The 30 highest-paid players in the NFL

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The NFL's offseason was highlighted by the end of Deflategate, the Rams' move to Los Angeles, and major trades at the top of the draft. Lost amongst those stories were the large number of players who signed enormous contracts.

In the NFL, the standard for large contracts is to forgo long-term security in exchange for huge signing bonuses up front. As a result, many of the players who will earn the most money this year signed new contracts since the end of the 2015 season.

This year's list of the highest-paid players includes 15 quarterbacks, four defensive linemen, and just one Manning. 

Here are the 30 players who will make at least $16 million this season.

28t. Dez Bryant — $16,000,000

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Team: Dallas Cowboys

Position: Wide Receiver

2016 earnings breakdown: $9.0 million salary, $7.0 million signing bonus

One thing to know: Bryant signed a 5-year, $70 million extension on the eve of the 2015 season, avoiding a potential holdout. The deal was a big win for the Cowboys because it was less than Calvin Johnson was being paid, it didn't have a lot of fully guaranteed money, and it freed up cap space.

28t. Janoris Jenkins — $16,000,000

Michael Ainsworth/AP

Team: New York Giants

Position: Cornerback

2016 earnings breakdown: $1.4 million salary, $10.0 million signing bonus, $4.6 million in other bonuses

One thing to know: Jenkins moved from the Rams to the Giants this past off-season on a 5-year, $62.5 million contract. The guaranteed portion was the second-highest per year for any cornerback.

28t. Jay Cutler — $16,000,000

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Team: Chicago Bears

Position: Quarterback

2016 earnings breakdown: $16.0 million salary

One thing to know: At one point, Cutler's 7-year, $126.7 million contract was named the worst quarterback contract in the NFL.

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