Daniel Jones just signed a remarkable contract that has everyone talking in the NFL world. His deal is particularly noteworthy when you compare it to those of other quarterbacks like Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield.
Darnold, who also moved from Minnesota last year, landed a three-year contract worth $33.5 million per year with the Seahawks starting in 2025. He’ll earn $27.5 million in 2026 and $35.5 million in 2027. In contrast, Jones will make $44 million over the next two years, with the chance to earn an additional $12 million through incentives. This means Darnold is looking at $63 million over two years, while Jones could pocket $88 million.
Even before Jones’ new deal, Darnold had proven himself deserving of a fresh contract by exceeding expectations. The NFL is notorious for its one-sided contracts. If a player doesn’t perform well, the team can easily cut ties. Conversely, if a player outperforms their contract, they might feel stuck.
Then there’s Baker Mayfield. He is slated to make $40 million this year, with a cap hit of $52.975 million. Like Darnold, he is also looking for a contract extension, and Jones’ deal will likely serve as a benchmark for negotiations.
Contracts for veteran quarterbacks can vary significantly. As more players look for lucrative deals, the impact of contracts like Jones’ could reshape future negotiations. In fact, a recent survey shows that 60% of NFL players believe that contract negotiations should be more player-friendly, emphasizing long-term security and value.
While many factors influence these contracts, it’s clear that market value is rising. The way contracts are structured indicates that performance expectations are high, and players are pushing for better terms.
In summary, as the NFL landscape evolves, contracts like Daniel Jones’ not only affect negotiations for quarterbacks but also reflect the changing nature of player compensation and performance expectations in professional sports.
