In a recent move, Aaron Rodgers renewed his commitment to the Pittsburgh Steelers with a one-year contract, pushing his career earnings past the $400 million threshold. This achievement marks him as only the second NFL player to reach this financial milestone. However, he still trails behind Matthew Stafford, who holds the top spot. With Stafford’s latest deal, the gap between the two has widened even further.
The Los Angeles Rams have extended Stafford’s contract by an additional year, securing him a $55 million deal that has the potential to grow to $60 million through incentives. This extension is specifically for the 2027 season, while Stafford remains committed to the upcoming season under a $40 million contract for one year.
Stafford’s career earnings have surpassed $408.3 million to date. With this new agreement, he is set to earn at least $95 million over the next two years. By the conclusion of the 2027 season, Stafford’s total career earnings are projected to exceed an impressive $503.3 million, marking his entry into the half-billion dollar club.
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Currently, Stafford’s $55 million average annual value for the 2027 season ranks as the second-highest in the NFL. Only Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys surpasses this with an average of $60 million per year.
Stafford was the top selection in the 2008 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions. During his 12-year tenure with the Lions, he made three playoff appearances, though the team fell short in all their postseason attempts.
In 2021, Stafford was traded to the Rams in exchange for Jared Goff. Stafford’s inaugural season in Los Angeles was nothing short of spectacular, as he guided the Rams to four playoff wins and ultimately secured victory in Super Bowl LVI against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Rams have reached the playoffs in four of five seasons since Stafford’s arrival. Last year, the Rams advanced to the NFC Championship Game, losing a tight battle against their NFC West rival, the Seattle Seahawks.
At 38, Stafford likely only has a few seasons remaining in his NFL career. The Rams are building his succession plan, drafting Ty Simpson out of Alabama with the 13th overall pick in this year’s draft.
But don’t count Stafford out just yet. He’s coming off an MVP season and is still playing at an elite level. Though perhaps you’d expect that from the highest-paid player in NFL history.
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