Patrick Mahomes got a $500 million deal, but likely won't be first NFL player to reach half a billion mark
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- Patrick Mahomes signed a revised eight‑year, $504.75 million contract, averaging $63.09 million per year—the biggest NFL deal ever.
- Patrick Mahomes became the first NFL player to sign a contract exceeding $500 million, while his career earnings stand at $231.9 million, ranking 15th all‑time and 7th among active players.
- Patrick Mahomes is projected to earn at least $55 million in 2026, which would lift his career total into the league’s top‑10 earners.
- Matthew Stafford is on track to be the first player to reach $500 million in career earnings, after signing a $55 million extension and is set to earn at least $45 million in 2026 and $50 million in 2027, pushing his total to $503 million.
- Matthew Stafford has already amassed $408 million in career earnings—the most in NFL history—after $219 million with Detroit and $189 million with Los Angeles.
- Dak Prescott could also near the half‑billion mark, currently at $295 million and expected to add $40 million in 2026, potentially reaching $435 million by the end of his current contract.
Why it matters: Mahomes' $504.75 M contract makes him the highest‑paid player, but the $500 M career‑earnings milestone will likely be reached first by Matthew Stafford, whose $408 M total and upcoming $45 M and $50 M extensions put him over the half‑billion mark by 2027, underscoring how early, unrestricted rookie deals and longevity can outweigh a single massive contract.
