Lamar Jackson vs Joe Burrow contracts: Which NFL quarterback earns more in 2026

After Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow are among the NFL’s highest-paid quarterbacks. Both players have earned lucrative contracts that speak volumes about their importance to their respective franchises.Furthermore, comparing the two quarterbacks - especially their 2026 earnings - forces us to look beyond total contract values. Factors such as average annual salary, signing bonuses, guaranteed money, and yearly scheduled compensation all come into play.While both QBs command substantial financial commitments, their contract structures differ, making a direct comparison highly compelling.Lamar Jackson’s contract, salary, and guaranteed moneyLamar Jackson was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 2018 as their first-round, 32nd overall pick. He signed a four-year, $9 million rookie contract in June 2018 and won his first NFL Most Valuable Player award in 2019 [his second year]. In April 2021, the Baltimore Ravens exercised a $23 million option for 2022.Jackson won his second NFL Most Valuable Player award in 2023. He became the Baltimore Ravens’ central offensive identity because of his dual-threat capability: elite passing production paired with exceptional rushing skills.In March 2023, the Louisville alum was offered a one-year, $32 million franchise tag by Baltimore. A month later, he signed a five-year, $260 million contract extension with the Ravens.The deal included a $72 million signing bonus, $185 million in guaranteed money, and an average annual salary of $52 million, making him the NFL’s highest-paid player by average annual salary at the time.Joe Burrow contract, salary, and bonusThe Cincinnati Bengals drafted Joe Burrow as their first-round, first overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year, $36 million rookie contract with Cincinnati in July 2020.The franchise exercised a $29.5 million fifth-year option for 2024 in April 2023. However, in September 2023, Burrow signed a five-year, $275 million extension with the Bengals.The deal includes a $40 million signing bonus, $219 million in guaranteed money, and a $55 million average annual salary. The average annual value of $55 million makes him one of the league’s highest-paid quarterbacks.The massive blockbuster deal followed after Burrow emerged as one of the NFL’s premier pocket passers and led his team to Super Bowl LVI.Though the Bengals ultimately lost to the Matthew Stafford-led Los Angeles Rams. Burrow threw for 269 yards and one touchdown despite being sacked seven times. Stafford is another one of the NFL’s highest-paid quarterbacks.Anyhow, Burrow’s massive contract speaks volumes about how passing production, leadership, and a team’s commitment to building around its franchise player highly influence quarterback value.Lamar Jackson vs Joe Burrow 2026 earningsIn March 2026, $49 million of salary was converted into signing bonus. This added one void year and cleared $39 million of cap with Baltimore, as per Lamar Jackson’s Spotrac.In 2026, Jackson is scheduled to earn a $1.3 million base salary, a $49 million restructure bonus, and a $754,080 workout bonus. He carries a $34 million cap hit and a $109 million dead cap value in 2026.He is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2028, with 2027 serving as the final year of his 2023 blockbuster contract.In June 2026, $13 million of 2026 salary was converted into signing bonus. It cleared $10 million cap space with Cincinnati, as per Joe Burrow’s Spotrac.In 2026, Burrow is scheduled to earn a $12 million base salary, a $10 million signing bonus, a $13 million restructure bonus, and a $6,120 workout bonus.The Louisiana State alum carries a $37 million cap hit and a $110 million dead cap value in 2026. He is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2030, with 2029 serving as the final year of his 2023 blockbuster contract.Lamar Jackson vs Joe Burrow - who earns moreBased on their average annual salaries, Joe Burrow earns $3 million more than Lamar Jackson annually. Burrow carries an average annual value [AAV] of $55 million per year, while Jackson carries an average annual value of $52 million per year.As per the “Ranking the NFL’s Biggest Contracts for 2026” article on the league website, Joe Burrow ranks third with a $55 million AAV. He shares the third spot with Matthew Stafford, Josh Allen, Jordan Love, Trevor Lawrence, and Baker Mayfield.Lamar Jackson ranks 12th with an AAV of $52 million, just behind Justin Herbert, who ranks 11th with $52.5 million.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.