The 10 Highest-Paid CFL Players in 2024: A Look at Salaries and Trends

The CFL (Canadian Football League) may not match the NFL in terms of salaries or global prominence, but its top earners still command impressive paychecks. In 2024, quarterbacks dominate the CFL’s salary rankings, with Nathan Rourke, Chad Kelly, and Zach Collaros leading the list.

Here’s a closer look at the 10 highest-paid CFL players and what their contracts reveal about the league’s financial landscape.

Top 10 Highest-Paid CFL Players of 2024

Quarterback Dominance

It’s no surprise that quarterbacks dominate the highest-paid players list in 2024. As one of the most demanding positions in sports, teams are willing to pay a premium for proven leaders on offense.

• Nathan Rourke leads the pack with a $600,000 salary, making him not only the highest-paid quarterback but the highest-paid player in the league. After his stint in the NFL, Rourke’s return to the CFL and the B.C. Lions has brought renewed excitement to Canadian football.
• The top eight earners in the CFL are quarterbacks, with Chad Kelly and Zach Collaros rounding out the top three.

Other Notable Players

While quarterbacks dominate, non-quarterbacks are also finding spots among the league’s best earners:

• Eugene Lewis, a wide receiver for the Edmonton Elks, is the ninth highest-paid player at $231,200. His inclusion highlights the increasing value of elite pass-catchers in today’s CFL.
• Defensive players are notably absent from the top 10, with only three defenders cracking the top 25 overall.

Trends in CFL Salaries

The CFL’s salary structure remains heavily skewed toward offense:

• 88% of the top 25 earners play offensive positions, while defensive players are underrepresented.
• Defensive backs, in particular, are among the league’s lowest-paid players, with none earning over $200,000 or making the top 25 list.

The league average salary is $73,200, meaning only a select few CFL players earn top-tier salaries.

The Changing CFL Landscape

As the CFL continues to grow, so does the competition for talent. While the league’s financial realities limit salaries compared to the NFL, teams are increasingly willing to invest in marquee players to boost on-field success and fan engagement.

Nathan Rourke’s $600K salary sets a benchmark for future contracts, especially as more players gain exposure in the NFL before returning to Canada. As the league evolves, it will be interesting to see how salaries shift for both offensive and defensive players.

Final Thoughts
The CFL may not have the deep pockets of its American counterpart, but it continues to reward its top talent handsomely. Quarterbacks remain the face of the league, with Rourke, Kelly, and Collaros leading the way, while other positions like wide receivers and defensive players will need to fight for recognition and higher paychecks in the years to come.