Football players in the NFL make a pretty penny. The best ones in the league earn upwards of $45 to $50 million a year, while the median salary average is around $860,000 per year.
While those in the CFL don't sniff that kind of cash, there are still plenty of those who do pretty well financially. The top CFLers make six figures annually, with some of the top contracts getting up to over $400,000 a year.
The top earner in 2022 will be on the field Sunday in Regina, as Blue Bombers QB Zach Collaros has his eyes on winning the team its third consecutive Grey Cup. Winnipeg faces the Toronto Argonauts at Mosaic Stadium for the 109th edition of the event.
Here is a look at the highest earners in the CFL in 2022.
What is the average salary for a CFL player?
The average salary for CFL players isn't exactly known. The league does not make teams publicize their player salaries as the NFL does. However, it is estimated that players make between $60,000 and $100,000.
The minimum salary an American or National player can make is $65,000. For Global players, that floor is set at $54,000.
Highest-paid CFL players in 2022
Those at the top of the CFL's highest-paid player's list shouldn't surprise many. QB is an extremely important position in the league, and the first eight spots are taken up by signal callers.
Collaros owns the highest salary in the league, earning $550,000 in hard money. He is the lone player to make over $500,000 this season in guaranteed cash.
The only starting QB who isn't on the top-10 list is BC's, Nathan Rourke. Since he is a national rookie, he only made $71,500 in hard money playing in the CFL this season.
"Hard money" is a term used to describe the amount of money guaranteed for a player, which includes salary, signing bonus, housing money, workout bonuses, travel allowances, off-season roster bonuses and report-and-pass bonuses.
Here is a look at the top-10 highest-paid players in the CFL in 2022, with the amounts provided by 3DownNation.
| Player | Position | Team | Hard Money |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zach Collaros | QB | Winnipeg | $550,000 |
| Cody Fajardo | QB | Saskatchewan | $467,000 |
| Jeremiah Masoli | QB | Ottawa | $432,000 |
| Bo Levi Mitchell | QB | Calgary | $425,000 |
| Dane Evans | QB | Hamilton | $432,000 |
| McLeod Bethel-Thompson | QB | Toronto | $400,000 |
| Vernon Adams Jr. | QB | Montreal | $399,000 |
| Nick Arbuckle | QB | Edmonton | $340,000 |
| D'haquille Williams | WR | Saskatchewan | $255,000 |
| Ja'Gared Davis | DE | Toronto | $230,000 |
As a seasoned enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of professional football, particularly the Canadian Football League (CFL), I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise and a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics within the sport. My passion extends beyond casual fandom; it delves into the intricate details of player salaries, team strategies, and the evolving landscape of the CFL.
The information presented in the article provides a snapshot of the financial landscape for CFL players in 2022. To elucidate further on the concepts mentioned:
1. NFL vs. CFL Salaries:
The article draws a stark contrast between the earning potential of NFL and CFL players. While NFL stars can command multi-million-dollar salaries, CFL players, even at the pinnacle of their careers, earn significantly less. This sheds light on the financial dynamics and the broader economic context within which CFL operates.
2. CFL Salary Range:
The CFL's salary structure is distinct, with a lack of publicized player salaries in contrast to the transparent approach adopted by the NFL. Despite this, estimates place CFL player salaries between $60,000 and $100,000, revealing a more modest scale compared to their NFL counterparts.
3. Minimum Salaries:
The article touches upon the minimum salaries for CFL players, specifying that American or National players have a floor of $65,000, while Global players receive a minimum of $54,000. This information highlights the baseline financial considerations for players entering the league.
4. Top Earners in the CFL in 2022:
The core of the article focuses on the highest-paid CFL players in 2022, with an emphasis on the crucial role of quarterbacks (QBs). Zach Collaros, the Blue Bombers QB, leads the pack with a salary of $550,000 in hard money, signifying guaranteed earnings.
5. "Hard Money" Definition:
The term "hard money" is introduced and defined in the context of CFL salaries. It encompasses various guaranteed components, including salary, signing bonus, housing money, workout bonuses, travel allowances, off-season roster bonuses, and report-and-pass bonuses. This distinction provides insight into the different elements that contribute to a player's guaranteed income.
6. Top-10 Highest-Paid Players in the CFL in 2022:
The article concludes with a detailed list of the top-earning CFL players in 2022. Notably, all top eight spots are occupied by quarterbacks, underlining the strategic and financial importance of this position in the league.
In essence, this article offers a comprehensive overview of the financial landscape within the CFL, providing valuable insights into the earnings of players, the position-based salary distribution, and the unique financial nuances of the league.
