Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson made NFL history on Monday, becoming the highest-paid non-quarterback ever with a new deal averaging a reported $35 million per year. But Jefferson’s historic on-field production registers the lucrative commitment from Minnesota as quite reasonable. Sometimes, it seems, even the biggest-money deals can feel like bargains, for immeasurable talent often proves priceless in the eyes of NFL contenders.
With that in mind, which handsomely rewarded players could still be considered underpaid? Excluding quarterbacks, who tend to break contractual records at an unmatched pace, here are 10 notable NFL stars who currently rank among the top 10 at their position in terms of per-year earnings, but already appear ripe for a pay raise, thanks to their on-field value:
Note: Salary-cap figures courtesy of Over the Cap.
Per year: $7 million | Position rank: 9th
The former Green Bay Packers standout has yet to take a single snap in Minnesota, and he missed extensive time due to injury in 2023, but his electric multipurpose skill set helped power the Pack’s surprise playoff run, and he’s topped 1,100 scrimmage yards four times. At half the cost of the New Orleans Saints’ Alvin Kamara, he has the potential to be a big-time playmaker for a well-stocked Vikings offense in 2024.
Per year: $10 million | Position rank: T-8th
Linebacker isn’t as important as it once was, but Okereke has been a do-it-all machine since becoming a full-timer, excelling as a sideline-to-sideline presence for both the Indianapolis Colts and New York Giants. Since 2021, he’s averaging 90+ tackles and close to five takeaways per season. And he’s done it making significantly less than less durable counterparts like Matt Milano and Tremaine Edmunds.
Per year: $20 million | Position rank: 1st
Baltimore reset the off-ball linebacker market when it extended the former Chicago Bears stalwart on a $100…
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Author : Cody Benjamin
Publish date : 2024-06-03 20:02:57
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