Looks Like Deshaun Watson’s $230 Million Bonanza Will Never Ever Appeal Even NBA’s Lowest Paid Superstars

Whether it’s the NBA or MLB, it’s no secret that their players often receive guaranteed contracts. Basketball players boast the highest average annual salary of $10.5 million, which makes the sport the highest-paid in the world. NFL faces challenges meeting these criteria due to its extensive roster size. Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns stands out in the NFL with his lucrative contract, while other players in the league trail behind their counterparts in different sports.

During every draft season, headlines invariably emerge about highly sought-after recruits securing lucrative deals. Nevertheless, a recent study has shed light on the intriguing pay disparity among these athletes.

No player from the league even comes close to Deshaun Watson

The star quarterback of the Browns has etched his name in history with a groundbreaking $230 million contract. This remarkable deal not only stands as the highest guaranteed pay in NFL history but also places him in a league of his own. However, he stands alone at the top, as no other player in the league currently crosses the $200 million mark. Interestingly, it is intriguing to note that more than ten NBA players effortlessly surpass this notable mark.

Prominent NFL analyst, Dov Kleiman, recently took to Twitter to unveil a fascinating statistic highlighting the disparity in payouts for NFL athletes. Kleiman highlighted the striking case of Desmond Bane from the NBA, who secured a staggering $207 million guaranteed contract despite performing below the league’s average. He then proceeded to draw comparisons with payouts received by athletes in different positions throughout the league, shedding light on the substantial variations in compensation.

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Kleiman added how RB Christian McCaffrey and TE George Kittle manage to make $38.16 million and $40 million respectively, and still stay at the top of their position. Additionally, the list featured several other remarkable athletes, with only two of them managing to reach the $100 million milestone.

Edge Rusher Joey Bosa has a $102 million guaranteed contract

In addition to Bosa, DE Myles Garrett is the only other player who has achieved the remarkable milestone of earning $100 million. Notably, Cooper Kupp and Denzel Ward also boast substantial contracts, with Kupp securing a $75 million deal and Ward signing for $71.25 million. The bottom-most spot goes to Place Kicker, Justin Tucker, with only $17.5 million guaranteed pay.

While the NFL boasts a roster size almost five times larger than the NBA, the compensation figures reveal a significant disparity. Despite the NFL’s immense popularity, its top athletes continue to receive lesser guaranteed payments compared to their counterparts.

One key factor contributing to the lower guaranteed pay in the NFL is the higher likelihood of injuries. If such incidents occur, teams are burdened with the salary cap, causing significant harm to the team. Although this rule has faced criticism, athletes are gradually securing favorable deals. The change is definitely slow, however, this pay disparity could soon become a problem of the past. Only time will tell if that is so.

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