Champ Bailey, Defensive Back, Denver Broncos

Forbes.com: The NFL’s Top-Paid Playoff Players

$8 million

His interception total (2) was consistent with the previous few years. At age 34, he’s probably lost a step. But like Charles Woodson of the Green Bay Packers, his veteran presence on a young defense can probably not be overstated. Worth it. (AP Photos)

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Peyton Manning, ... $18 million

Worth every dime. Had an MVP-like season (37 touchdowns, 11 interceptions) and led what was an 8-8 team to a 13-3 record and the number one seed in the AFC. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

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Elvis Dumervil, ... $14 million

Worth it. 11 sacks, 6 forced fumbles. Manning has been huge for the Broncos, but the team’s defense has arguably been just as important. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

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Matt Ryan, Quart... $11.5 million

Worth it. 32 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, a 13-3 record and the number one seed in the NFC. 2012 was his best season yet. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

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Brent Grimes, De... $10.4 million

Not worth it, but unlucky. He injured his Achilles tendon in the first game of the season, the only game he played all year. (Getty Images)

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Wes Welker, Wide... $9.5 million

His stats were down slightly from last year—four fewer catches, three fewer touchdowns—but Welker is still one of Tom Brady’s favorite targets and still worth the money. (AP Photo)

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The Best Quarterbacks For The Buck
The Most Valuable NFL Teams
The NFL’s Highest-Earning Players

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Champ Bailey, De... $8 million

His interception total (2) was consistent with the previous few years. At age 34, he’s probably lost a step. But like Charles Woodson of the Green Bay Packers, his veteran presence on a young defense can probably not be overstated. Worth it. (AP Photos)

More From Forbes:
The Best Quarterbacks For The Buck
The Most Valuable NFL Teams
The NFL’s Highest-Earning Players

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Aaron Rodgers, Q... $8 million

39 touchdowns, 8 interceptions. One of the top quarterbacks in the NFL right now. He carried the team at certain times this year, through various injuries to his receivers. Worth it. In fact, probably underpaid.(AP Photo/Mike Roemer)

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The Best Quarterbacks For The Buck
The Most Valuable NFL Teams
The NFL’s Highest-Earning Players

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Ray Rice, Runnin... $7.7 million

Still one of the most dynamic running backs in the game. His rushing and receiving yards were down a bit this season. Part of that might have been schematic. It’s believed that one reason offensive coordinator Cam Cameron was fired in the middle of the season was because he didn’t utilize Rice enough. Worth it. (AP Photos)

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Johnathan Joseph... $7.3 million

He had only two interceptions this year and has been hampered by a groin injury. He’s good, but perhaps a bit overpaid. Not worth it. (AP Photo/Patric Schneider)

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The Most Valuable NFL Teams
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Ed Reed, Safety,... $7.2 million

Reed will go down as one of the best safeties to ever play the game. In his 11th season, he still demonstrated an uncanny knack for the timely interception (4 on the year). But Baltimore’s defense has been a weak point all year. Age (he’s 34) may be slowly creeping up on him, and his salary may be a bit much. Not worth it. (AP Photo)

More From Forbes:
The Best Quarterbacks For The Buck
The Most Valuable NFL Teams
The NFL’s Highest-Earning Players

The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
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