Russell Wilson's record deal with the Seattle Seahawks makes him the highest-paid player in the NFL.

Wilson’s per year average of $35 million tops Aaron Rodgers’ average annual salary of $33.5 million and Matt Ryan’s $30 million-a-year extension he signed in 2018.

Ryan's deal pays the Falcons' quarterback $150 million over five seasons — $100 million guaranteed.

Nine of the NFL's 10 best-paid players are quarterbacks. Three have played in a Super Bowl, just two have won one. Only Rodgers and Ryan have been named league MVPs.

Chicago linebacker Khalil Mack is the only non-quarterback among the best paid players, raking in $23.5 million a season.

Here are the NFL’s new list of top five best players (based on average annual salary):

1. Russell Wilson, QB, Seahawks: $35 million
Guaranteed: $107 million

2. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers: $33.5 million 
Guaranteed: $103 million

3. Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons: $30 million 
Guaranteed: $100 million

4. Kirk Cousins, QB, Vikings: $28 million 
Guaranteed: $84 million

5. Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, 49ers: $27.5 million 
Guaranteed: $48.7 million

The Falcons will face three of the top 5 best-paid players (Wilson, Cousins, Garoppolo) in the 2019 season.

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Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr. (left) pulls the jersey of Titans wide receiver Chimere Dike during the teams’ joint practice on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, in Flowery Branch. The Falcons will open the season with a big NFC South game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sept. 7 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez

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(Photo Illustration: Philip Robibero / AJC | Source: Getty, Open Street Map)

Credit: Photo Illustration: Philip Robibero / AJC | Source: Getty, Open Street Map