Google's reported $2.7 billion deal to bring back a former employee is proof AI geniuses are the new 'star quarterbacks'

• Google struck a $2.7 billion deal with Character.ai., largley to rehire AI expert Noam Shazeer, WSJ reported.
• It's an eye-popping example of how expensive and in demand top AI talent is as competition heats up.
• AI career experts told Business Insider it's a bit like pro sports — the superstars are worth it.

There are plenty of stories out there about just how ruthless the hiring wars for AI talent have gotten.