Highest-paid players in the NFL: Russell Wilson's new contract sees QB become one of the league's richest players

#3 - Kyler Murray - $46.1 million

Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray

Kyler Murray signed his massive contract extension with the Arizona Cardinals shortly after Deshaun Watson signed his deal with the Cleveland Browns during the 2022 NFL offseason. Murray's new contract slightly surpassed Watson's total value by just half a million dollars, earning him an additional $100,000 per season over five years.

While Murray may have gained a slight advantage over Watson in terms of total value, he didn't receive nearly as much guaranteed money, which is often the most important contract factor to players. Murray will receive $160 million in guaranteed money.

#2 - Russell Wilson - $49 million

Denver Broncos QB Russell Wilson

Russell Wilson is the most recent NFL superstar to sign an enormous contract extension during the 2022 offseason. He was traded to the Denver Broncos earlier in the offseason and had reportedly been working with the organization on a new deal, but now the two sides have come to an agreement on a long-term extension.

Wilson's new contract is worth $245 million over five years, making him the second-highest paid player in the league by AAV. The deal also includes $165 million in guaranteed money, surpassing the guaranteed portion of Murray's contract extension he recently signed.

#1 - Aaron Rodgers - $50.3 million

Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers

Aaron Rodgers, like several other quarterbacks on this list, also signed a massive contract during the 2022 offseason that set a new NFL record. Like Patrick Mahomes, Rodgers' set a new standard across all American sports when he signed a three-year contract extension with the Green Bay Packers worth more than $150 million in fully guaranteed money.

Rodgers is the only player in American sports history to sign a contract that exceeds $50 million in AAV. He is currently the highest-paid athlete per year entering the 2022 season in the entire country.