Russell Wilson's record deal with the Seattle Seahawks makes him the highest-paid player in the NFL.
Wilson’s per year average of $35 million tops Aaron Rodgers’ average annual salary of $33.5 million and Matt Ryan’s $30 million-a-year extension he signed in 2018.
Ryan's deal pays the Falcons' quarterback $150 million over five seasons — $100 million guaranteed.
Nine of the NFL's 10 best-paid players are quarterbacks. Three have played in a Super Bowl, just two have won one. Only Rodgers and Ryan have been named league MVPs.
Chicago linebacker Khalil Mack is the only non-quarterback among the best paid players, raking in $23.5 million a season.
Here are the NFL’s new list of top five best players (based on average annual salary):
1. Russell Wilson, QB, Seahawks: $35 million
• Guaranteed: $107 million
2. Aaron Rodgers, QB, Packers: $33.5 million
• Guaranteed: $103 million
3. Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons: $30 million
• Guaranteed: $100 million
4. Kirk Cousins, QB, Vikings: $28 million
• Guaranteed: $84 million
5. Jimmy Garoppolo, QB, 49ers: $27.5 million
• Guaranteed: $48.7 million
The Falcons will face three of the top 5 best-paid players (Wilson, Cousins, Garoppolo) in the 2019 season.