Comparing Matthew Stafford and Russell Wilson’s contract extensions
The quarterback market has continued to soar in recent years, with notable players earning stratospheric contracts. The Los Angeles Rams handed Matthew Stafford a multi-year extension earlier this offseason, making him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL.
Since Stafford’s extension came to fruition, guys like Derek Carr, Kyler Murray, and Russell Wilson have inked new contracts with their respective teams. Wilson is the latest quarterback to agree to a new extension, so we’ll naturally be taking a look at how it compares to Stafford’s extension with the Rams.
On Thursday, the Broncos signed Wilson to a five-year, $245 million extension. Denver acquired the Pro Bowl quarterback from the Seattle Seahawks this offseason in hopes to improve their chances of winning a Super Bowl.
Breaking: Broncos and Russell Wilson just reached agreement on a five-year, $245 million contract extension that includes $165 million guaranteed, sources tell ESPN.
Deal now ties Wilson to Denver for seven total years and $296 million. Another massive QB deal in the books. pic.twitter.com/uk6yelOL3j
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 1, 2022
The new five-year agreement between Wilson and the Broncos includes $165 million in guarantees and an average annual salary of $49 million. Comparatively, Stafford was given a four-year, $160 million extension that included $120 million in guarantees with an average annual salary of $40 million.
Upon Wilson signing the dotted line, he now becomes the second-highest-paid quarterback in the league (in terms of average annual salary), only behind Aaron Rodgers ($50.3 million). Meanwhile, the gunslinging signal-caller for the Rams is tied with Dak Prescott as the eighth-highest-paid quarterback in the NFL entering the 2022 season.
According to Over the Cap, the experienced quarterback for the Broncos now has the second-most guarantees at the quarterback position, putting him behind Deshaun Watson and ahead of Murray. Despite having the sixth-most guaranteed money when he first signed his extension, Stafford now has the eighth-most in guarantees.
While Stafford is a year older than Wilson, both quarterbacks are in similar positions in their careers. Both have one Super Bowl win under their belt and they were traded to contending teams following a long career with the teams that drafted them.
There are a few quarterbacks in the NFL that could be seeking lofty contracts soon, so it’s wise for teams to try and get ahead of the market before it rises. Even though the Rams are likely viewing Stafford’s extension as a positive due to the other contracts that have taken place since it was signed, the Broncos will likely be doing the same thing a year from now.
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