There is a new highest-paid player in the NFL this season.
With his new 7-year, $126.7 million contract, Jay Cutler of the Chicago Bears replaces Peyton Manning as the player with the highest base salary in the NFL. However, the largest salary cap hit (base salary plus bonuses and a prorated portion of any signing bonus) belongs to Ndamukong Suh of the Detroit Lions at $22.4 million.
Meanwhile, to no surprise, quarterbacks dominate this year's list with five of the top six and nine of the top 25.
#1 Jay Cutler, Chicago Bears — $17.5 Million
Position: Quarterback
2014 Cap Hit*: $18.5 million
Contract: 7 years, $126.7 million ($54.0 million guaranteed)
Career Earnings: $58.2 million
2014 Outlook: The Bears are a borderline playoff team and if they are going to be successful, Cutler needs to stay healthy (missed 11 games last 3 seasons) and he needs to do better than the 17 touchdowns he's averaged the last three years.
*Base salary plus bonuses plus signing bonus prorated over the life of the contract
Data via spotrac.com
#2 Eli Manning, New York Giants — $15.2 Million
Position: Quarterback
2014 Cap Hit: $20.4 million
Contract: 6 years, $97.5 million ($35.0 million guaranteed)
Career Earnings: $135.1 million
2014 Outlook: In 2013, Manning had his worst season since his rookie year, throwing a league leading 27 interceptions. His 5.4 adjusted yards per attempt (adjusted for interceptions) ranked 30th in the NFL among quarterbacks with at least eight starts. If he doesn't improve those numbers, it will be a long season for the Giants.
#3t Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos — $15.0 Million
Position: Quarterback
2014 Cap Hit: $17.5 million
Contract: 5 years, $96.0 million ($58.0 million guaranteed)
Career Earnings: $242.7 million
2014 Outlook: At 38, Manning may be better than ever and as long as he is on the field, the Broncos are a Super Bowl favorite.
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