Highest-Paid NFL Players of All Time

Quarterbacks own pro football. The rest are invited guests.

Highest-Paid NFL Players of All Time

If you don’t believe quarterbacks are the Hope Diamond of pro sports. just check out the all-time NFL money list. No fewer than 17 of the top 25 career breadwinners have played behind center.

You see some all-time greats. And sometimes great. Even rarely great. Would you believe never, ever great?

That’s because, in the pass-crazy game of today, coaches, general managers and club owners will go above and way, way beyond to sign or keep a so-called franchise quarterback even if he's past his prime.

Here are the all-time NFL leaders in career earnings.

Note: Statistics include the 2018 season with Approximate Values courtesy of Pro Football Reference.

25. Gerald McCoy, Defensive Tackle

Years: 2010-present (9 seasons)

Teams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers

Career earnings: $110.1 million

Career statistics/16 games: 38.5 tackles, 7.1 sacks, 0.5 fumble recoveries

Approximate Value/16 games: 9.9

Bottom line: The big lug could put heat on the passer, all right, but the Buccaneers ranked better than 15th in rush yards allowed only twice in his nine seasons there.

His $13 million salary became so cumbersome, the front office finally cut the cord after he refused to restructure the enormous six-year, $95.2 million deal, and it could find no takers in trade.

So how much do you suppose "Mean" Joe Greene would be worth nowadays?

24. Calvin Johnson, Wide Receiver

Years: 2007-15 (9 seasons)

Team: Detroit Lions

Career earnings: $113.8 million

Career statistics/16 games: 86.6 pass receptions, 15.9 yards per pass reception, 9.8 pass touchdowns

Approximate Value/16 games: 11.0

Bottom line: When Megabucks, er, Megatron retired in the prime of his career, he left four years and $67.7 million on the table.

Not only that, but team management demanded that he pay back $3.2 million in bonus money, and the two sides have feuded ever since.

Hey, when you’ve been with the Lions that long, that seems like a small price for freedom.

23. Mario Williams, Defensive End

Years: 2006-16 (11 seasons)

Teams: Houston Texans, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins

Career earnings: $120.4 million

Career statistics/16 games: 40.4 tackles, 9.9 sacks, 0.5 fumble recoveries

Approximate Value/16 games: 9.3

Bottom line: $uper Mario is Matt Stafford on the other side of the ball — a guy who puts up good numbers with crummy teams that have to overpay somebody.

22. Jay Cutler, Quarterback

Years: 2006-17 (12 seasons)

Teams: Denver Broncos, Chicago Bears, Miami Dolphins

Career earnings: $122.2 million

Career statistics/16 games: .620 pass completion percentage, 3,674.0 pass yards, 23.7 pass touchdowns

Approximate Value/16 games: 11.4

Bottom line: This mope raked in millions to be the definition of mediocre (Bears record: 51-51-0) then went home to his wife Kristin Cavallari every night. Not that you’re jealous or anything. OK, you are jealous.

Gen. Cutler fun fact: Mr. Personality never had an endorsement deal in his Chicago career, because as he put it, "I think you know my salary."

21. Joe Thomas, Offensive Tackle

Years: 2007-17 (11 seasons)

Team: Cleveland Browns

Career earnings: $122.85 million

Career statistics/16 games: 1.0 fumble recoveries

Approximate Value/16 games: 11.7

Bottom line: While you slept on the Browns all those years, the highest-paid offensive lineman in pro football history quietly earned $8 million or more in every season of his career.

20. Darrelle Revis, Cornerback

Years: 2007-17 (11 seasons)

Teams: New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs

Career earnings: $124.2 million

Career statistics/16 games: 3.2 interceptions, 1.3 fumble recoveries, 0.2 sacks

Approximate Value/16 games: 11.7

Bottom line: Revis Island stands alone at the position on the all-time money list, but if not for a torn ACL early in the 2012 season, he no doubt would have done even better.

The four-time All-Pro went on to sign long-term deals with the Buccaneers and Jets, only to be released after one season each time.

19. Michael Vick, Quarterback

Years: 2001-06, 2009-15 (13 seasons)

Teams: Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles, New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers

Career earnings: $124.8 million

Career statistics/16 games: .562 completion percentage, 2,513 pass yards, 14.9 pass touchdowns

Approximate Value/16 games: 12.6

Bottom line: For sheer entertainment value, the four-time Pro Bowler was worth every stinkin' dollar.

For consistent quarterback play, he was overpaid by a mile and a half.

Or roughly the distance between some of his passes and the intended receiver.

18. Tony Romo, Quarterback

Years: 2004-16 (13 seasons)

Teams: Dallas Cowboys

Career earnings: $127.4 million

Career statistics/16 games: .653 pass completion percentage, 3,505.9 pass yards, 25.4 pass touchdowns

Approximate Value/16 games: 11.9

Bottom line: If there’s a consistently more overhyped, overcompensated position in all of pro sports than that of Dallas Cowboys quarterback, it escapes me at the moment.

