When an NFL player has contract issues, they like to brag that playing the sport isn’t really about the money. Then again, with the amount of money some of these guys are banking, it’s gotta at least be in the back of their minds!
For the 2015-2016 season, there are five players in the NFL who will earn over $30 million. Ten will be making more than $20 million, and 29 players will be making $15 million or more.
So how is it that one player can make $30 million when the team has to stay under a $143.28 million salary cap? Does no one else get paid? The answer lies in the structure of contracts. Teams often back-load contracts, which gives the player the appearance of a big-money deal now, while offering huge signing bonuses that are spread out over the life of the contract. All bonuses count against the cap, creating a complex but fascinating financial dynamic in the NFL.
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Understanding NFL Contracts
The structure of NFL contracts can be quite complex, often involving a mix of base salaries, signing bonuses, and incentives. Teams typically use signing bonuses to help spread out a player's cap hit over the duration of the contract. This means that while a player may receive a large sum upfront, the financial burden can be managed over several years. This strategy allows teams to maintain flexibility within their salary cap, enabling them to sign multiple star players.
Another important aspect is the concept of back-loading contracts. This arrangement allows players to receive higher salaries in the later years of their contract, which can often lead to significant payouts if they remain injury-free. However, this can backfire for teams if the player underperforms or gets injured, leading to challenging decisions during contract negotiations in subsequent years.
In addition to base salaries and bonuses, many contracts contain performance incentives that can significantly increase a player’s earnings. These incentives encourage players to perform at their best, creating a win-win situation for both the athlete and the team.
Top Paid NFL Players of 2015-2016
How insane is the money in the NFL? Let's take a look at the top ten highest-paid players for the 2015-2016 season:
- #10: Jay Cutler, QB, Chicago Bears - 2015 Salary: $20.5 million. $15.5 million base, $5 million restructure bonus.
- #9: Julio Jones, WR, Atlanta Falcons - 2015 Salary: $22 million. $2.5 million base, $12 million signing, $7.5 million roster bonus.
- #8: Ndamukong Suh, DL, Miami Dolphins - 2015 Salary: $26.5 million. $985,000 base, $25.5 million signing bonus, $15,000 workout bonus.
- #7: A.J. Green, WR, Cincinnati Bengals - 2015 Salary: $26.75 million. $11.75 million base, $15 million signing bonus.
- #6: Marcell Dareus, DL, Buffalo Bills - 2015 Salary: $27.8 million. $2.8 million base, $25 million signing bonus.
- #5: Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers - 2015 Salary: $31 million. $1 million base, $22.5 million signing bonus, $7.5 million roster bonus.
- #4: Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks - 2015 Salary: $31.7 million. $700K base, $31 million signing bonus.
- #3: Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers - 2015 Salary: $35.25 million. $1 million base, $31 million signing bonus, $3.25 million roster bonus.
- #2: Eli Manning, QB, New York Giants - 2015 Salary: $37 million. $5.5 million base, $31 million signing bonus, $500K workout bonus.
- #1: Philip Rivers, QB, San Diego Chargers - 2015 Salary: $37.5 million. $15 million base, $22.5 million signing bonus.
Final Thoughts
The NFL is a lucrative business, and the contracts reflect the immense talent and value of players. Understanding how these contracts work can provide insights into the financial side of professional football. With players like Philip Rivers and Eli Manning earning upwards of $37 million, it’s clear that success on the field can lead to substantial financial rewards.
Ultimately, it’s about more than just the money; it’s about the love of the game and the pursuit of excellence. So next time you watch an NFL game, remember the intricate financial strategies at play behind the scenes!
