Plaxico Burress remains one of the most electrifying receivers in New York Giants history, and his career earnings reflect the value he brought on every side of the ball. From game-changing touchdown grabs to clutch fourth-down conversions, his performance directly shaped team success and contract valuation.
This profile breaks down Burress earnings trajectory, season-by-season value, and key milestones that defined his financial footprint in the NFL.
| Season | Team | Salary (USD) | Incentives (USD) | Total Earnings (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | New York Giants | 675,000 | 225,000 | 900,000 |
| 2006 | {=""}New York Giants | 1,750,000 | 825,000 | 2,575,000 |
| 2007 | New York Giants | 4,250,000 | 750,000 | 5,000,000 |
| 2008 | New York Giants | 7,650,000 | 750,000 | 8,400,000 |
| 2009 | New York Giants | 10,750,000 | 750,000 | 9,500,000 |
| 2010 | New York Giants | 9,750,000 | 750,000 | 10,500,000 |
| 2011 | New York Giants | 9,750,000 | 750,000 | 10,500,000 |
| 2012 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 7,000,000 | 1,750,000 | 8,750,000 |
| 2013 | New York Giants | 5,500,000 | 0 | 5,500,000 |
Plaxico Burress 2005 Breakout Season Earnings
Rookie Contract and Early Impact
In 2005, Burress earned a salary of $675,000 with limited incentives, totaling $900,000 for the season. His sharp route running and clutch third-down conversions signaled that he was underpaid relative to his production, setting the stage for rapidly rising earnings.
Plaxico Burress Peak Years and Contracts
Salary Growth and Super Bowl XLVI Performance
From 2007 to 2011, Burress commanded annual salaries between $4.25 million and $10.75 million, reflecting his status as a premier deep threat. His 2008 and 2010 campaigns were especially lucrative, aligning with playoff runs and culminating in the iconic touchdown catch in Super Bowl XLVI.
Plaxico Burress Post-Giants Teams and Earnings
2012 Move to Pittsburgh and Final Seasons
After leaving New York, Burress joined the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2012, earning $7 million in base salary plus $1.75 million in incentives for an $8.75 million total payout. He returned to the Giants in 2013, closing out his career with a $5.5 million salary and no incentives.
Key Takeaways on Plaxico Burress Career Earnings
- Burress earnings grew steadily from a modest rookie deal to over $10 million by 2010.
- His peak years were defined by performance-based contracts that rewarded deep-threat production.
- Contract restructures allowed him to optimize cap space while preserving total earnings.
- His final seasons showed continued value despite changing teams and roles.
FAQ
Reader questions
How much did Plaxico Burress earn in his highest paying season?
His highest paying season was 2011 with the New York Giants, where he earned $10,500,000 including incentives.
Did Burress ever renegotiate his contract during his career?
Yes, he restructured his 2008 contract to convert base salary to bonuses, which lowered his cap charge while preserving overall earnings.
What was Plaxico Burress average annual salary across his career?
Across his 9 NFL seasons, Burress averaged roughly $7.5 million per year, peaking in the late 2000s and early 2010s with the Giants.
How did the 2012 Steelers contract compare to his Giants deals?
The 2012 Steelers contract was slightly lower in base salary but included incentives that kept his total earnings competitive with his final Giants years.