Are NFL players overpaid?
That’s the $2.57 billion question. Or how much the average franchise is worth, according to the latest Forbes valuations.
Some players have done better than others in the salary-cap era (which started in 1994), especially in comparison to others at their positions. In fact, a few have done quite well. OK, even really, really well.
If we’ve learned anything about the last 25 seasons, there’s no magic formula to the salary cap. Don’t grossly overpay your best players. Don’t splurge on health risks or at lesser positions. Otherwise, you’ll be up to your neck in dead money, i.e., the amount paid to those no longer on the roster.
Yet even though the NFL salary cap has a greater impact on wins and losses than any cap in pro team sports, studies show, many franchises handle it like a live grenade.
In honor of the 25th anniversary of the salary cap, it's time to recognize the players who have gotten ridiculously rich as a result, position by position. Meet the All-Overpaid NFL Team.
Note: All salary figures are from Spotrac.