The start of the 2019 NFL season is right around the corner and plenty of money has been tossed around during the offseason.
Here's a look at the NFL's highest-paid players.
1. QB Russell Wilson, Seahawks – $35 million
Somehow, the former third-round pick continues to fly under the radar, but Wilson has quietly been one of the NFL's best quarterbacks since entering the league in 2012. He's a five-time Pro Bowler and led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl title in 2014. During the offseason, Wilson signed a four-year, $87.6 million contract extension to stay in Seattle for the foreseeable future. Wilson will average a $35 million annual salary – a well-deserved sum for a quarterback who hasn't missed a start in his professional career.
2. QB Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers – $34 million
Even at 37-years-old, Ben Roethlisberger continues to cement his Hall of Fame resume. He's been a thorn in the side of Ravens' fans over the years, helping develop one of the most fierce rivalries in sports. Roethlisberger signed a two-year, $68 million extension and has the results to back it up. He's two-time Super Bowl champion and threw for a career-high 5,129 yards last season.
3. QB Aaron Rodgers, Packers – $33.5 million
The relationship between Aaron Rodgers and first-year head coach Matt LeFleur will be an interesting point of conversation all season, but at least he's got money in his pocket. Rodgers signed a massive four-year $134 million contract extension with the Packers in 2018. If not for Tom Brady, Rodgers has been the best quarterback in the NFL over the last decade. He has just one Super Bowl title to show for it, but make no mistake that the Packers only go as far as No. 12 under center
4. QB Carson Wentz, Eagles – $32 million
Despite injury concerns, the Eagles didn't think twice about letting Carson Wentz see the free-agent market in the next few years. This offseason, Wentz signed a four-year, $128 million contract extension to remain in Philadelphia through the 2024 season. It's a big commitment to a quarterback who has an injury history and hasn't played a full 16-game season since his rookie year in 2016, but the Eagles are betting on Wentz to return healthy this season and compete for a Lombardi Trophy.
5. QB Matt Ryan, Falcons – $30 million
Rounding out the top five, to no surprise, is another quarterback. It's the most important position in football and undoubtedly gets paid like it. Matt Ryan became the first NFL player to earn $30 million annually when he signed a five-year, $150 million contract with the Falcons in 2018. Over one year later, he's already dropped down to No. 5. The Falcons were disappointing in a 7-9 campaign last season, but if Ryan can rekindle his MVP form, Atlanta could be a dangerous team in the NFC South this season.
