The most expensive NFL players of all time are a mixed bag. Some were worth every penny, while others quickly became busts. Here is a look at the most expensive NFL players, based on their average annual salary, full NFL statistics, NFL Teams, NFL Standings and other details.
1. Tom Brady
Tom Brady is one of the most popular and successful quarterbacks in the NFL. He has played for the New England Patriots since 2000 and has won five Super Bowls. Brady is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.
Brady’s average annual salary is $20 million. His season earnings are $30 million. Brady’s NFL statistics are impressive. He has thrown for over 5,000 yards in a season four times. He has also thrown 50 touchdown passes in a season twice. Brady is a three time MVP and 14-time Pro Bowler.
2. Drew Brees
Drew Brees has earned an average annual salary of $22.97 million throughout his 20-year NFL career. His highest single-season earnings came in 2016, when he made $50 million. That year he also had the most passing yards(5,208) and touchdowns (37) of any quarterback in the league. In addition to his salary Brees has also earned millions through endorsements with companies like Nike, Verizon, and Procter & Gamble. His endorsement deals are estimated to be around $8 million annually.
3. Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger is an American football quarterback for the National Football League Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL). He is one of only six quarterbacks in NFL history to have won two or more Super Bowls, and he is the youngest quarterback to have ever won a Super Bowl. As of the 2017 season, he is the highest-paid player in the NFL, with an annual salary of $23.2 million and total career earnings of over $180 million. In addition to his salary, Roethlisberger also earns a significant amount of money from endorsements. In 2016, Roethlisberger’s base salary was $17 million, but he also earned a signing bonus of $6 million and a roster bonus of $500,000. His total earnings for the year were $23.5 million. In 2017, Roethlisberger’s base salary increased to $19 million, with a signing bonus of $6 million and a roster bonus of $500,000
4. Matt Ryan
Matt Ryan is an American football quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons of the National Football league. He was drafted by the Falcons in the first round of the 2008 NFL draft
As of 2019 Ryan has an annual salary of $30 million, He also has various endorsement deals which add to his total earnings. In 2018 Ryan earned a total of $67.3 million which made him the highest-paid player in the NFL that year. His highest single-season earnings came in 2016 when he made $45.3 million.
In terms of career statistics, Ryan has thrown for over 50,000 yards and 300 touchdowns. He was named NFL MVP in 2016 and has been selected to four Pro Bowls.
5. Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers is a National Football League (NFL)Green Bay Packers football quarterback. The Packers drafted him within the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft. Rodgers played college football at California, where he set several career passing records, including the only touchdown passes. He was a first-team All-American selection in 2004.
During his NFL career, Rodgers was named eight Pro Bowls and was the league’s Most worthy Player (MVP) in 2011 and 2014. He led the Packers to an excellent Bowl XLV victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2010 and was awarded Super Bowl MVP honors. He has also set numerous regular season and postseason records for passing touchdowns, passing yards, and passer ratings
6. Eli Manning
Eli Manning is an American football quarterback for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Ole Miss, and was drafted as the first overall pick in the 2004 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers. Manning is a four-time Pro Bowl selection and has led the Giants to victory in Super Bowl XLII and Super Bowl XLVI, both times against the New England Patriots. In 2016, Forbes estimated Manning’s annual salary to be $17.4 million. In addition to his salary, Manning also earns millions through endorsements with companies like Nike, DIRECTV, and Gatorade.
During his NFL career, Eli Manning has earned over $150 million in salary and bonuses, making him one of the highest-paid players in NFL history. His highest single-season earnings came in 2015 when he made $37 million.
Bottom Line
In the end, it is interesting to note that while quarterbacks have consistently been some of the highest-paid players in the NFL, the amount of money they earn has gradually decreased in recent years. This may be due to several factors, such as injury risks and salary cap restrictions, or because teams are starting to realize that other positions on the field are just as important
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