Show Me the Money! Every NFL Team's Most Underpaid Player
One thing that is constantly being talked about regarding the NFL during this lockout is money.ย How much should the players make?ย What percentage of $9 billion should owners earn?ย We often hear some of the league's most popular players voice their support for the NFLPA's position.ย Players like Peyton Manning and Drew Brees are even part of a lawsuit!
These are players though making $10 million or more.ย Life will be quite OK for the Peyton Manning's of the football world.ย The players not discussed though are the ones that earn the league minimum.ย While their minimum is much more than most of us fans could ever dream to make, the fact is these players are impacted much more.
The surprising thing is some of these players are some of the biggest stars on their respective teams.ย How many of you knew that Arian Foster, the 2010 league leading rusher made just $395,000 last season?ย
This list included the most underpaid player for each team.ย It should be noted that these salaries are of the 2010 season.ย Several players have since had newly structure contracts such as Jamaal Charles who made less than $500,000 last year, but signed a lucrative contract prior to the lockout.ย For most of these players though, they're stuck until the league is back in action to sign new deals, sign extensions or even demand trades.ย
Buffalo Bills: Paul Posluszny. $650,000
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It's been a fairly frustrating career for Posluszny who prior to 2010 seemed to be injured as much as he wasย healthy.ย However, he was a key contributor to their defense last year and led the team with 151 total tackles and two sacks.
If he can stay healthy all year in 2011, he could help lead a defense that is likely to feature numerous new rookies next year.ย
Miami Dolphins: Cameron Wake. $395,000
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Was there any more underrated player in the league than Cameron Wake?ย From relative obscurity to one of the NFL's best pass rushers, Wake had 14 sacks last year, ranking him third in the league.ย That's not bad considering he made less than $400,000.
Considering his teammate Vonnie Holliday made nearly nine times more money, I'd say Wake is soon deserving of a raise.
New England Patriots: Danny Woodhead $395,000
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Danny Woodhead reminded me of the neighborhood handyman last year.ย Whether it is a broken light fixture, or replacing a radiator, most of us know that handyman who you can call and come bail you out in an emergency.
Woodhead did this for the Pats.ย It could have been a key third and 12 run, a clutch reception, or picking up a block despite his small frame, Woodhead could do it all.ย
What's amazing is the Jets let him go.ย Based on his prior history, it's not a surprise that he had a salary that paid $395,000.ย But with the running core getting ever older, signing Woodhead to an extension will be a priority either next year or 2012.ย
New York Jets: Nick Mangold. $959,400
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There are others on this list who will undoubtedly make less money.ย However, Nick Mangold is almost unanimously regarded as the best center in the league.ย When you're the best player at your position and make less than $1 million, you are considered underpaid.ย
Mangold has the opportunity to be the best center of his generation, and he will surely get a much larger contract in the near future.ย For now, the Jets can enjoy his services at a discount.
Baltimore Ravens: Ray Rice. $385,000
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When Ray Rice was drafted by the Ravens, few thought he could be the game changing franchise running back he is right now.ย His original contract reflects this, given he's making less than $400,000.ย
Rice is the kind of player who will quite possibly get a new contract once the lockout comes to its conclusion.ย But for now, Rice is having to be a running back that puts up top ten numbers, but only gets a top 400 salary.ย
Cincinnati Bengals: Carlos Dunlap. $320,000
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Dunlap was someone who rarely saw the field for the first half of the 2010 season.ย However, once he got on the field, he was one of the better pass rushers in the NFL, getting nine sacks by season's end.ย This led the team and also set a rookie Bengals record.ย All of this for what amounted to little more than $300,000.
Cleveland Browns: Peyton Hillis. $391,370
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What was former Broncos coach Josh McDaniels's biggest mistake?ย Trading Jay Cutler?ย Getting rid of Brandon Marshall?ย Ask Bronco fans, and many will tell you it was acquiring Brady Quinn for backup running back Peyton Hillis.
