Quarterbacks Reign Supreme: Analyzing the Top Earnings in the CFL
In the realm of Canadian football, the spotlight often shines brightest on the quarterbacks, and the latest data on the highest-paid CFL players of 2024 only solidifies this notion. Led by Zach Collaros of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the top earners in the league command impressive salaries, reflecting their pivotal roles on the field.
Collaros, topping the list with an annual salary of $600,000, has emerged as a standout figure in the CFL landscape. His prowess as a quarterback, coupled with consecutive Most Outstanding Player awards, secured him a lucrative deal with the Blue Bombers in 2022. With career-high stats in passing yards and average yards per completion in 2023, Collaros continues to elevate his status as one of the league’s premier players.
Following closely behind is Chad Kelly, nephew of NFL legend Jim Kelly, who commands a salary just shy of $600,000 as the Toronto Argonauts’ quarterback. Kelly’s stellar performance, including winning the 2023 Most Outstanding Player award, underscores his impact on the field and his value to his team.
Veteran quarterback Trevor Harris of the Saskatchewan Roughriders secures the third spot on the list with a guaranteed salary of $473,000. Despite being the oldest player among the top earners at 38, Harris’s experience and leadership remain invaluable assets to his team.
McLeod Bethel-Thompson, with a salary of $461,000, holds the fourth position, bringing his expertise to the Edmonton Elks after a stint with the now-disbanded New Orleans Breakers in the USFL. Rounding out the top five is Cody Fajardo of the Montreal Alouettes, set to earn $432,000 this year, with the potential for additional earnings based on his playing time.
A notable trend among the highest-paid CFL players is the dominance of quarterbacks, with nine out of the top 25 earners occupying this position. Often regarded as one of the most challenging roles in sports, quarterbacks play a pivotal role in steering their teams to success, thereby commanding substantial salaries reflective of their impact on the game.
However, the distribution of earnings across positions reveals disparities within the league. While quarterbacks enjoy the lion’s share of the earnings, players on the defensive side of the ball, particularly defensive backs, lag behind in terms of compensation. None of the top 25 earners hail from the defensive backfield, highlighting the discrepancy in pay between offensive and defensive positions.
Beyond quarterbacks, wide receivers and offensive linemen also feature prominently among the top earners, reflecting the importance of skill players and protection for the quarterback’s success. Eugene Lewis, a wide receiver for the Edmonton Elks, commands a salary of $320,000, while offensive lineman Drew Desjarlais of the Ottawa Redblacks earns $260,000, underscoring the significance of their contributions to their respective teams.
As the CFL continues to evolve, so too does the landscape of player salaries. While quarterbacks remain the focal point in terms of earnings, the league’s commitment to parity and competitiveness ensures that players across all positions are duly compensated for their contributions to the game. With each season bringing new stars to the forefront, the hierarchy of earnings in the CFL is subject to change, reflecting the dynamic nature of professional football in Canada.
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