Denver Broncos: 5 Most Overpaid and Underpaid Players on the Roster

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The Denver Broncos, like most teams in the NFL, have players that both out-perform and under-perform the salaries in their contracts.

As fans, we like to dissect and discuss a player's perceived value. Is he worth the salary and bonuses, or should someone else be getting that money? It boils down to a simple equation: perceived value=salary x performance.

Here's a look at the most overpaid and underpaid guys currently on the roster for the orange and blue.

All player's salaries were taken from Rotoworld.

Overpaid: D.J. Williams, LB

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This former team captain is one of the highest paid players on the Broncos' roster, standing to rake in $5 million for this upcoming season.

That's a nice chunk of cash for a guy that might not even be on the final roster coming into the season. The Broncos could decide to part ways with the linebacker following a series of off-field issues and questionable behavior.

Williams is facing a six-game suspension to start the 2012 season stemming from a violation of the league's substance abuse policy. He is also scheduled to appear in court in August for a DUI arrest from November, 2010. If convicted, he could serve jail time and potentially tack on another four games to his suspension.

Perplexingly, Williams released photos of the Broncos' defensive playbook out into the twitterverse. That's not exactly the level of common sense and professionalism one would expect from a guy making the kind of money that he is.

Overpaid: Knowshon Moreno, RB

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Knowshon Moreno signed a five-year $16.7 million contract with a little over $13 million of it guaranteed when he was drafted by the Broncos as the 12th guy overall in 2009.

So it makes complete sense that he would be offered such a lucrative contract. Too bad he hasn't played even close to the caliber of play that kind of money warrants.

In the three seasons Moreno has been a Bronco, he has yet to crack the 1,000 rushing yard threshold; the closest being his rookie season with 947. The next two seasons were mediocre at best, including his share of injuries which kept Moreno off the field.

Coming into camp this year, Moreno has a lot to prove and is fighting to remain on the Broncos' roster. He is getting paid first-round cash and may not even be on the squad at the end of the preseason.

Overpaid: Jason Hill, WR

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The Broncos signed Jason Hill to a one-year deal worth $700,000 in February, 2012 after he was released from the Jaguars.

Compared to most contracts in the league, this deal doesn't seem too outlandish. However, it is too much money for a guy like Hill. Hill never really achieved any consistency with his quarterbacks and has the tendency to drop his fair share of balls.

In 2012, Hill will be making more money than both Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker, both receivers ahead of him on the depth chart heading into training camp.

We'll see if he can establish chemistry with Peyton Manning and prove that he is worth the acquisition and paycheck.

Underpaid: Willis McGahee, RB

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Willis McGahee has experienced a revival in his career and production since signing with the Broncos in 2011. He is only due to make $2 million this upcoming season, chump change compared to other starting running backs around the league.

Even though McGahee is getting up there in running back years, his production last season was certainly an asset for the Broncos offense. He rushed for 1,199 yards with an average of 4.8 yards per carry.

Depending on the performance of Ronnie Hillman in training camp, McGahee will most likely be the starter at the running back position at the start of the season. His salary isn't exactly a reflection of his status or production value.

Underpaid: Wesley Woodyard.LB

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Wesley Woodyard compiled 97 tackles and two forced fumbles last season playing behind D.J. Williams at weak-side linebacker and filling in during the nickel package.

In March of this year, Woodyard inked a two-year contract, earning $1.5 million for the upcoming 2012 season with another $2 million in 2013.

With the latest installment of the D.J. Williams soap opera, Woodyard should see a significant growth in his playing time this season, and his numbers could increase as well.

If he can continue his high level of play from last season, there will no problem proving that his value is more than the $1.5 million in his contract.