NFL · 1 year ago

Top 30 Highest Paid NFL QBs: A Deep Dive into 2024 Salary Cap Hits

Sportsgrid Staff

Host · Writer

30. Marcus Mariota, Washington Commanders
2024 Salary Cap Hit: $6,000,000

Veteran quarterback, Marcus Mariota will be tasked with mentoring and helping shape Washington's QB of the future, Jayden Daniels. This will be Mariota's fifth team in six years, a span he's only played 34 games, mostly as a backup.
1. Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns
2024 Salary Cap Hit: $63,774,678

Deshaun Watson's 2023 season was plagued by inconsistencies and injuries. Despite playing in six games, he managed to throw only seven touchdown passes against four interceptions, resulting in a modest QBR of 42.9. Watson's performance saw him benched before an injury played havoc with his 2023. His $63.7 million cap hit in 2024 is the highest among quarterbacks, reflecting the Browns' significant financial commitment. However, for Cleveland to see a return on investment, Watson must stay healthy and significantly improve his on-field performance in the upcoming season.

Watson 3250.5 Reg. Season Passing Yards Odds at FanDuel: Over (-112) | Under (-112)
2. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
2024 Salary Cap Hit: $55,455,000

Dak Prescott had an outstanding 2023 season, playing all 17 games and leading the Cowboys to an NFC East title. Prescott threw for over 4,500 yards with a league-leading 36 touchdown passes and achieved the second-best QBR at 72.7. His consistent performance and leadership were crucial for the Cowboys' success and landed him second in NFL MVP voting. With a 2024 salary cap hit of $55.5 million, Prescott's financial valuation is justified by his ability to deliver high-level performances. The Cowboys will be looking for Prescott to continue his form and lead the team deep into the playoffs next season.

Prescott's NFL MVP Odds at FanDuel: +2000
3. Matthew Stafford, LA Rams
2024 Salary Cap Hit: $49,500,000

Matthew Stafford's 2023 season was marked by solid play, despite missing two games. He threw for nearly 4,000 yards and 24 touchdowns with a QBR of 63.5, guiding the Rams to a wildcard spot in the playoffs. Stafford's experience and resilience were pivotal for the Rams' postseason aspirations. With a 2024 salary cap hit of $49.5 million, Stafford remains a key figure in the Rams' offense. The team will rely on his veteran leadership and arm talent to push for another Super Bowl, hoping to capitalize on his abilities in crucial moments.

Stafford's NFL MVP Odds at FanDuel: +2500

Have all the intel you need? Free actionable info is one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter.
4. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
2024 Salary Cap Hit: $49,118,177

Kyler Murray's 2023 season was cut short due to injuries, limiting him to just eight games. He managed almost 1,800 passing yards and threw 10 touchdown passes against five interceptions, resulting in a QBR of 47.2. The Cardinals struggled overall, winning only four games. Murray's dual-threat capability was evident, but consistency and health remain concerns. With a 2024 salary cap hit of $49.1 million, the Cardinals have heavily invested in their franchise quarterback. For the Cardinals to improve, Murray needs to stay healthy and bounce back in a big way.

Murray to Score 10+ Rushing Touchdowns in the Reg. Season Odds at FanDuel: +650
5. Daniel Jones, New York Giants
2024 Salary Cap Hit: $47,855,000

Daniel Jones had a difficult 2023 season, playing in only six games due to injuries. He threw just over 900 passing yards, with two touchdown passes and six interceptions, leading to a poor QBR of 36.3. The Giants ended the season with a disappointing 6-11 record. Jones' performance has raised questions about his future with the team, especially with a 2024 salary cap hit of $47.9 million.

The Giants need Jones to improve his decision-making and durability to justify his high salary and to guide the team back to a competitive status. First, he will have to lock down the starting job.

Giants Week 1 Starting QB Odds at FanDuel: Daniel Jones (-460) | Drew Lock (+320)
Download the SportsGrid App
Stay Ahead of the Game and Elevate Your Sports Betting Experience with SportsGrid. Download the SportsGrid App from the Apple Store and Google Play Store.
6. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
2024 Salary Cap Hit: $$37,008,269

Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs' star quarterback, had an exceptional 2023 season, throwing for over 4,100 passing yards and 27 touchdowns with a 63.1 QBR. He led the Chiefs to their third Super Bowl victory, earning his third Super Bowl MVP award.

