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Our Premium team breaks down each division in the NBA, by looking at the cap total from the top 10 paid players from each team and compares them to the rest of the NBA.
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Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons Matty Ice has led a weapon-filled Falcons offense to an undefeated 6-0. He’s currently 2nd in quarterback rating (106.1), 3rd in yards (1,507), and 2nd in touchdowns (13). While his current salary ($11.5 million) ranks him a deserving 3rd among active quarterbacks, he only has 1 year remaining on his 6 year rookie contract, and is in line for a big time extension to solidify himself as the franchise leader in Atlanta for years to come. |
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Stevan Ridley, RB, New England Patriots Ridley is the #85 ranked running back salary in 2012 ($509,250), yet is 4th in attempts, 5th in yards, and 2nd in touchdowns. It hasn’t been in the DNA of the New England Patriots’ front office to sign running backs to long-term contracts, but Ridley has shown that in game plans that favor the running game, he can carry the team on his shoulders. The young LSU product should be warrant an extension to boost his yearly pay. |
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Brian Hartline, WR, Miami Dolphins The 4th year former Ohio State buckeye is having a breakout season with new quarterback Ryan Tannehill at the helm. Hartline is already earning double-teamed coverage only 6 weeks into the final season of his 4-year rookie contract. He triggered an escalator this year to raise his salary to $1.3 million and is line to be paid like the #1 receiver in Miami for the next few years. |
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Brent Celek, TE, Philadelphia Eagles He’s signed through 2016, but the Eagles tight end has shown when he’s healthy that he’s both a safety option in blocking and short gains - as well as a legitimate deep threat. He leads all tight ends with 8 catches of 20+, and is second with 357 yards in 2012, while ranking #17th with a $1.9 million salary. A healthy Celek through 2013 should warrant a restructure request. |
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J.J. Watt, DE, Houston Texans In his second NFL season, Watt has already proven his value as the dominant lineman in Houston and a viable replacement for the recently departed Mario Williams. His $885k salary in 2012 ranks 51st among lineman. His 7.5 sacks, and 26 combined tackles lead the league. Houston won’t wait long to pick up Watt long term. |
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Justin Houston, LB, Kansas City Chiefs Also in his second NFL season, Houston has supplanted himself as the center-piece of an already good Chiefs defense. His base $465k salary in 2012 ranks him 164th among linebackers. Houston is 2nd in sacks (6), and has 21 combined tackle, a safety, and an interception through 6 weeks this year. |
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William Moore, S, Atlanta Falcons With fellow safety Thomas DeCoud extended graciously this past offseason, it’s only fair that Moore has the solid start to his 2012 season - the final year of his rookie contract. Moore boasts 39 combined tackles, 2 interceptions, a fumble recovery, and 7 deflections through 6 weeks this season- a season that pays him a 71st best $565,000. |
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Our premium team breaks down the AFC East Starting Lineups financially by position, showing just how the Bills, Dolphins, Jets, and Patriots are currently choosing to spend their money heading into the 2012 season.
Keep the conversation rolling by adding your thoughts and division predictions at the bottom of the report.
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Our premium team breaks down the NFC East Starting Lineups financially by position, showing just how the Cowboys, Giants, Eagles, and Redskins are currently choosing to spend their money heading into the 2012 season.
Keep the conversation rolling by adding your thoughts and division predictions at the bottom of the report.
© USA Today Sports
Recently the insiders at the mothership (ESPN) broke down their take at the most productive running back team combinations heading into the 2012 season. This sparked our premium team to take a similar look at these players - only contractually.
Take a look at the list of top paid running back combinations, and how long their contracts currently keep them in tact:
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With the new NFL CBA and rookie wage scale and the already established NBA rookie wage scale, we wanted to take a look at the difference between the two leagues in how they are compensating their incoming players via the draft, but also how compensation compares for the veteran superstars of each league as well.
We used the average annual value (AAV) for 2012 rookies and 2012 top veterans between the NBA and NFL for an accurate and consistent comparison.
Some interesting results were found with the NFL rookie scale compared to the NBA rookie scale.
Login in to read the full details and results.

© USA Today Sports
© USA Today Sports
© USA Today Sports
© USA Today Sports






