NFL · 2 hours ago

The 10 Highest-Paid Players in the NFL Championship Games

Sportsgrid Staff

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Conclusion – Does Money Equal Success?
The Ultimate ROI

These ten stars account for a massive percentage of their teams' salary caps. Not all of them will end the season with a trophy to match their paycheck. Who do you think is the best value on this list? Join the debate in the comments! Follow us for more NFL financial deep dives.

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The Price of a Playoff Run
The 10 Highest-Paid Players Still Alive in the NFL Playoffs

With a trip to the Super Bowl on the line, the stakes couldn't be higher. While every player is fighting for a ring, these ten stars are also carrying the heaviest price tags in the AFC and NFC Championship rounds. From veteran QBs to dominant defensive anchors, here is the financial breakdown of this weekend's elite matchups.

Who has the most on the line? See the ten highest-paid players in the NFL Championship Games, featuring Matthew Stafford, Sam Darnold, and Milton Williams.

Have all the intel you need? Free, actionable information is just one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter, SportsGrid Daily.
#10 – The Secondary Anchor
10. Carlton Davis (Patriots)

Financial Breakdown:
- Position: CB | Age: 29
- Cap Hit %: 7.23% | Cash Total: $14,500,000
- Dead Cap: ($24,000,000) | Free Agent: 2028
Now a key part of the Patriots' defense, Carlton Davis provides veteran leadership in the secondary. His cash total reflects his value as a premier defensive back in this postseason field.
#9 – The Right Tackle Pillar
9. Mike McGlinchey (Broncos)

Financial Breakdown:
- Position: RT | Age: 32
- Cap Hit %: 7.81% | Cash Total: $17,500,000
- Dead Cap: ($15,325,000) | Free Agent: 2028
Protecting the pocket for the Broncos' offense is a high-priced job. Mike McGlinchey’s contract remains a cornerstone of Denver's offensive line strategy.
#8 – The Versatile Protector
8. Mike Onwenu (Patriots)

Financial Breakdown:
- Position: G | Age: 29
- Cap Hit %: 8.22% | Cash Total: $17,500,000
- Dead Cap: ($7,500,000) | Free Agent: 2027
Mike Onwenu’s ability to anchor the interior for New England makes him invaluable. His cap hit percentage is a significant part of the Patriots' post-rebuild offensive budget.
#7 – The Blindside Guardian
7. Alaric Jackson (Rams)

Financial Breakdown:
- Position: LT | Age: 28
- Cap Hit %: 8.34% | Cash Total: $20,375,000
- Dead Cap: ($23,000,000) | Free Agent: 2028
As the primary protector for the most expensive player on this list, Alaric Jackson has established himself as a premier left tackle for Los Angeles.
#5 (Tied) – The Explosive Playmaker
5. Stefon Diggs (Patriots)

Financial Breakdown:
- Position: WR | Age: 33
- Cap Hit %: 9.20% | Cash Total: $22,500,000
- Dead Cap: ($8,000,000) | Free Agent: 2028
Stefon Diggs brings championship-level experience to New England. His cash total for 2026 is a testament to his status as a game-changing WR1.
#5 (Tied) – The Elite Route Runner
5. Davante Adams (Rams)

Financial Breakdown:
- Position: WR | Age: 34
- Cap Hit %: 9.20% | Cash Total: $24,000,000
- Dead Cap: ($14,000,000) | Free Agent: 2027
Tying Diggs at #5, Davante Adams remains a top-tier financial commitment for the Rams. His veteran precision is vital for their high-stakes playoff push.
#4 – The Interior Disruptor
4. Milton Williams (Patriots)

Financial Breakdown:
- Position: DL | Age: 27
- Cap Hit %: 9.53% | Cash Total: $23,000,000
- Dead Cap: ($39,000,000) | Free Agent: 2029
At 27, Milton Williams is the defensive engine for New England. His nearly $40M in dead cap shows how "all-in" the Patriots are on his dominance.
#3 – The Defensive Mastermind
3. Leonard Williams (Seahawks)

Financial Breakdown:
- Position: DL | Age: 32
- Cap Hit %: 9.74% | Cash Total: $16,650,000
- Dead Cap: ($22,358,750) | Free Agent: 2027
Seattle’s investment in Leonard Williams has paid dividends. His presence in the middle of the defense is one of the highest-paid defensive roles left in the field.
#2 – The Career Resurgence
2. Sam Darnold (Seahawks)

Financial Breakdown:
- Position: QB | Age: 29
- Cap Hit %: 11.80% | Cash Total: $27,500,000
- Dead Cap: ($25,600,000) | Free Agent: 2028
Sam Darnold has played his way into a massive payday in Seattle. He enters the final rounds of the playoffs as the second-highest-paid star standing.
#1 – The Franchise Engine
1. Matthew Stafford (Rams)

Financial Breakdown:
- Position: QB | Age: 38
- Cap Hit %: 15.86% | Cash Total: $40,000,000
- Dead Cap: ($41,866,668) | Free Agent: 2027
The highest cap hit remaining in the tournament belongs to Matthew Stafford. With a $40M cash total, he carries the heaviest financial and performance expectations in the league.
Conclusion – Does Money Equal Success?
The Ultimate ROI

These ten stars account for a massive percentage of their teams' salary caps. Not all of them will end the season with a trophy to match their paycheck. Who do you think is the best value on this list? Join the debate in the comments! Follow us for more NFL financial deep dives.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
The Price of a Playoff Run
The 10 Highest-Paid Players Still Alive in the NFL Playoffs

With a trip to the Super Bowl on the line, the stakes couldn't be higher. While every player is fighting for a ring, these ten stars are also carrying the heaviest price tags in the AFC and NFC Championship rounds. From veteran QBs to dominant defensive anchors, here is the financial breakdown of this weekend's elite matchups.

Who has the most on the line? See the ten highest-paid players in the NFL Championship Games, featuring Matthew Stafford, Sam Darnold, and Milton Williams.

Have all the intel you need? Free, actionable information is just one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter, SportsGrid Daily.