Top 5 NFL quarterbacks most likely to get a lucrative contract extension after the 2021 NFL season

Finding a competent quarterback is one of the most important things that any successful NFL team has to do. The pass-heavy style of play that the NFL has turned into demands that playoff-caliber teams secure and keep a quarterback they can build a team around.

That being said, most teams gave out lucrative contracts to their franchise quarterbacks some years ago, and they will likely need to update that with the current times and how that quarterback is now performing.

Here are the top five quarterbacks likely to get a lucrative contract extension.

Which quarterback is most deserving of a contract extension?

Washington Football Team v Las Vegas Raiders

#5 - Matthew Stafford

Matthew Stafford is putting up one of the best seasons of his career when he was sent over to the Los Angeles Rams via the Detroit Lions. He is currently on a five-year $135 million contract. Now, that is not entirely a little bit of money, but he has proven that he deserves to be thought of in the grand scheme of the Rams plans.

Stafford currently makes around $20 million a season, with incentives. Stafford's contract ends in 2023 and would make him a free agent should the Rams decide that he is no longer needed; however, they will likely have to find a way to dig in their pockets to find a way to keep Stafford in the long haul.

#4 - Teddy Bridgewater

Teddy Bridgwater has been a bright spot for the Denver Broncos in their "rebuild." He has found a way to reinvent himself as a reliable quarterback that can change games and win. However, with the upcoming potential to nab Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, and Deshaun Watson, the Broncos may not want to sign him any further than his contract stipulates.

The Broncos are only paying Bridgewater around $12 million this season, and he is set to become a free agent after this season, so he may be able to garner a contract extension should he help his team get back into the playoffs. Bridgewater isn't exactly a terrible quarterback, and paying him to remain with the Broncos might be an avenue they will explore further.

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Top 3 quarterbacks likely to get a contract extension

Which quarterback is most deserving of a contract extension?

#3 - Taylor Heinicke

Taylor Heinicke on this list? Crazy, right? Well, he has turned into one of the best quarterbacks in the league as of late and has even managed to lead the Washington Football Team into four straight wins. The WFT has long searched for a quarterback to build around, and with Fitzpatrick getting injured and being older, Heinicke has stepped into the role nicely.

Heinicke is currently only making around $3 million a year, which is nothing in comparison to his current value. Should the WFT believe him to be their quarterback for the future, they will need to give him a contract extension sooner rather than later. The WFT is 6-6 and is squarely placed in the wild-card playoff spot for the NFC.

#2 - Kirk Cousins

Why are there always issues with Kirk Cousins and his contract? Well, the Minnesota Vikings will likely need to reevaluate Cousins as their quarterback and pay the man. Cousins has been one of the most efficient TD-throwing QBs in the entire league, and his value should reflect that.

The Vikings are in the midst of a wild-card playoff race, and should Cousins rally his team to more victories, he will need to be compensated. Cousins currently makes around $33 million a year, but that contract only goes until next season. The Vikings may want to secure his services for much longer.

#1 - Tom Brady

Tom Brady is one of the most giving people when it comes to his contract. He always manages to take pay cuts so that other players will want to stay with the team and chase even more glory with him. Brady is only set to make $25 million this season, and that is it. There is no telling if he will sign or be given more money, but he should.

Even at age 44, Brady is one of the best, if not the best, quarterback in the entire league, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will need to give him a more lucrative contract after this season concludes, especially if they return to the Super Bowl.