NFL’s 20 richest players of all-time

Oct 7, 2012; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) shakes hands with Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) following the game at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Broncos 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 7, 2012; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) shakes hands with Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) following the game at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Broncos 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 22, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end Julius Peppers (56) rushes Oakland Raiders quarterback Matt Schaub (8) during the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 22, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers defensive end Julius Peppers (56) rushes Oakland Raiders quarterback Matt Schaub (8) during the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Julius Peppers $138,428,000

Peppers never saw the end of his six-year, $91.5 million deal he signed with the Bears after playing on the franchise tender in his last season with the Carolina Panthers, but he did get $42 million guaranteed after signing the richest contract in the franchise’s history.

In four seasons in Chicago, Peppers had 38 sacks in 64 games to bring his career total to 119 after he recorded 81 in the first eight years of his career with the Panthers after they made him the No. 2 overall pick in the 2002 draft.

Peppers signed a three-year deal in the offseason with the Green Bay Packers worth up to $26 million with $7.5 in guarantees after the Bears released him in a salary cap move and signed Allen to replace him.

The eight-time Pro Bowl selection is clearly past his prime, but if he can manage 21 sacks over the three years and finish with 140 career sacks, he will end up in the Hall of Fame after being one of the more consistent pass-rushers of his era and one of the most athletic defensive end of all-time.

Next: Eli Manning