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NFL power rankings: 30 richest active players

By Brad Weiss

Jan 8, 2017; Green Bay, WI, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) drops back to pass against the Green Bay Packers during the first half in the NFC Wild Card playoff football game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 8, 2017; Green Bay, WI, USA; New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) drops back to pass against the Green Bay Packers during the first half in the NFC Wild Card playoff football game at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Chris Long (95) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Chris Long (95) reacts during the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

25. Chris Long – $87,071,160

When the St. Louis Rams selected Chris Long with the second overall selection in the 2008 NFL Draft, he became the highest drafted son of a former Hall of Fame player. Long’s father is Howie Long, who was a devastating player for the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders back in the 1980s and early 90s. Long put together a decent career as a member of the Rams, with his best seasons coming from 2011-13, where he registered a total of 33 sacks.

After being drafted, Long signed a five-year, $55.025 million contract before his first NFL game. In 2012, Long received a four-year, $60.31 million extension with the team, though, throughout his time in St. Louis, he restructured his contract on numerous occasions. Long was very dedicated to the team winning, making his contract more cap friendly, but his time with the team ended in 2016 when he was released before the team played a game in Los Angeles.

Prior to the 2016 season, Long signed a one-year deal with the New England Patriots, where the 31-year old would go on to win his first Super Bowl ring. While there are no guarantees Long re-signs with the Pats, he was a big part of the winning in New England last season, and provides great veteran leadership. The Pats may be able to get him on the cheap this offseason, but if they cannot make a deal work, Long will likely be able to latch on with someone else prior to the 2017 NFL season.

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