The Broncos felt Hillis wasn't a quality running back.ย The Browns and their fans would like to say thank you.ย There wasn't alot to smile about in Cleveland (as usual) last year, but Hillis playing like a Pro Bowler for much of the year was a bright spot.
Hillis might not get his big payday in 2011, but if he puts up the same type of production again, he may very well be a multi-millionaire by 2012.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Maurkice Pouncey. $320,000
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I don't know if I have ever seen so much talk about an injured rookie offensive lineman as I did about Pouncey leading up to the Super Bowl.ย Perhaps you can say no one had anything else to talk about with the Steelers, but it also was a testament to the importance Pouncey meant to the offense.ย
While the Steelers offense did okay in his absence, Pouncey was an absolute bargain at just $320,000.
Houston Texans: Arian Foster. $395,000
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You'd be hard pressed to find a bigger bargain in the NFL.ย
For the amount of money most third string running backs make, the Texans had the NFL's leading rusher.ย Foster had an amazing year, but is still unlikely to get an extension as he's another bargain next year making just a bit more than $400,000.ย The Texans are likely going to want to see him do it two years in a row before they sign him to a multi-million dollar extension.ย
Indianapolis Colts: Pierre Garcon. $470,000
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Garcon isn't the flashiest receiver in the league, but you'd be hard pressed to find many second receivers making less than Garcon. Considering Anthony Gonzales, a receiver who has hardly seen a football field in two years made more, Garcon has been invaluable.ย
Jacksonville Jaguars: Marcedes Lewis. $1,077,500
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On this list, Lewis will appear to be one of the higher paid players.ย Yet if you look at how important Lewis was to the Jaguar offense, you'll see that $1 million is a pretty good deal.ย Lewis was second on the team in receptions, yards and led the Jags with ten touchdown receptions.ย For a team that lacks many prime time receivers, spending one million on a pro bowl tight end is a steal.ย
Tennesee Titans: Chris Johnson $2,000,000
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You can argue that two million dollars is not worthy of consideration for being underpaid, but when you're the NFL's best running back, that amount of money is an absolute steal.ย
The lockout really hurt someone like Johnson as the Titans weren't compelled to give him a massive extension.ย If anyone wants this lockout to end, it has to be Johnson.ย
Denver Broncos: Brandon Lloyd. $795,000
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Brandon Lloyd is a player on this list that's already received a raise that will pay him $1.4 million next year.ย But even if that were his 2010 salary, he'd still be on this list.ย Yes, he was that darn good on a team that was otherwise universally awful.
Lloyd led the NFL with 1448 receiving yards and was tied for fourth in the league with eleven touchdowns.ย The man was an absolute game breaker who succeeded with both Kyle Orton and Tim Tebow.ย While the Broncos sorely missed Peyton Hillis, Lloyd made people forget of Brandon Marshall quite quickly.ย
Kansas City Chiefs: Tony Moeaki. $320,000
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Tony Moeaki is no Tony Gonzales, but for $320,000, he was an absolute find.ย He was second on the team in both receptions and yards and chipped in for three touchdowns.ย Moeaki's emergence allowed for other receivers like Dwayne Bowe to put up Pro Bowl numbers and helped make Matt Cassell's life much easier.ย
Another season like this will lead to a nice raise for Moeaki.ย
Oakland Raiders: Tyvon Branch. $470,000
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Tyvon Branch is far from the flashiest player in the NFL, but he's also one of the leagues most solid defenders.ย Branch led the team with 105 total tackles, had an interception, forced a fumbled and recovered two, returning one for a touchdown.ย
Not bad at all for a guy who made less than a half million dollars.ย
San Diego Chargers: Mike Tolbert. $470,000
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When the Chargers drafted running back Ryan Matthews, they envisioned him taking over the production of the great LaDanian Tomlinson.ย But between injuries and disappointing play, Matthews did not live up to expectations.ย Who would have thought that little known Mike Tolbert would emerge as a trustworthy running back?ย
Tolbert led the team in rushing with 735 yards and impressive 11 touchdowns which was sixth best in the NFL.ย
It will remain to be seen what role Tolbert will have moving forward, which makes it questionable if he'll be getting a hefty raise or not.ย But Tolbert's contributions were one of the main reasons San Diego nearly got themselves back into the playoffs last season.ย ย
Dallas Cowboys: Keith Brooking. $2,000,000
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After taking a look at the Cowboys roster, you can see why this team has struggled to become truly elite in recent years.ย While they have very good upper echelon talent, you don't see a lot of players that come from out of nowhere to become a major contributor like other players you see on this list.
