NFL owners reportedly want a ‘quarterback salary cap’ amid constantly growing QB contracts

Following the flurry of extravagant quarterback contract extensions, several NFL owners have discussed that there should a be salary cap specific for the quarterback.

NFL owners reportedly want a ‘quarterback salary cap’ amid constantly growing QB contracts

NFL may introduce Quarterback salary cap (Image via IMAGO)

In the last one year, the quarterback market has reset six times. After each occasion, it feels like no other team will be able to top the current money margin but eventually, they do. So, to put a leash on franchises spending the lion’s share of their salary cap on quarterbacks, several owners have discussed introducing a quarterback salary cap.

The quarterback is undeniably the most important position in football. A good or weak quarterback can decide whether the team will play post-season or end up as a dumpster fire. An easy example will be the 2023 New York Jets, who, following Aaron Rodgers’ injury turned to Zach Wilson, but eventually failed to save the sinking ship.

While appearing on the Rich Eisen Show, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero revealed that several owners have given serious thought to introducing a quarterback salary cap.

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There has certainly been discussion within the league among certain owners about even the idea of a quarterback [salary] cap, that at some point you don't want quarterback numbers to go over a certain percentage of your salary cap.
Tom Pelissero told Eisen on Tuesday.

Pelissero further added that the discussion remains in the initial phase because many teams have already paid their quarterbacks massive money.

Does the NFL require a Quarterback Salary Cap?

From Daniel Jones to Trevor Lawrence, several quarterbacks who have received big-money deals based on their college reputations, despite having yet to prove themselves fully in the NFL, played a significant role in resetting the quarterback market. The amount of money thrown into one position has already created an imbalance.

NFL owners reportedly want a 'quarterback salary cap' amid constantly growing QB contracts
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (Image via IMAGO)

In simpler terms, Spotrac reported that the top 11 NFL contracts all belong to quarterbacks. The quarterbacks also dominate the best-guaranteed money list along with average annual salary.

From a different angle, the quarterbacks bagging lucrative deals suggest other positions of importance aren’t getting paid enough. Elite Receivers like Tyreek Hill, AJ Brown, Davante Adams, and Mike Evans, all are key members of a football team, but they are miles away from earning what a big-name quarterback does.

Hill, who has won a Super Bowl and is arguably the best receiver in the NFL, earns just over $25 million a year, while Giants QB Daniel Jones, despite only making one Pro Bowl, bagged a $40 million a year deal.

2023’s Offensive Player of the Season Christian McCaffrey‘s recent extension meant he will earn $19 million a year while Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett earns $25 million a year. This pay disparity may indicate the value of the position compared to a quarterback, but they are equally essential in a football team.

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