Baker Mayfield and the 2018 QB class will get paid this offseason

QB Class of 2017 (Mahomes, Watson): $39 to $45 million/year

The Chicago Bears were probably stupid to give up on Mitchell Trubisky, but they wanted to blame their bad offense on someone and he was convenient. Trubisky  did make the Pro Bowl as a rookie, and he is 28-20 on a team without much talent on offense, despite limitless ability to complain. Nevertheless, out with you, Mitchell Trubisky.

DeShaun Watson managed to pull down a four year extension worth $156 million or perhaps a few million more if certain options kick in. Overthecap.com says that his average compensation will be $39 million per year for the next four years, so we are going with that, although not all of it is guaranteed. His big dollars start in 2022.

Patrick Mahomes is the new standard by which others will be judged. His contract is so complicated that it may not make sense to summarize it simplistically. Nevertheless, in round terms, OTC claims it is worth $450 million over ten years, or $45 million per season. If it were a four year deal like the others, it would be $180 million.

Unlike the 2016 Class, most analysts would agree that the 2017 Class is performing every bit up to expectations. Quite possibly Watson is perceived as better than any of the 2018 quarterbacks, and might set the upper bound for Mayfield, Allen and Jackson.