This one made his fortune off good looks and four Pro Bowl seasons, not a 2-4 postseason record.

17. Sam Bradford, Quarterback

Years: 2010-18 (9 seasons)

Teams: St. Louis Rams, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals

Career earnings: $130.0 million

Career statistics/16 games: .625 pass completion percentage, 3,749 pass yards, 19.9 pass touchdowns

Approximate Value/16 games: 9.4

Bottom line: Sam the Scam was the last quarterback to cash in hugely on the last collective bargaining agreement — six years, $78 million, $50 million guaranteed.

Had he been drafted one year later, he would have been handed only $22 million over four years.

In other words, he would have went from historically bad, make-me-wanna-puke overpaid to merely overpaid.

16. Brett Favre, Quarterback

Years: 1991-2010 (20 seasons)

Teams: Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings

Career earnings: $137.8 million

Career statistics/16 games: .620 pass completion percentage, 3,806.0 pass yards, 26.9 pass touchdowns

Approximate Value/16 games: 13.5

Bottom line: From the moment the second-rounder signed a three-year, $1.38-million deal as a rookie, he played from behind.

The 11-time Pro Bowler was never paid more than $13.6 mill until his maybe-I-really-mean-it-this-time farewell season.

At age 41.

15. Ndamukong Suh, Defensive Tackle

Years: 2010-present (nine seasons)

Teams: Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Rams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Career earnings: $138.7 million

Career statistics/16 games: 54.2 tackles, 6.3 sacks, 0.5 fumble recoveries

Approximate Value/16 games: 11.0

Bottom line: Personnel wonks who are blinded by the past regret it later. Just ask the Dolphins, who shelled out $60 million for the one-time hell-raiser to be above average for three seasons.

Since then, the highest-paid defensive tackle ever signed a pair of one-year deals, which were more in line with his age (now 32) and production level (just OK).

14. Alex Smith, Quarterback

Years: 2005-07, 2009-present (13 seasons)

Teams: San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Redskins

Career earnings: $146.5 million

Career statistics/16 games: .624 pass completion percentage, 3,283.7 pass yards, 18.6 pass touchdowns

Approximate Value/16 games: 11.4

Bottom line: The 35-year-old hopes to return from a very scary leg injury that put his career on hold in the 2018 season.

Whether the veteran plays another down or not, he’s guaranteed to receive $31 million over the next two years.

Not a bad parting gift, huh?

13. Joe Flacco, Quarterback

Years: present (14 seasons)

Teams: Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos

Career earnings: $147.8 million

Career statistics/16 games: .617 pass completion, 3,754.1 pass yards, 20.8 pass touchdowns

Approximate Value/16 games: 11.1

Bottom line: In 11 seasons, the veteran has never lead the league in any category. Not a one.

Yet Raven maniacs would tell you that he was worth every cent on his magical 2012 postseason run alone.

Joe Cool fun fact: He owns as many postseason wins (10) as Hall of Famers Dan Fouts, Warren Moon, Joe Namath and Norm Van Brocklin put together.

12. Larry Fitzgerald, Wide Receiver

Years: 2004-present (15 seasons)

Team: Arizona Cardinals

Career earnings: $163.3 million

Career statistics/16 games: 89.1 pass receptions, 12.5 yards per pass reception, 7.9 pass touchdowns

Approximate Value/16 games: 8.6

Bottom line: Hey, look, people — a wide receiver! Hey, look again — a wide receiver who’s not a prima donna!

Sure, there have been better players at the position, but what price do you put on class, consistency of performance and brand enhancement?

(By the way, GOAT favorite Jerry Rice checks in at a mere $42.4 million for his career.)

11. Julius Peppers, Defensive End

Years: 2002-present (17 seasons)

Teams: Carolina Panthers, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers

Career earnings: $165.0 million

Career statistics/16 statistics: 43.5 tackles, 9.6 sacks, 1.3 fumble recoveries

Approximate Value/16 games: 11.0

Bottom line: The highest-paid lineman in football history has never led the league in sacks.

Rather, it’s remarkable consistency and longevity that have allowed the nine-time Pro Bowler to make his fortune.

He ranks No. 4 on the all-time sack list.

10. Carson Palmer, Quarterback

Years: 2004-17 (14 seasons)

Teams: Cincinnati Bengals, Oakland Raiders, Arizona Cardinals

Career earnings: $174.1 million

Career statistics/16 statistics: .625 pass completion percentage, 4,065.7 pass yards, 25.8 pass touchdowns

Approximate Value/16 games: 12.5

Bottom line: The No. 1 pick of the 2003 draft wasn’t quite the same after a then-legal hit to the legs took him out on his first postseason pass attempt.

Still, the quarterback did pretty well for someone with a 92-88-1 career record.

He has a $2 million luxury car collection to play with in retirement.

