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Vikings Really Appreciate Their Offensive Linemen
Fans may often forget about the big old hogs who do the dirty work up front in football, but teams appreciate their value – and are willing to compensate them accordingly. Especially the Vikings. According to USA Today, two Vikes were among the five highest-paid players in 2006 – and both were O-linemen. A look at the list of the ten happiest dudes in the NFL:
1. Richard Seymour (New England) – $24,691,160
2. Drew Brees (New Orleans) – $22,000,000
3. Bryant McKinnie (Minnesota) – $17,500,000
4. Steve Hutchinson (Minnesota) – $16,588,0805.
5. Jeff Backus (Detroit) – $16,252,310
6. Tom Brady (New England) – $16,004,840
7. Carson Palmer (Cincinnati) – $15,750,000
8. John Abraham (Atlanta) – $15,503,300
9. Shaun Alexander (Seattle) – $15,125,000
10. Reggie Wayne (Indianapolis) – $15,100,440
These numbers don’t reflect base salary of course but the huge bonuses that are always paid out in the NFL. McKinnie and Hutch’s inclusion is mostly a result of their having signed contracts within the calendar year in question, and therefore having received one of said bonuses. Still, two offensive linemen in the top five highest-paid guys in football? I know our line stunk before, but isn’t this over-compensation? And does McKinnie deserve to make anything approaching 17 mil in a season? Does Hutch for that matter?
(A full rundown of the 2006 Viking salaries is here. Troy Williamson made $9,610,000 last year. That’s about $874,000 per drop.)
Another note on the line: the Vikings have signed G/T Adam O’Conner, who played DE in college, and was on the practice squad with the Panthers last year. To make room for him they cut S Andre Maddox, who I had never heard of (and now will not have to remember).