That's why you have to take a look at someone like Brooking.ย Yes he made two million, but he became a captain on the defense, was second on the team with 97 total tackles and added a sack and an interception. ย
A team needs the Keith Brooking's of the world to help bring a team together.ย Now if only they could find them on offense. ย ย
New York Giants: Terrell Thomas. $470,000
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This is the kind of guy the aforementioned Cowboys need.ย Thomas was the teams defensive MVP last year leading the team with 101 tackles, one sack, five interceptions, four forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a blocked kick.ย
All of this for $470,000.ย Another season like that and Thomas will likely be one of the top paid cornerbacks in the league.ย
Philadelphia Eagles: DeSean Jackson. $470,000
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Do I need to say more about this man?ย Jackson is one of the true game breakers in this league (just ask the Giants).ย His 1,056 receiving yards led the team, had six receiivving touchdowns and was a force to be reckoned with in the return game.ย
He did all this for less than $500,000.ย Not a bad day's work at all.ย
Washington Redskins: Ryan Torain. $470,000
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Ryan Torain might have been considered the biggest afterthought in football when the Redskins had a running back cast that looked like a 2007 Pro Bowl roster.ย With Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson and Willie Parker all on the 2010 pre-season roster, no one had heard of Torain.
However after the releases of Parker and Johnson and constant injury issues to Portis, Torain helped lead the Redskins in rushing.ย He was a true example that you don't always need the most expensive players to succeed.ย
Chicago Bears: Devin Hester. $750,000
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Much like Jackson, Hester is one of the true game breakers in the NFL.ย For less than a million dollars, the Bears have had the services of the best return man in NFL history.ย He also has been a more than decent receiver during his career.ย
Detroit Lions: Shaun Hill. $2,000,000
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The Lions was a very hard choice.ย Hill's value might not be as good as other players on this list, but coming in for Matthew Stafford, Hill played like a man that could have earned eight to ten million per year. Hill threw for over 230 yards per game and 16 touchdowns and helped make the transition between himself and Stafford nearly seamless.
Had he not suffered several injuries in the second half of the year, his numbers would have been even more impressive.ย
Minnesota Vikings: EJ Henderson. $475,000
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Talk about a bounce back year for Henderson.ย A year removed from serious career threatening leg surgery, Henderson was a beast for the Vikings defense in 2010.ย ย
He was second on the team in total tackles with 106, had a sack, three interceptions with a forced fumble and recovery.ย Henderson is due for a raise now that it's clear he can play at a superstar level again.ย But for 2010 his service came at a bargain.
Green Bay Packers: Clay Matthews Jr. $395,000
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Along with Arian Foster, Matthews was the NFL's biggest bargain.ย He was one of the NFL leaders in sacks and helped transform the Packers defense from "very good" to "great."ย While much of the talk revolved around Aaron Rodgers kicking out Brett Favre's legacy, the defense helped carry this team too.ย Just look at what they did throughout the playoffs.
Their defense shouldered an equal load, especially the final two games.ย Matthews was the anchor for that unit.ย He will soon be one of the top paid players in the league, but the Packers have to be smiling at the production they got for so little a cost.ย
Atlanta Falcons: Brent Grimes. $385,000
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It's been a fascinating road for Grimes who graduated from Division II Shippensburg University in 2006, went to NFL Europe and eventually wound up on the Falcons roster.ย All he has done there is go from bench player to a Pro Bowl cornerback.ย
He was second on the team in tackles and had five interceptions along the wayโall for less than $400,000.
