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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December 2, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams middle linebacker James Laurinaitis (55) tackles San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
December 2, 2012; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams middle linebacker James Laurinaitis (55) tackles San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore (21) during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

19. James Laurinaitis, MLB, St. Louis Rams – $10 million

Laurinaitis is making $10 million this year as the centerpiece of the Rams defense after signing a five-year contract extension at the beginning of the 2012 season worth up to $41.5 million.

The former second round pick (35th overall) out of Ohio State in the 2009 draft has been a tackling machine at the beginning of his career with 512 tackles in his first five seasons while also showing all-around skills with 12.5 sacks and nine interceptions.

Middle linebackers have been devalued in the draft and don’t get much fanfare compared to the past when guys like Ray Lewis, Brian Urlacher and Junior Seau were household names, but Laurinaitis is easily one of the more underrated players in the game today.

Like Mack who also makes $10 million this year, Laurinaitis has started all 82 games of his career, but the former Buckeyes linebacker is still in search of his first Pro Bowl selection, so is he worth that much money?

Next: Vincent Jackson

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