We often witness in a sport that most paid stars need to be active on and off the field, so if have a good relationship with the media and you possess great talent, you are most likely to be successful.Of course, the most popular sport in America brings a lot of money and sponsors, so it is no surprise that kids in America have one common dream, to become a star in the NLF. According to Forbes, the average salary in the National Football League is $2.1 million, however, the highest paid footballers earn much more. For example, the highest paid star in the NFL earns $30 million dollars per year. So take a look at our list of the highest paid NFL players for the season 2016:
Top 10 Highest Paid NFL Player List for Season 2016
10Cam Newton, $20 million
Carolina Panthers quarterback was named the league MVP, leading the panthers to the Super Bowl with 45 total touchdowns. He is also the only player in the modern era to be awarded the Heisman Trophy, win a national championship, and become the first overall pick in an NFL draft within a one-year span. His base salary for 2016 is $13 million and a $7 million signing bonus.
9Drew Brees, $20 million
Drew Brees is entering the last year of his deal, and soon he will be a free agent in 2017. Since joining the Saints in 2006, he has led all NFL quarterbacks in touchdowns, passing yards and 300-yard game. He has passed for over 5,000 yards in a season four times. Despite impressive statistics, the Saints have made the playoffs just once.
8Brock Osweiler, $21 million
On March 9, 2016, Brock signed a four-year contract with Houston Texans, worth $72 million. And on his debut, he made 2 touchdowns and one interception in the 23-14 victory over the Chicago Bears.
7Philip Rivers, $22 million
Fifth-best passer of all-time among NFL quarterbacks earned a new contract in 2015. Rivers signed a four-year extension with Charger that will pay him $65 million. His current salary is $16,5 million plus bonus.
6Justin Houston, $23 million
Hours before the deadline for long-term deals, the Chiefs signed Justin Houston, to a six-year contract worth $101 million, and the contract includes $52.5 million in guarantees. Houston became the highest paid linebacker in history.
5Fletcher Cox, $27 million
The Philadelphia Eagles rewarded defensive tackle star with a new 6-year contract extension worth $103 million with $63 million guaranteed. Most of his in 2016 income come from a $26 million signing bonus, which he earned by reaching Pro Bowl in 2015. Cox finished the 2015 season with 71 tackles, 9.5 sacks,2 passes defended, and 3 forced fumbles.
4Olivier Vernon, $29 million
Vernon signed a contract with the New York Giants worth $85 million over 5 years with $52 million in guaranteed money. His average salary of $17 million per year, makes Vernon the highest paid defensive in the NFL.
3Joe Flacco, $29 million
With Flacco as Baltimore’s starting quarterback, the Ravens have won the AFK North twice, defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl, appeared in three AFC Championship Games. So it is no surprise that this veteran was rewarded with a new contract extension, with record $40 million signing bonus.
2Tom Brady, $29 million
Tom Brady has earned six trips to the Super Bowl, the most for any quarterback in history, winning four titles. The three-time Super Bowl MVP signed a two-year contract extension covering the 2018 and 2019.
1Andrew Luck, $30 million
Andrew signed a six-year extension worth $140 million, with $87 million guaranteed, and making him the highest paid player in the league. The contract contains a $32 million signing bonus, $18 million of which will be paid for 10 days of signing the deal.
