The Los Angeles Rams made their share of waves in this year’s initial free-agency period adding Davante Adams and Poona Ford, but by in-large, these moves were modest in comparison to some of the other deals done over the last few days.
While modest, the Rams were able to etch some contracts into the NFL’s history books.
Matthew Stafford And Aaron Rodgers Compete For Top All-Time Earner
When considering career earnings, Aaron Rodgers holds a slight advantage over Matthew Stafford, with $380.7 million compared to Stafford’s $364.3 million. However, Rodgers is currently a free agent at 41, while the 37-year-old Stafford has dismissed retirement speculation and is set to earn $27 million from the Rams in 2025.
Rodgers could potentially surpass the $400 million career earnings mark if he signs with a team this spring. Otherwise, either he or Stafford could reach that milestone in 2026.
The NFL’s highest career earners are predominantly quarterbacks, with the top 13 spots occupied by signal-callers. Offensive tackle Trent Williams leads all non-quarterbacks with $196.1 million, and Von Miller tops the defensive players with $191.8 million.
These career earnings records are likely to be surpassed by several active players, notably Patrick Mahomes ($182.0 million to date), Josh Allen ($174.6 million), Lamar Jackson ($144.6 million), and Joe Burrow ($141.9 million), all of whom are on trajectories to significantly increase their career earnings.
Los Angeles Rams Paying Out The Richest UDFA Contract In NFL History
The journey from undrafted free agent to high-earning NFL player is a testament to perseverance and talent. While the path is rare, recent contract signings have dramatically increased the number of undrafted players achieving substantial financial success. In 2024, only three undrafted players held contracts with annual salaries of at least $12 million. However, this offseason has seen Alaric Jackson, Charvarius Ward, Tershawn Wharton, and Patrick Mekari more than double that figure.
Alaric Jackson’s new contract, averaging $18.8 million per season, establishes him as the highest-paid undrafted free agent in NFL history, surpassing Tony Romo’s peak of $18.0 million. This surge in high-value contracts for undrafted players means this recent group now accounts for roughly a third of the 22 total undrafted players who have ever secured contracts averaging $12 million or more annually.
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