Fansided

NFL’s 25 highest-paid players for the 2014 season

By Patrick Schmidt

Aug 14, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) passes the ball during the first quarter of a preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 14, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) passes the ball during the first quarter of a preseason game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 7, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) celebrates their 37-34 overtime win over the New Orleans Saints at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) celebrates their 37-34 overtime win over the New Orleans Saints at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

22. Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons – $9.5 million

Ryan is making $9.5 million this season for the Falcons after he signed a five-year deal worth $103.75 million in July of 2013 as Atlanta locked up their franchise quarterback through the prime of his career.

The former No. 3 overall pick out of Boston College struggled along with the rest of the team in 2013 when he was severely affected by the injuries to Pro Bowl receivers Roddy White and Julio Jones. Ryan threw a career-high 17 interceptions last year and his 26 touchdowns were the lowest since his second year in 2009.

Ryan, however, did complete 67.4 percent of his passes and 4,515 yards, both marks were the second-best of his career. With White and Jones back in the lineup this season, Ryan began the season with a career-high 448 yards and led the league with 679 yards through two games.

After a three-interception game in Week 2’s loss to the Bengals, Ryan rebounded nicely on Thursday night against the Buccaneers with 284 yards and three touchdowns on 21-of-24 passing in the 56-14 win.

Next: Jason Worldis

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