Comparing NFL QB contracts among the players who switched teams in 2025

We’ve had more quarterback contracts this offseason than many had anticipated. We knew San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy was likely to get a deal done and a handful of mid-tier QBs were going to hit the free agent market, but new contracts for reigning MVP Josh Allen and Matthew Stafford weren’t exactly top of mind.

The Seattle Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers really threw the league for a loop by not retaining any of their three starting quarterbacks from 2024 and the New York Jets cut Aaron Rodgers. Add in first overall pick Cam Ward signing a contract that puts him in the top 20 in terms of contract value, and the market ended up being really interesting despite what we all may have thought in February.

So let’s take a look at the biggest contracts signed by QBs that changed teams this offseason to see how they compare.

Full terms: Two years, $75 million
2025 cash: $40 million
Fully guaranteed money: $58.5 million

Smith was traded to the Raiders who then promised to get a deal done with their new quarterback. It ended up being the richest of the players who changed teams this offseason and places him on top of the emerging middle class of quarterbacks ahead of Baker Mayfield but behind Matthew Stafford.

The remaining $8 million of his 2026 salary guarantees on the third day of the 2026 league year in March, so while the Raiders can move on after just one season, he’s likely to get two years and $66.5 million before they look to move on. He will be entering his age-37 season in 2027, so like their head coach, they seem to be on an age clock with Smith. If he does play in 2027, he’ll make $39.5 million.

Full terms: Three years, $100.5 million
2025 cash: $37.5 million
Fully guaranteed money: $37.5 million

Darnold was the best free agent on the market and signed the biggest deal of that group. Like Smith, he’s in the middle class of QB contracts under $40 million per year but higher than $15 million.

It’s a one-year, $37.5 million contract for Darnold with a $27.5 million team option in 2026 and $35.5 million team option in 2027. It also contains plenty of incentives if he plays well and the Seahawks make the playoffs.

Despite his well-worn path, Darnold is only 28, and this deal will allow him to cash in again if he can maintain the starting job.

Full terms: Two years, $40 million
2025 cash: $20 million
Fully guaranteed money: $30 million

Probably the most surprising deal in terms of cash, Fields signed the second-richest contract of the free agents this offseason. He got more than twice as much guaranteed money than the next guy on our list. For a guy that two teams have now moved on from, that’s great value if you’re Fields.

If he plays well, the Jets will happily pay him the remaining $10 million in 2026 to be their starter. If he doesn’t, they can easily move on from him and he will likely sign a veteran minimum deal somewhere. That means they will only have to pay him $8.5 million or so in remaining guarantees, and his one year will cost them $28.5 million total. I really like this deal from both sides.

Full terms: One year, $14 million
2025 cash: $14 million
Fully guaranteed money: $13.15 million

The Colts have Anthony Richardson as their incumbent starter but ineffectiveness and injuries have hampered the young QB. Jones, it turns out, is in a legit competition to be the starter at this point With plenty of cap space in 2026, the Colts could franchise-tag Jones if he plays really well this season as their QB1.

Jones made $82 million combined in 2023 and 2024 with the Giants and more than $108 million in his six years. This contract will put him at $122 million total. He’s a business of sports hall of famer.

Full terms: One year, $13.65 million
2025 cash: $13.65 million
Fully guaranteed money: $10 million

For all intents and purposes, this is a fully guaranteed contract signed by the Steelers. Rodgers’ base salary difference will guarantee in Week 1. In any event, he’s still behind Jones despite being the clear starter in Pittsburgh. That’s strange.

The Steelers employed Fields and Wilson last year and eventually settled on Rodgers. It will be interesting to see what their long-term plan is and which of the three quarterbacks has the better season.

Full terms: One year, $10.5 million
2025 cash: $10.5 million
Fully guaranteed money: $10.5 million

The Giants have come out and said Wilson is going to be the starter, so again it’s a bit curious why former Giants QB Daniel Jones is making more than him despite being a backup.

New York also signed Jameis Winston to a backup deal this offseason, but his is for two years. It appears Wilson is in town for one year before giving way to rookie Jaxson Dart. That might come sooner rather than later for a general manager and head coach that both want to keep their jobs in 2026.