10 NFL stars playing for a huge payday in 2021

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ORCHARD PARK, NY – DECEMBER 08: Marlon Humphrey #44 of the Baltimore Ravens warms up before the game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 8, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. Baltimore defeats Buffalo 24-17. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

5. CB Marlon Humphrey, Baltimore Ravens

Roughly two months ago, Andrew Gillis of NBC Sports/Washington asked whether a certain member of the Baltimore Ravens’ secondary could become the highest-paid player in the National Football League at his position.

Marlon Humphrey was the 16th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft and comes off a season in which he earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors. He played in all 16 games, made 15 starts and amassed 65 tackles, three interceptions and 14 passes defensed.

The former University of Alabama standout also forced a pair of fumbles and returning two of his three fumble recoveries for touchdowns. In three seasons with the club, Humphrey has a total of 10 takeaways in 46 regular-season outings.

Humphrey’s contributions and performance hasn’t escaped the eyes of John Harbaugh. “I would say he’s notched it up one more notch from an attention-to-detail and intensity perspective,” said the Ravens’ head coach via Mike Preston of the Baltimore Sun. “Marlon is all over the field. He’s physical, he’s running to the ball, (and his) eyes are where they are supposed to be in coverage.

So could the former member of the Crimson Tide cash in this year or early in 2021. If his level of play continues to improve, he may well indeed wind up as the top-paid cornerback in the league.

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