The 2019 LSU team is dubbed the “greatest ever” by fans after four former players signed $666 million NFL contracts.

The 2019 LSU Tigers: The Greatest Ever? A Look Back After Four Former Players Sign $666 Million NFL Contracts

In the world of college football, there have been many great teams, but few can rival the historic dominance of the 2019 LSU Tigers. Dubbed by many as the “greatest ever,” this team left an indelible mark on the sport, not only through their on-field success but also by setting the stage for a future filled with unprecedented professional achievements. After four former LSU players recently signed NFL contracts worth a combined $666 million, it’s impossible to ignore the immense talent and legacy of that 2019 squad. As we look back on the significance of these contracts, we’ll explore why the 2019 LSU Tigers are considered one of the greatest teams in the history of college football and what their legacy means for both the Tigers and the NFL.

The 2019 LSU Tigers: An Unstoppable Force

Under the leadership of head coach Ed Orgeron, the 2019 LSU Tigers stormed through their schedule with unmatched dominance, finishing the season with a 15-0 record and capturing the program’s fourth national championship in school history. What made the 2019 squad so remarkable was not just their ability to win games but the manner in which they did so. LSU’s offense, led by the record-breaking performance of quarterback Joe Burrow, was the most explosive in the country, setting multiple NCAA records along the way. Burrow’s Heisman Trophy-winning performance was a key part of this historic season, but it wasn’t just about the quarterback—LSU’s entire roster was stacked with NFL-caliber talent, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

That 2019 offense was revolutionary, setting the standard for what an elite college football offense could look like. With Burrow at the helm, the Tigers boasted an offense that averaged an eye-popping 48.4 points per game, making them the highest-scoring team in the nation. Burrow finished his season with a staggering 5,671 passing yards, 60 touchdowns, and only 6 interceptions, an unprecedented statistical line that elevated him to superstardom. Alongside him were a cadre of talented players, including wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson, both of whom went on to become top NFL draft picks.

But it wasn’t just the offense that made the 2019 Tigers great. The LSU defense, while not as flashy as the offense, was also extremely effective, playing a crucial role in several key victories throughout the season. The team’s defensive line, anchored by future NFL stars like K’Lavon Chaisson and Rashard Lawrence, was able to create pressure on opposing quarterbacks, while the secondary, led by Grant Delpit, provided stability and support in the backfield. Together, both sides of the ball played complementary football that helped propel LSU to one of the most dominant seasons in college football history.

In terms of accolades, the 2019 LSU team stands out for its near-perfect season. They defeated multiple top-10 teams on their way to the national title, including a 41-7 victory over the Clemson Tigers in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. The victory over Clemson, which boasted the nation’s top defense, served as a capstone to LSU’s legendary season. Joe Burrow was named the game’s MVP, cementing his place in LSU history.

A Historic NFL Draft for LSU: Four Players Land $666 Million in Contracts

While the 2019 LSU football team was built to dominate the college level, its future was equally bright in the NFL. Four players from that roster have recently signed NFL contracts totaling $666 million—a stunning figure that reflects the incredible talent and potential of these players.

Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and Grant Delpit have all proven to be stars at the next level, with Burrow leading the way as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Burrow’s rise from college phenom to NFL star has been meteoric, as he quickly transformed the Cincinnati Bengals into an AFC contender. His incredible football IQ, leadership, and poise in the pocket have made him one of the brightest young quarterbacks in the league.

As of 2025, Burrow has secured a five-year, $275 million contract with the Bengals, making him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in NFL history. His remarkable success in the NFL is a testament to the development he received at LSU under head coach Ed Orgeron and offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger, who helped fine-tune Burrow’s abilities and prepare him for the big stage.

Ja’Marr Chase, Burrow’s top target at LSU, has continued to shine in the NFL as well. After being selected with the fifth overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, Chase quickly became one of the league’s top wide receivers. In just his second season, Chase posted over 1,400 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns, establishing himself as a key piece of Cincinnati’s high-powered offense. In 2024, Chase signed a four-year, $160 million contract extension, making him one of the highest-paid wide receivers in NFL history. His electrifying playmaking ability, paired with his chemistry with Burrow, has been one of the most exciting dynamics in the league.

Justin Jefferson, another former LSU wide receiver, has also enjoyed massive success in the NFL. Drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2020, Jefferson quickly became one of the best wideouts in the league, setting numerous rookie records and leading the NFL in receiving yards in his second season. Known for his elite route-running and ability to make plays after the catch, Jefferson signed a five-year, $180 million contract with the Vikings in 2024, solidifying his place among the NFL’s elite wide receivers.

Grant Delpit, the versatile safety from LSU, was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the 2020 NFL Draft. Delpit’s ability to excel in both coverage and as a run defender made him an invaluable asset for the Browns. He signed a four-year, $51 million contract in 2023, rewarding his consistent play in the secondary and his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.

Together, these four players have already made a profound impact on the NFL and have become the poster children for the 2019 LSU Tigers‘ legacy. Their contracts, which total an eye-watering $666 million, underscore the incredible talent that LSU produced that season and provide tangible proof of the program’s unparalleled success in developing NFL-caliber players.

The Greatest Team? The Legacy of the 2019 LSU Tigers

Given the success of these four players in the NFL and the dominance they exhibited in college, many fans and analysts are now willing to go as far as to dub the 2019 LSU Tigers the greatest college football team ever. The combination of offensive firepower, elite defensive play, and the seamless integration of several future NFL stars makes a strong case for this claim.

The 2019 LSU Tigers are unique in that they were able to blend an explosive offense with a solid defense in a way that few teams have managed to do in recent years. While offensive-driven teams often struggle to balance defensive prowess, LSU proved that you could dominate on both sides of the ball while still delivering a high-scoring, entertaining brand of football. With Joe Burrow setting the tone as a leader on offense and players like K’Lavon Chaisson and Rashard Lawrence anchoring the defense, LSU’s roster was as complete as it gets.

The success of LSU’s players in the NFL also solidifies the legacy of the 2019 squad. When you look at the contracts signed by Burrow, Chase, Jefferson, and Delpit, it’s clear that LSU was able to produce players who were not just talented but also capable of translating that talent into long-term success at the next level. For many college football fans, this is one of the clearest indicators of greatness—a team that not only excels in college but also dominates in the professional ranks.

When compared to other teams widely regarded as among the best in college football history—such as the 2001 Miami Hurricanes, 2004 USC Trojans, and 2018 Clemson Tigers—the 2019 LSU Tigers stand out for their ability to produce multiple future NFL stars at nearly every position. The combination of Burrow, Chase, Jefferson, Delpit, and others represents a level of talent and depth that few teams in history have been able to match.