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5 quarterbacks next in line to cash in like Drew Brees

By Dave Stevenson

Aug 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) makes a throw in the second quarter of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) makes a throw in the second quarter of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) looks at the scoreboard during the second quarter of the game against the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) looks at the scoreboard during the second quarter of the game against the Baltimore Ravens at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports /

Quarterbacks today are getting paid a lot of money. Here are five who could cash in shortly just like Drew Brees has. 

The New Orleans Saints recently signed Drew Brees to a surprisingly reasonable one-year extension, which will pay the star quarterback north of $20 million in 2017. I

In a league long on offensive schemes and short on quarterbacks to execute them, teams can’t afford to spare any expense. They will pay whatever it takes to assure they’re pat at the game’s most important position. If you’re a good quarterback, chances are a team will give you at least eight digits a year to keep you.

Here are five quarterbacks who are set to cash in just like Brees.

5. Matthew Stafford

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford used to have a reputation for being fragile. That’s no longer the case, mostly because he hasn’t missed a game since 2010. Stafford’s progression has not been quick, but it has been steady. 2015 was Stafford’s most efficient season as Stafford set a career high with a 62.63 QBR. He threw 32 touchdown passes with only 12 interceptions, good for a respectable 2.2 percent interception percentage.

Stafford will be a free agent after the 2017 season. In order to cash in like Brees, he will need to prove that he can be productive without Calvin Johnson. Stafford will have to properly utilize weapons like Golden Tate, Marvin Jones, and Anquan Boldin in order to maximize his next contract.

What’s concerning is that the Lions have a subpar running game. All the pressure is on Stafford to complete passes and lead their offense. He would benefit from having a more balanced offense. Teams know that he’s throwing and that shows with Stafford being dragged down on 6.9 percent of his passing plays.

However, that could be a good thing for Stafford as far as money. Stafford and the Lions both realize that the quarterback is the most important player on the Lions. Expect him to get about $20 million a year.

Next: 4. A.J. McCarron

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