Unveiling the Highest Paid QB by Year: A Decade-by-Decade Journey

Hello, football enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into the exciting world of NFL quarterback salaries. We're going to take you on a decade-by-decade journey to find out who was the highest paid QB by year. So, buckle up, grab your popcorn, and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and highest paid qb by year.

The 2010s: The Era of Brady and Manning

2010: Tom Brady

Kicking off the 2010s, the highest paid QB by year was none other than the GOAT himself, Tom Brady. Fresh off his first Super Bowl win with the Patriots, Brady inked a four-year, $72 million deal in 2009, making him the highest-paid player in the league at the time. This contract had an average annual salary of $18 million, a staggering figure at the time.

2011-2019: The Manning Dynasty

Peyton Manning, the future Hall of Famer, took the throne as the highest paid QB by year from 2011 to 2015. In 2011, Manning signed a five-year, $90 million deal with the Colts, with an average annual salary of $20 million. After his release from the Colts, Manning joined the Broncos in 2012 and signed a five-year, $96 million contract, further cementing his status as the highest paid QB by year.

After Manning's retirement in 2016, the mantle was passed to Andrew Luck, who signed a six-year, $140 million contract with the Colts in 2016, making him the highest paid QB by year from 2016 to 2019. This contract had an average annual salary of $23.29 million, breaking the previous record set by Manning.

The 2020s: The New Breed of Quarterbacks

2020: Russell Wilson

Entering the 2020s, the highest paid QB by year was Russell Wilson. In 2019, Wilson signed a four-year, $140 million extension with the Seahawks, with an average annual salary of $35 million. This deal made Wilson the highest-paid player in NFL history at the time.

2021: Deshaun Watson

In 2021, Deshaun Watson dethroned Wilson as the highest paid QB by year. Watson signed a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract with the Browns, making him the first quarterback to reach the $200 million milestone in a single contract. His average annual salary of $46 million set a new standard for quarterback contracts.

The Future: Who Will Be the Next Highest Paid QB by Year?

As we look towards the future, there are several quarterbacks on the verge of breaking the bank. Names like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Justin Herbert are expected to command record-breaking contracts in the coming years. Only time will tell who will be the next highest paid QB by year.

So, there you have it, folks! A decade-by-decade journey through the highest paid QBs in NFL history. It's been an incredible ride, and we can't wait to see what the future holds. Until next time, stay tuned, and keep your eyes on the prize!