In 2024, Mahomes' talent and leadership come at a premium, with a salary cap hit of $37,008,269, reflecting his invaluable contribution to the team's success and continued dominance in the NFL.

Mahomes NFL MVP Odds at FanDuel: +500
7. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
2024 Salary Cap Hit: $32,400,000

Lamar Jackson, the dynamic quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, had a stellar 2023 season, throwing for over 3,600 yards and 24 touchdowns with a 64.7 QBR, the fourth best in the NFL. His dual-threat capability shone with 821 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns on the ground, earning him the MVP title.

In 2024, Jackson's impact is reflected in his $32,400,000 salary cap hit, highlighting his crucial role in the Ravens' offense.

Jackson's NFL MVP Odds at FanDuel: +1400
8. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
2024 Salary Cap Hit: $30,356,281

Josh Allen, the Buffalo Bills' powerhouse quarterback, delivered an impressive 2023 season with over 4,300 passing yards, the fourth-most in the NFL, and 29 passing touchdowns. Boasting a 69.6 QBR, the third best in the league, Allen also excelled on the ground, tying for the most rushing touchdowns among QBs with 15.

His dual-threat prowess comes with a 2024 salary cap hit of $30,356,281, underscoring his value to the Bills' offense.

Allen's NFL MVP Odds at FanDuel: +800
9. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
2024 Salary Cap Hit: $29,714,000

Joe Burrow, the Cincinnati Bengals' star quarterback, faced an injury-plagued 2023 season that limited him to just 10 games. Despite the setbacks, Burrow showcased his talent by throwing for over 2,300 passing yards and 15 touchdowns. His resilience and skill remain evident, and in 2024, Burrow's crucial role in the Bengals' offense is reflected in his $29,714,000 salary cap hit, highlighting his importance to the team's future success.

Burrow's NFL MVP Odds at FanDuel: +1000
10. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
2024 Salary Cap Hit: $27,211,000

Jared Goff, the Detroit Lions' standout quarterback, had a remarkable 2023 season, ranking second in the NFL with over 4,500 passing yards and fourth in touchdown passes with 30. Leading the Lions to the NFC Championship game and tying the franchise record with 12 regular-season wins, Goff demonstrated his leadership and skill.

In 2024, his $27,211,000 salary cap hit underscores his pivotal role in the Lions' continued success and championship aspirations.

Goff's NFL MVP Odds at FanDuel: +3500
11. Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks
2024 Salary Cap Hit: $26,400,000

Geno Smith had a solid season with the Seattle Seahawks, finishing with 3,624 passing yards, ranking 16th in the NFL. He threw 20 touchdowns, tied for 17th, and had only 9 interceptions, tied for 95th. Smith's QBR of 59.5 placed him 14th among quarterbacks. Despite his efforts, the Seahawks ended the season with a 9-8 record, narrowly missing the playoffs. Smith's performance provided stability, but it wasn't enough to secure a postseason berth.

Smith's 3425.5 Reg. Season Passing Yards Odds at FanDuel: Over (-112) | Under (-112)
12. Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons
2024 Salary Cap Hit: $25,000,000

Kirk Cousins had a strong start to the season before an Achilles injury in Week 8 limited him to just eight games. Despite this, he amassed 2,331 passing yards, ranking 24th in the NFL, and threw 18 touchdowns, placing 19th. Cousins also recorded only five interceptions, and achieved an impressive QBR of 63.2, ranking seventh. His injury was a significant blow to the team's offense, cutting short a promising season.

Cousins' 3800.5 Reg. Season Passing Yards Odds at FanDuel: Over (-112) | Under (-112)
13. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
2024 Salary Cap Hit: $23,171,000

Tua Tagovailoa had an outstanding season, leading the Miami Dolphins to an 11-6 record and securing a playoff spot. He topped the NFL with 4,624 passing yards and tied for fifth with 29 touchdowns. Despite throwing 14 interceptions, his impressive QBR of 60.8 ranked 10th. Tagovailoa's performance was a key factor in the Dolphins' success, showcasing his growth and leadership on the field.

