Agents Take: Dak Prescott, Jordan Love, and Other NFL Quarterbacks Who Can Sign a Lucrative Deal in 2024
Last year was a groundbreaking year for the quarterback market in the NFL. Several quarterbacks set new standards for salaries, and it seems that 2024 will be no different. In this article, we will explore the potential lucrative deals that quarterbacks like Dak Prescott, Jordan Love, and others can sign in the upcoming season.
Dak Prescott’s contract year has arrived, and negotiations for an extension are on the horizon. Despite a disappointing performance in the wild-card playoff round, Prescott still holds leverage in these negotiations. His $59.455 million cap hit is the second-highest in the league for 2024, making it challenging for the Dallas Cowboys to handle. However, a contract extension before the roster bonus vests could significantly lower Prescott’s cap number and secure his future with the team.
Prescott’s representatives have the opportunity to negotiate a deal that could make him the highest-paid player in the league. With his no-trade clause and provisions preventing Dallas from designating him as a franchise or transition player in 2025, Prescott has positioned himself well for a lucrative contract. It wouldn’t be surprising if his camp used Joe Burrow’s average over his first three new years to justify a $60 million-per-year extension.
Another quarterback who could be in line for a substantial contract is Jared Goff. Despite being initially seen as a throw-in or salary dump in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams, Goff proved himself with the Detroit Lions. He led the team to a division title and advanced to the NFC Championship for the first time since 1991. Goff’s performance in 2023 was statistically comparable to his 2018 campaign, which made him one of the league’s highest-paid players at the time.
The Lions and Goff’s camp are reportedly working on a contract extension during the offseason. Goff is scheduled to be paid $27,950,064 in 2024, the final year of his contract. The Lions should be willing to pay Goff in the same range as other top quarterbacks, potentially joining the $50 million-per-year club.
Baker Mayfield’s contract year turned out to be a success. After signing a one-year “prove-it” deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Mayfield had an impressive season, leading the team to a third consecutive NFC South title. He threw for over 4,000 yards and had career-highs in completion percentage and touchdown passes. Mayfield’s performance in the playoffs further solidified his position as the team’s starting quarterback.
The Buccaneers have expressed their interest in keeping Mayfield for the 2024 season. Mayfield has also expressed his desire to stay with the team. While a franchise tag is unlikely, the Buccaneers should be willing to pay Mayfield a competitive salary, potentially in the range of Geno Smith’s contract with the Seattle Seahawks.
Kirk Cousins’ future with the Minnesota Vikings is uncertain due to a torn Achilles injury he suffered in 2023. The Vikings have a significant cap charge if they don’t reach a new deal with Cousins by March 13. Cousins has consistently capitalized on his circumstances for maximum financial gain, and it would be surprising if he deviated from this approach.
Tua Tagovailoa is another quarterback who could be looking for a new deal. While he didn’t receive an extension after his third NFL season like Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert, Tagovailoa had an impressive 2023 season. He set career highs in passing yards, touchdown passes, and completion percentage. Tagovailoa expressed confidence in getting a new deal and could aim to surpass Jalen Hurts’ contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Trevor Lawrence, the first overall pick in the 2021 Draft, could also be in line for an extension. Despite a disappointing season for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Lawrence is seen as the team’s long-term quarterback. The Jaguars have expressed their intention to sign him to an extension at the right time. It is customary for first-round quarterbacks to become one of the league’s highest-paid players upon signing an early extension, and Lawrence could follow this trend.
Lastly, Jordan Love’s performance in Aaron Rodgers’ absence has put him in a favorable position. Love validated the Green Bay Packers’ faith in him by leading the team to the playoffs and outperforming opposing quarterbacks like Dak Prescott. The expectation is that the Packers and Love’s camp will start working on a contract extension after the 2024 Draft. Love could potentially target a deal that surpasses Rodgers’ final contract with the Packers.
Overall, the quarterback market in 2024 promises to be lucrative for several players. From Dak Prescott and Jared Goff to Baker Mayfield and Tua Tagovailoa, these quarterbacks have the potential to sign groundbreaking deals that will shape the future of the NFL salary hierarchy. As negotiations unfold, it will
