as a huge international brand — so in that sense, Prescott was absolutely right to demand more from the team. But has Prescott done anything to justify his pay before or after his extension? Nope.

How it's aged: Overpaid 

Signed in: 2023
AA