With rookies Matthew Stafford in 2009 and Sam Bradford in 2010 landing landmark NFL deals, the veteran quarterbacks in the NFL are jumping on the bandwagon to the bank.

Tom Brady is the latest to sign a deal that makes him the highest paid player in the league. The news comes on the same day the Pro Bowl QB was involved in a two-car accident that he walked away from unhurt.

The terms of his four-year extended contract are said to be $18 million per season with $48.5 million guaranteed. The paperwork is awaiting submission then approval from the league office.

Brady is earning $6.5 million this season.

The average yearly payout of Brady’s deal tops the Eli Manning six-year, $97.5 million ($16.25 million average) extension that the New York Giants hurler signed last year.

Next in line is Eli’s brother, Peyton Manning, who has been promised by Colts owner, Jim Irsay, to be made the top paid player in the league.

Staggering Stats of Top 50 Paid Athletes – Sports Climax

NFL Quarterbacks Shatter Record Books in 2009 – Sports Climax

Used with permission of the author.

Jay Donetelli is a Tampa-based freelance sportswriter and contributor to Sports Climax. With an opinion sharper than an Ovechkin skate blade with the sting of an Ali jab, Donetelli has a loyal cult of readers who have found a way to love him.

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