Tagovailoa's 4000.5 Reg. Season Passing Yards Odds at FanDuel: Over (-112) | Under (-112)
14. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
2024 Salary Cap Hit: $19,345,675

Justin Herbert's 2023 season was cut short by a fractured right index finger in Week 14, limiting him to 13 games. Despite this, he threw for 3,134 yards, ranking 18th, and 20 touchdowns, tied for 17th, with only seven interceptions. His impressive QBR of 64.1 ranked fifth in the league. However, the Chargers underachieved, finishing last in the AFC West with a 5-12 record, failing to meet expectations.

Herbert's 3575.5 Reg. Season Passing Yards Odds at FanDuel: Over (-112) | Under (-112)
15. Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets
2024 Salary Cap Hit: $17,161,112

After missing the entire 2023 season after suffering a left Achilles tendon tear in Week 1, Aaron Rodgers gets a much-improved Jets team to the one he suited up for a year ago.

Rodgers' 3600.5 Reg. Season Passing Yards Odds at FanDuel: Over (-112) | Under (-112)
16. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars
2024 Salary Cap Hit: $15,029,725

With the news of Trevor Lawrence signing a massive 5-year, $275 million extension with the Jacksonville Jaguars, he will undoubtably be much higher on this list in years to come. While we wait for Lawrence's deal to kick in, he's still doing OK making over $15 million this upcoming season.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.

Lawrence's NFL MVP Odds at FanDuel: +2500
17. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
2024 Salary Cap Hit: $13,558,800

Jalen Hurts proves to be a bargain for the Philadelphia Eagles, leading the team to an impressive 11-6 record in 2023. Despite being 14th in passing yards with 3,858 and tied for 13th in touchdowns with 23, Hurts showcased his dual-threat capability. His overall QBR of 60.1 ranked 12th, highlighting his efficiency and decision-making under pressure. Hurts' leadership and clutch performances were pivotal in the Eagles' success, making him an exceptional value for Philadelphia. His ability to drive the team to victories solidifies his role as a key asset moving forward.

Hurts' NFL MVP Odds at FanDuel: +1400
18. Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers
2024 Salary Cap Hit: $12,757,731

In his first year as the Packers' starting quarterback, Jordan Love proved he could lead, unexpectedly taking Green Bay to the playoffs. Love showcased his talent with impressive 2023 regular season stats, throwing for 4,159 yards, ranking seventh in the league, and delivering 32 touchdowns, securing the second spot. His overall QBR of 62.1 placed him ninth, highlighting his efficiency and poise under pressure. Love's performance not only silenced doubts about his readiness but also solidified his status as a rising star in the NFL, making him a key figure in Green Bay's future success.

Love's NFL MVP Odds at FanDuel: +1400
19. Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints
2024 Salary Cap Hit: $12,668,000

In his first season with the New Orleans Saints, veteran quarterback Derek Carr led the team to a 9-8 record, narrowly missing the playoffs and the NFC South division title. Carr's 2023 regular season stats were solid, with 3,878 passing yards, ranking 13th in the league, and 25 touchdowns, placing him 10th. Carr's performance demonstrated his capability to adapt and lead last season, but he is simply a placeholder for the Saints quarterback of the future.
20. Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers OTA
2024 Salary Cap Hit: $8,626,153

Bryce Young faced a challenging rookie campaign with the Carolina Panthers, securing just two wins in his first season. Despite rumors that some within the team wanted to bench him, Young will have another opportunity to prove himself this year. His 2023 regular season stats included 2,877 passing yards (20th in the league), 11 touchdowns (28th), with a QBR of 33.4, ranking 29th. While these numbers highlight the difficulties he faced, Young's potential and determination could lead to significant improvement in his sophomore season.
21. CJ Stroud, Houston Texans
2024 Salary Cap Hit: $8,245,283

Maybe the biggest 2024 bargain on the list, CJ Stroud has vaulted himself into the MVP conversation in just his second year. The 22-year-old is coming off a Rookie of the Year campaign, his first Pro Bowl nod and an AFC South crown. What will he do for an encore?

