Answer in brief
Yes, Tom Brady was the highest paid quarterback in NFL history for multiple stretches, starting with his 2013 contract extension and again after the 2017 and 2020 extensions. However, he was not the absolute highest paid player league-wide until his 2020 deal, when his annual value surpassed other NFL stars. This evergreen explainer outlines his key extension timeline, annual averages, and verified totals so you can compare his peak earnings to other quarterbacks and eras.
What it means to be the highest paid quarterback
Being the highest paid quarterback can refer to three distinct measures: annual average salary, guaranteed money at signing, and total earnings over a contract’s life. Annual average is the standard way to compare player value across years, because it smooths out signing bonuses and roster bonuses. Guaranteed money affects security and real cash on hand at the time of signing, while total earnings matter more for career earnings records. For context, Brady’s contracts were consistently front-loaded with incentives and guarantees, which shaped his perceived value at different points in his career.
Tom Brady’s contract timeline and value peaks
Brady’s pay status shifted with each major extension. Key inflection points include his 2013 extension that made him the highest paid QB, a 2017 extension that raised his annual value further, and a 2020 extension that pushed him to the top of the NFL earnings list overall. Below is a concise breakdown of these periods, showing annual averages and headline numbers that defined each phase.
| Date or Period | Contract Event | Annual Average (USD) | Key Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 (July) | Extension (6 years, $96M fully guaranteed) | $16M | Became highest paid quarterback; raised average from prior tags |
| 2017 (April) | Extension (3 years, $84M fully guaranteed) | $27M | Raised annual average; among highest in NFL by cap hit |
| 2020 (March) | Extension (2 years, $70M guaranteed) | $32.6M | Became highest paid player in NFL by annual average; led to Super Bowl wins and additional incentives |
How Brady’s earnings compared to other quarterbacks
Before 2013, Brady was well above the quarterback average but not at the very top. His 2013 extension changed that, and the gap widened with subsequent extensions. By 2020, his annual average exceeded every other quarterback in the league, making him the highest paid QB and the highest paid player overall at the time. Even after stepping back from starting duties, his historic earnings remain the benchmark for quarterback compensation.
Snapshot of Brady’s peak annual averages by extension
- 2013 extension: $16M per year, highest QB salary at the time
- 2017 extension: $27M per year, among the very top in the league
- 2020 extension: $32.6M per year, highest paid player in the NFL
Context: contract guarantees and incentives
Brady’s deals were notable for combining high annual values with significant guaranteed money and performance incentives. The 2013 extension included full guarantees up front, which was rare at the time for a player of his age. The 2017 and 2020 extensions added roster bonuses, offset language, and on-field incentives that could raise his real earnings if the team reached the playoffs or he met individual targets. These features helped teams manage cap while keeping Brady among the most lucratively compensated signal-callers in the league.
How Brady’s earnings fit into the broader QB market
Brady’s pay trajectory reflects the rising economics at quarterback in the NFL. His 2020 extension coincided with a wave of megamax deals league-wide, and his $32.6M annual average briefly made him the highest paid player in football. Since then, newer QB contracts have challenged that record, but his historical peak remains a reference point for how quarterback compensation evolved over the 2010s and into the early 2020s.
Key takeaways
- Brady became the highest paid quarterback with his 2013 extension at $16M annually.
- His 2017 extension raised his annual average to about $27M, keeping him at or near the top of QB pay.
- In 2020, at $32.6M annual average, he became the highest paid player in the NFL overall.
- All three extensions included substantial guarantees and incentives, shaping both team cap strategy and his career earnings profile.
FAQ
Reader questions
When was Brady first the highest paid quarterback?
Brady became the highest paid quarterback in 2013 after signing a six-year extension that raised his annual average to $16M and set a new benchmark at the position.
Did Brady ever hold the highest annual average in the entire NFL?
Yes, he did. After the 2020 extension, his $32.6M annual average made him the highest paid player in the NFL at the time, not just among quarterbacks.
How did guarantees and incentives shape his pay profile?
Brady’s deals were heavily front-loaded with guarantees and included roster and offset bonuses, along with incentives tied to team and individual performance. This structure provided security for both sides while aligning pay with on-field success.
How does Brady’s peak pay compare to current NFL QB salaries?
While Brady’s $32.6M annual average was a record at the time, several recent contracts have surpassed that figure in nominal terms. However, his contracts remain among the most significant examples of how quarterback pay evolved during his era.