Fansided

NFL’s top 10 most overpaid players for 2014

By Patrick Schmidt

Nov 10, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) prepares to throw the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 10, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) prepares to throw the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 14, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) against the New England Patriots at TCF Bank Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Vikings 30-7. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 14, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen (97) against the New England Patriots at TCF Bank Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Vikings 30-7. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Everson Griffen, DE, Minnesota Vikings – $8.5 million

Griffen is in the first year of a five-year, $42.5 million extension with the Vikings that included $19.8 million guaranteed despite only starting one game in his first 59 career games.

This is a contract that is paying for future performance and not past performance like many of the players on this list, but it is a calculated risk the Vikings are taking paying him more money than players like Cliff Avril, Michael Bennett, Carlos Dunlap and Cameron Wake.

Griffen has played well in a reserve role behind Jared Allen and Brian Robison in the past, but many players in the history of the NFL haven’t thrived when placed in the starting lineup after getting a big payday. Through three games, Griffen has two sacks, but I have doubts over the course of the contract that Griffen will be a consistent top-10 defensive end.

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