Meet the Highest Paid Quarterbacks of 2017**: A Salary Roll Call!
Hey there, sports enthusiasts! Buckle up as we take a stroll down memory lane to revisit the highest paid quarterbacks of 2017. We're talking big bucks, big guns, and even bigger egos (just kidding, guys!). So, grab your popcorn and let's dive right in. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and highest paid quarterback 2017.
The Top Spot: Aaron Rodgers Takes the Crown
In 2017, the Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers was the undisputed king of quarterback salaries. With a whopping $22 million annual average, he was the highest paid quarterback of the year. But hey, when you're consistently ranked among the best QBs in the league and have a Super Bowl ring to your name, you can afford to ask for the moon and get it.
The Contract: A Quarterback's Dream
Rodgers' four-year, $134 million extension, signed in 2013, was the stuff of legends. It included a $60 million signing bonus and made him the highest paid quarterback at the time. But 2017 was a different ball game. With a new contract extension in 2018, Rodgers became the highest paid player in NFL history, with a four-year, $134 million deal that included a $57.5 million signing bonus.
The Highest Paid Quarterbacks of 2017: The Rest of the Pack
While Rodgers was leading the charge, there were a few other QBs giving him a run for his money (literally). Let's meet the rest of the highest paid quarterbacks of 2017.
Drew Brees: The New Orleans Saint's MVP
Coming in at a close second was New Orleans Saints' Drew Brees. With an average annual salary of $20 million, Brees was the second highest paid quarterback in 2017. His five-year, $100 million contract extension, signed in 2016, was a testament to his consistent performance and leadership on the field.
Matt Ryan: The Atlanta Falcon's Ace
Atlanta Falcons' Matt Ryan was the third highest paid quarterback of 2017, with an average annual salary of $19.5 million. His five-year, $150 million contract extension, signed in 2018, made him the highest paid player in NFL history at the time. But hey, when you're leading your team to the Super Bowl and setting franchise records, you deserve a fat paycheck, right?
Kirk Cousins: The Washington Redskin's Enigma
Kirk Cousins of the Washington Redskins (now with the Minnesota Vikings) was the fourth highest paid quarterback in 2017. His three-year, $84 million contract, signed in 2016, included a fully guaranteed $70 million, making him the first quarterback to earn $20 million or more in a single season. Not bad for a guy who was once a third-string QB, huh?
The Highest Paid Quarterbacks of 2017: A Look at the Bigger Picture
So, why were these QBs commanding such astronomical salaries? Well, folks, it's all about supply and demand. There are only so many starting quarterback spots in the NFL, and with each season, more and more teams are willing to pay top dollar to secure a proven, franchise-changing QB.
Moreover, these highest paid quarterbacks were bringing more than just wins to their teams. They were bringing in big bucks from endorsements, merchandise sales, and ticket revenues. In essence, they were investments that paid for themselves, and then some.
The Highest Paid Quarterbacks of 2017: Where Are They Now?
As we fast forward to 2021, let's see where our highest paid quarterbacks of 2017 are now.
- Aaron Rodgers is still with the Green Bay Packers, and his contract status has been a hot topic of conversation this offseason. - Drew Brees retired after the 2020 season, leaving behind a legendary career and a Super Bowl ring. - Matt Ryan is still with the Atlanta Falcons, but the team is currently in a state of flux. - Kirk Cousins joined the Minnesota Vikings in 2018 and has since become one of the highest-paid QBs in the league.
And there you have it, folks! A walk down memory lane with the highest paid quarterbacks of 2017. It's a tough job, but someone's gotta do it, right? Until next time, stay tuned, and keep your eyes on the ball!