Stroud's NFL MVP Odds at FanDuel: +1000
22. Gardner Minshew, Las Vegas Raiders
2024 Salary Cap Hit: $8,000,000

Gardner Minshew is coming off a career year in Indianapolis after being forced into the starting role following a season-ending injury to rookie Anthony Richardson. Minshew hit a new best with over 3,300 yards in just 13 starts. The veteran pivot parlayed his success into a two-year deal with the Raiders.
23. Jacoby Brissett, New England Patriots
2024 Salary Cap Hit: $8,626,153

Dependable backup Jacoby Brissett joins his fifth team in five years this season. The former Commander appeared in three games for Washington last year and will lace 'em up for the New England Patriots in 2024. Brissett will be tasked with helping develop New England's third pick in the NFL Draft, Drake Maye, out of North Carolina.
24. Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts
2024 Salary Cap Hit: $7,725,916

Anthony Richardson came out firing and was the early season favorite for Rookie of the Year in 2023. That was before an AC joint sprain suffered in Week 5 against the Tennessee Titans ended his season. Expectations are high for the former fourth-overall pick, and a bounce-back season should be in the cards.

Richardson's NFL Comeback Player of the Year Odds at DraftKings: +600
25. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears
2024 Salary Cap Hit: $7,179,283

Our first rookie on the list was also the No. 1 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Caleb Williams won the Heisman in 2022 and is coming off a solid season in his final year at USC. Williams is the favorite to add some more hardware to his trophy case this year.

Williams OROY Odds at FanDuel: +140
26. Jarrett Stidham, Denver Broncos
2024 Salary Cap Hit: $7,000,000

Jarrett Stidham tops the Denver Broncos quarterback depth chart, but it will likely be a battle with 12th overall pick Bo Nix and former Jet Zach Wilson. Stidham has never played more than five games in a season and has already been on three teams since being drafted in 2019. He's clearly the baton passer to Nix.
27. Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2024 Salary Cap Hit: $6,900,000

Baker Mayfield bet on himself and won following a fantastic comeback season last year. Mayfield finished ninth in passing yards (4,044) and seventh in touchdown throws (28) in 2023, earning a Pro Bowl nod. He won't get his raise with Tampa until next season ($30 million), so for now he's a huge bargain for the Bucs.
28. Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders
2024 Salary Cap Hit: $6,863,027

Coming off a Heisman Trophy-winning season with LSU, Jayden Daniels is tasked with bringing Washington something it hasn't had in years: a productive quarterback. The second pick of the 2024 NFL Draft will be Caleb Williams' biggest competition for the top first-year signal caller, with the second shortest odds to take home OROY.

Daniels OROY Odds at FanDuel: +650
29. Drake Maye, New England Patriots
2024 Salary Cap Hit: $6,661,775

Still searching for their franchise quarterback to somewhat fill the shows of Tom Brady, the New England Patriots used the third overall pick of the 2024 draft to bring in Drake Maye. It looks like Maye will be learning from the sidelines, at least at first. Jacoby Brissett has -355 odds to start Week 1, compared to +255 for Maye. Don't be surprised to see the former Tar Heel get his first NFL start sooner rather than later.

Maye OROY Odds at FanDuel: +2000
30. Marcus Mariota, Washington Commanders
2024 Salary Cap Hit: $6,000,000

Veteran quarterback, Marcus Mariota will be tasked with mentoring and helping shape Washington's QB of the future, Jayden Daniels. This will be Mariota's fifth team in six years, a span he's only played 34 games, mostly as a backup.
1. Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns
2024 Salary Cap Hit: $63,774,678

Deshaun Watson's 2023 season was plagued by inconsistencies and injuries. Despite playing in six games, he managed to throw only seven touchdown passes against four interceptions, resulting in a modest QBR of 42.9. Watson's performance saw him benched before an injury played havoc with his 2023. His $63.7 million cap hit in 2024 is the highest among quarterbacks, reflecting the Browns' significant financial commitment. However, for Cleveland to see a return on investment, Watson must stay healthy and significantly improve his on-field performance in the upcoming season.

Watson 3250.5 Reg. Season Passing Yards Odds at FanDuel: Over (-112) | Under (-112)

Top 30 Highest Paid NFL QBs: A Deep Dive into 2024 Salary Cap Hits

EDITOR'S PICKS

For the Best of SportsGrid, Grab the App

BETTING NEWS

FUTURES

Sports Betting

Sportsbook Promos

Social Casinos