Carolina Panthers: James Anderson. $1,176,000
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There was not a lot of joy to be had in Carolina last year as they had a putrid 2-14 season.ย There were not many things to be joyful about, but one point of excitement was the year James Anderson had.ย He put together one of the most solid seasons on defense last year, but many fans have never heard of him.
Anderson led the team with 130 total tackles, 3 1/2 sacks, an interception, two forced fumbles and three recoveries.ย With the roster sure to be rebuilt in the coming years, Anderson has a chance to be one of the go to guys on the Panthers D moving forward.ย
New Orleans Saints: Chris Ivory. $320,000
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One of the keys to the Saints Super Bowl run in 2009 was an extremely balanced rushing attack of Pierre Thomas, Reggie Bush and Mike Bell.
However for much of 2010, none of those players were on the field.ย Bell was traded to the Eagles and Bush and Thomas suffered numerous injuries.ย The ball fell into the hands of Chris Ivory, whom many felt would occasionally see the field as a third stringer.
Instead, he led the team in rushing with 716 yards (over five yards per carry), and five touchdowns.
While the Saints season ended in disappointment, it was players like Ivory that helped them get to the playoffs in the first place.
Tampa Bay Bucanners: Josh Freeman. $395,000
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When Freeman was drafted in the first round in 2009, many analysts scoffed at it saying Freeman was too raw and undeveloped to be a successful NFL quarterback.ย Though he had his rookie struggles in his first year, Freeman was one of the most underrated quarterbacks int he NFL last year, putting up numbers that were as good if not better than many of the league's elite quarterbacks.
He threw for nearly 3500 yards, 25 touchdowns and just six interceptions.ย And this was all done for less than a half million dollars.ย If Freeman can put these numbers up consistently, he will be handsomely rewarded in short order.ย
Arizona Cardinals: Paris Lenon. $1,400,000
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There wasn't a lot to be happy about in Arizona as their team was essentially gutted except for Larry Fitzgerald, who may very well leave in 2012.ย One bright spot though was the season of Paris Lenon.ย
He led the team with 125 total tackles and had two sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble.ย Considering the next closest player had 35 fewer tackles, you can see how important Lenon was to their defense.ย
Lenon hasn't had a sustained career with these statistics so it remains to be seen if he can be as prolific this coming season.ย But for $1.4 million, they'll take 125 tackles anytime.ย
St. Louis Rams: Danny Amendola. $310,000
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Much praise was heaped upon rookie of the year quarterback Sam Bradford in 2010, and deservedly so.ย He took a team that had won three games the past two years, and nearly gave them a division title.ย He did this with hardly anyone to throw to especially after Donnie Avery's injury.ย
However, one person he could throw to was the then unknown Danny Amendola.ย With every known receiving target injured, Amendola formed a connection with Bradford and both reaped the benefits.
Amendola caught 85 balls for 689 yards and three touchdowns, fumbling only once.ย ย
If he is able to put up that type of season while the Rams replenish their receiving core, big things could be in store for he and his team.ย
Seattle Seahawks: Mike Williams. $495,000
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The 2010 NFL comeback player of the year in my opinion. While Michael Vick came back from jail, Williams came back from literal obscurity to put together a very solid season in Seattle.ย Williams was a complete and utter bust and was let go from the Lions several years ago.
Williams was out of football all that time until his old coach Pete Carroll gave him a call and brought him into Seattle.
He rewarded his coach's faith by catching 65 passes (far superior to anyone else on the team) for 751 yards and two touchdowns.ย For a team that had very few passing targets, Williams emerged as a go to guy.ย If he can do this again in 2011, he'll finally get the pay day many felt he'd get when he was originally drafted by Detroit.ย
San Francisco 49'ers. Patrick Willis. $760,000
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The bronze medal winner for most underpaid.ย Patrick Willis has been a dominating force since entering the NFL and continues to be one of the best linebackers in the NFL.ย
While he has seen 49er offenses routinely not live up to expectations, Willis has anchored a defense that has deserved a better fate the past three years.ย Willis led the team with 128 total tackles and six sacks.ย Willis will be getting a large raise in short order, but for 2010, the man was a bargain and then some.ย
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