NFL's Highest-Paid Quarterbacks: A Season Performance Review 2023-24
The NFL's highest-paid quarterbacks showed mixed results in the 2023/24 season. Here's how each performed:
- Joe Burrow ($55M/year)
- 5-5 record before season-ending injury
- Last place in AFC North
- Concerns over recurring injuries (ACL, MCL, calf, wrist)
- Patrick Mahomes ($52M/year)
- Down year statistically with 14 interceptions
- Still effective in crucial games
- Consistent playoff performer
- Justin Herbert ($52M/year)
- 5-8 record before finger injury
- Missed playoffs
- 0-1 playoff career record
- New coach Jim Harbaugh incoming
- Lamar Jackson ($52M/year)
- MVP favorite
- Led Ravens to AFC's #1 seed
- Silenced critics about running style
- Proving worth of contract
- Jalen Hurts ($51M/year)
- Team collapsed late season
- Lost first playoff game to Buccaneers
- Questions about reliance on "Tush Push" play
- Aaron Rodgers ($50M/year)
- Injured in first game
- Jets finished 7-10
- Future effectiveness uncertain at age 40
- Russell Wilson ($49M/year)
- 11-19 overall record with Broncos
- Benched final two games
- Likely ending tenure in Denver
- Kyler Murray ($46M/year)
- 3-5 record after ACL recovery
- 28-36-1 career record
- Questions about long-term viability
For context, Deshaun Watson (9th highest-paid) went 5-1 as starter (8-4 overall with Browns) despite continued scrutiny over his contract. The 2024/25 season will be crucial for proving his value.
This analysis suggests that even the highest-paid quarterbacks don't guarantee team success, with only Mahomes and Jackson consistently delivering on their contracts.