The 10 Biggest NFL Draft Contracts of All Time
Before the NFL introduced the rookie wage scale in 2011, it wasn’t unusual for top draft picks to land massive contracts — some even rivaling those of seasoned veterans. But this changed after Sam Bradford’s high-profile contract in 2010, which prompted the league to shift gears and adopt a more structured (and modest) pay scale for first-round picks. Even so, some of the league’s top picks continue to command staggering sums year after year.
Wondering if your favorite player made the cut? Here are the 10 biggest NFL draft contracts in history, according to Betus and ESPN.
1. Sam Bradford
Contract: $78 million over 6 years
Position: Quarterback (QB) for the St. Louis Rams, 2010
Bradford’s deal, which secured him a guaranteed $50 million, was the last of its kind before the league’s CBA (collective bargaining agreement) introduced the rookie wage scale in an effort to “drastically” reduce salaries for new players. The massive contract became a cautionary tale after Bradford suffered an injury-plagued season that hampered his career.
2. Matthew Stafford
Contract: $72 million over 6 years
Position: QB for the Detroit Lions, 2009
Stafford’s pre-wage scale contract set a high bar when he signed with the Detroit Lions as the No. 1 pick in the NFL’s 2009 draft. And though his early years were spent honing his skills in Detroit, the versatile QB eventually delivered on his potential by leading the Los Angeles Rams to a Super Bowl victory after a blockbuster trade in 2021.
3. Matt Ryan
Contract: $70 million over 6 years
Position: QB for the Atlanta Falcons, 2008
Ryan’s lucrative deal with the Falcons set a new benchmark under the old system. Drafted third overall in 2008, Ryan justified the investment early by earning Offensive Rookie of the Year and eventually leading Atlanta to a Super Bowl appearance. Despite ups and downs late in his career, Ryan proved to be one of the more successful rookie investments by the NFL.
4. Ndamukong Suh
Contract: $68 million over 5 years
Position: Defensive Tackle (DT) for the Detroit Lions, 2010
Finally, a non-quarterback cracks the list. Selected second overall by the Detroit Lions, just behind Sam Bradford, Suh inked a hefty $68 million deal with a $40 million guaranteed bonus. Known for his sheer power and intensity, he made an immediate impact on the field, winning both the Defensive Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowl honors in his first season.
5. Calvin Johnson
Contract: $64 million over 6 years
Position: Wide Receiver (WR) for the Detroit Lions, 2007
We’re keeping the non-quarterback streak going with Hall of Fame wide receiver Calvin Johnson, who still holds the rookie receiver record for the highest contract ever signed. Drafted second overall by the Detroit Lions, Johnson secured a $64 million contract in 2007 — a massive sum for a pass catcher at the time. Known as the “Megatron” thanks to his robot-like athleticism, he lived up to the hype and then some by becoming one of the most dominant receivers in NFL history.
6. JaMarcus Russell
Contract: $61 million over 6 years
Position: QB for the Oakland Raiders, 2007
Though Russell’s contract included a guaranteed $32 million payout, his NFL career was short-lived as he struggled both on and off the field with allegations of inconsistency and misconduct. Cited as one of the biggest draft busts in NFL history, Russell’s contract became a bargaining chip used in negotiations for the rookie wage scale that followed.
7. Jake Long
Contract: $57.8 million over 5 years
Position: Offensive Tackle (OT) for the Miami Dolphins, 2008
As the first overall pick by the Miami Dolphins in 2008, Long’s five-year contract included $30 million guaranteed as an offensive lineman. Though he earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and was considered a solid performer during his tenure with the Dolphins, he also struggled with injuries and was eventually released after five seasons.
8. Mario Williams
Contract: $54 million over 6 years
Position: Defensive End (DE) for the Houston Texans, 2006
Drafted first overall by the Texans ahead of big name college stars like Reggie Bush and Vince Young, Williams’ selection drew criticism at first. But he was quick to silence the doubters with double-digit sacks in multiple seasons. Known as a cornerstone of the Texans defense, his consistent play helped legitimize Houston during its early years as a franchise.
9. Eli Manning
Contract: $54 million over 6 years
Position: QB for the New York Giants, 2004
Drafted first overall by the Chargers but famously traded to the New York Giants on draft day, Manning’s start in the NFL was controversial to say the least. Securing a $20 million signing bonus, he delivered when it mattered most by leading the Giants to two Super Bowl victories over the New England Patriots. He was named MVP (most valuable player) in both games.
10. Alex Smith
Contract: $49.5 million over 6 years
Position: QB for the San Francisco 49ers, 2005
Smith was drafted first overall in the 2005 NFL Draft. Though he faced intense scrutiny early in his career, his perseverance ultimately paid off as he developed into a reliable starter and leader that helped guide the 49ers back into playoff territory. Smith is also known for his comeback story after suffering a life-threatening injury that kept him sidelined for years. The injury was reportedly so bad that he almost had to get his right leg amputated.