These players can’t complain about how 2015 treated them. Even if they had an off year they can laugh all the way to the bank, a problem some of wish we had. These players cashed in in 2015. Some will cash in even larger paychecks in the future while others should save while they have the money to do so. Either way, 2015 was a good year for quarterbacks.
15. Alex Smith, $17 million
Getty ImagesWhile 2015 hasn't been the best for the Kansas City Chiefs it has been very good to quarterback Alex Smith. He is the 15th highest paid player in the NFL and he finally threw a touchdown to a wide receiver this season.
14. Matthew Stafford, $17.66 million
Getty ImagesWhile he and the Detroit Lions have regressed this season, Stafford's paycheck has not. It is really, really good to be Matt Stafford these days. He is well paid and even though he hasn't had the best year he can probably count on cashing these hefty checks for a little while longer.
13. Tony Romo, $18 million
Getty ImagesInjuries robbed him of duplicating or building on the success from last season. When healthy he is among the best in the NFL. Off the field he ranks among the best paid.
12. Jay Cutler, $18.1 million
Getty ImagesCutler take a lot of criticism, some right on target and some a little harsh. It doesn't matter to Cutler though as he is very well paid, cashing in just over $18 million per year.
11. Colin Kaepernick, $19 million
Kelley L. Cox USA TODAY Sports2015 has not been kind to Kaepernick who went from one of the NFL's next superstars to benched after a slew of ineffective play. He still made a cool $19 million though.
10. Ndamukong Suh, $19 million
Getty ImagesHe became the highest paid defensive player in NFL history this past offseason. He is also among the most heavily fined in history as well, so he needs that cash.
9. Philip Rivers, $19.8 million
Jake Roth USA TODAY SportsRivers is well paid and might be getting a raise as he nears free agency. Even if he takes a small pay cut he is still living the good life right now.
8. Drew Brees, $20 million
Derick E. Hingle USA TODAY SportsHis career might be nearing an end but he can still light it up like the eyes of his bank when he comes in to make another deposit.
7. Joe Flacco, $20.1 million
Getty ImagesFlacco is good enough to win a Super Bowl and even though the Baltimore Ravens are having a terrible year and Flacco is out for the year, he is still cashing in. He will still take flak for his contract, though.
6. Matt Ryan, $20.75 million
Getty ImagesIt is good to be Matty Ice. Off the field at least. Although throwing to Julio Jones every Sunday isn't something to complain about either. Ryan carries a fairly hefty paycheck to the bank so he isn't complaining too much about anything.
5. Cam Newton, $20.8 million
Getty ImagesMany were critical of Cam's new contract. All he has done is prove everyone wrong and have an MVP-worthy season and leading the Carolina Panthers to the best record in football despite losing his best receiver. The year of 2015 was very good to Cam indeed.
4. Eli Manning, $21 million
Getty ImagesWhile Eli's season hasn't been statistically bad, it is actually one of the best seasons of his career. The results for the team haven't been there. Eli can take solace in the fat that he is among the best paid in the game.
3. Ben Roethlisberger, $21.85 million
Getty ImagesInjuries hurt him a bit in 2015 but he is still putting up some nice numbers on and off the field. Big Ben isn't complaining, that is for sure.
2. Russell Wilson, $21.9 million
Getty ImagesWhile the Seattle Seahawks started off 2015 on a low note by losing the Super Bowl, Wilson has still managed to make a lot of money. Back-to-back Super Bowl appearances will do that for your bank account.
1. Aaron Rodgers, $22 million
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY SportsRodgers is arguably the best quarterback in the NFL right now. As we have seen, quarterbacks make a lot of money and when you are considered the best, you get paid like it.
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