9. Matt Stafford, Quarterback

Years: 2009-present (10 seasons)

Team: Detroit Lions

Career earnings: $178.3 million

Career statistics/16 games: .624 pass completion percentage, 4,371.7 pass yards, 26.9 pass touchdowns

Approximate Value/16 games: 12.5

Bottom line: There was a brief time not long ago when Matt Stafford was the highest-paid quarterback ever. Despite sub-.500 records in the regular season (66-75) and postseason (0-3).

We can debate whether it’s wise for a non-contender to invest so much in one player in the salary-cap era, but it sure can pay to be the biggest fish in a pond of seaweed.

8. Matt Ryan, Quarterback

Years: 2008-present (11 seasons)

Team: Atlanta Falcons

Career earnings: $178.7 million

Career statistics/16 games: .653 pass completion percentage, 4,296.1 pass yards, 27.1 pass touchdowns

Approximate Value/16 games: 15.3

Bottom line: Raise your hand if you had Matty Ice in the first $30 million-per-year salary pool.

The quarterback remains in search of an elusive Lombard Trophy, and the front office has bet a guaranteed $100 million that he’ll do it by the time he turns 37 years old.

That’s when his current five-year deal is set to expire.

7. Ben Roethlisberger, Quarterback

Years: 2004-present (15 seasons)

Team: Pittsburgh Steelers

Career earnings: $187.3 million

Career statistics/16 games: .644 pass completion percentage, 4,162.5 pass yards, 26.9 pass touchdowns

Approximate Value/16 games: 13.7

Bottom line: Big Ben has been a comparative bargain throughout his career.

He, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning are the only quarterbacks with multiple Super Bowl rings on this list.

But now that Le’Veon Bell and especially Antonio Brown aren’t around, will his salary become an albatross? Discuss.

6. Philip Rivers, Quarterback

Years: 2004-present (15 seasons)

Team: San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers

Career earnings: $202.9 million

Career statistics/16 games: .645 pass completion percentage, 4,125.0 pass yards, 28.2 pass touchdowns

Approximate Value/16 games: 14.4

Bottom line: Who says old man Rivers isn’t a money player? Consistency and durability have allowed him to cash in often despite a lack of championship pedigree.

The 37-year-old is in the final year of his current deal, but another extension appears to be imminent.

As team owner Dean Spanos said prior to the 2018 season, "As long as he wants to be here, we want him here."

5. Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback

Years: 2005-present (14 seasons)

Team: Green Bay Packers

Career earnings: $204.0 million

Career statistics/16 games: .648 pass completion percentage, 4,164.3 pass yards, 32.8 pass touchdowns

Approximate Value/16 games: 16.5

Bottom line: If the Super Bowl 45 MVP plays into his 40s as planned, he could become the No. 1 moneymaker before long.

Oh, and don’t forget his minority share of the Milwaukee Bucks and $9 million in endorsements and multiple mansions and extensive car collection.

4. Tom Brady, Quarterback

Years: 2000-present (19 seasons)

Team: New England Patriots

Career earnings: $212.2 million

Career statistics/16 games: .640 pass completion percentage, 4,194.1 pass yards, 30.8 pass touchdowns

Approximate Value/16 games: 16.0

Bottom line: The six-time Super Bowl champion has been underpaid by industry standards, but call off the telethons.

His supermodel wife Gisele Bundchen has a $400 million net worth, you know.

Really, don’t you just hate him madly?

3. Drew Brees, quarterback

Years: 2001-present (18 seasons)

Team: San Diego Chargers, New Orleans Saints

Career earnings: $221.7 million

Career statistics/16 games: .673 pass completion percentage, 4,511.3 pass yards, 31.5 pass touchdowns

Approximate Value/16 games: 15.5

Bottom line: The Super Bowl 44 MVP is the most successful and recognizable athlete in New Orleans history — and he has the portfolio to prove it.

His other teams: Nike, Pepsi, Procter & Gamble, Verizon and Wrangler.

2. Eli Manning, quarterback

Years: 2004-present (15 seasons)

Team: New York Giants

Career earnings: $235.3 million

Career statistics/16 games: .603 pass completion percentage, 3,860.8 pass yards, 24.8 pass touchdowns

Approximate Value/16 games: 11.2

Bottom line: The other Manning never led the league in a major category except interceptions.

He barely won more than half his games. Yet he made a huge fortune off two Super Bowl victories, a chummy relationship with team ownership and his name, not necessarily in that order.

The quarterback also rakes in upward of $10 mill from Citizen, DirecTV, Kraft, Reebok, Samsung and Toyota, among others.

1. Peyton Manning, quarterback

Years: 1998-2010, 2012-15 (17 seasons)

Teams: Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos

Career earnings: $248.7 million

Career statistics/16 games: .653 pass completion percentage, 4,327.2 pass yards, 32.4 pass touchdowns

Approximate Value/16 games: 16.3

Bottom line: The most marketable athlete in football history didn’t beat Tom Brady very often, but he could sell ice cubes in the Arctic.

He also made an estimated $157 million in pocket change with DirecTV, Gatorade, Nationwide, Nike, Papa John’s.