For years, the New England Patriots were the model franchise in the National Football League. They won six Super Bowls in two decades and consistently derailed other teams’ championship hopes.
To win championships, you need to pay players well, and the Patriots understood this memo. So, here we will spotlight the five highest earners in the franchise’s history. The figures are from Spotrac.
The backbones 😤@TomBrady | #NEPats pic.twitter.com/6EGjiPJfP9
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) June 14, 2024
The five highest-paid players in New England Patriots’ history
5. Dont’a Hightower, Linebacker – $52,803,039
Dont’a Hightower spent his entire 10-year career with the New England Patriots. During his tenure with the franchise, he contributed to three Super Bowl wins and earned $52,803,039 for his efforts.
April 23, 2010
Rob Gronkowski
Is selected with the 42nd pick in the 2nd Rd by the New England Patriots in the 2010 Draft
Super Bowl Champ – 4x
All-Pro – 4x
Pro Bowl – 5x
AP Comeback Player – 1x
HoF 2010 team – 1xGreatest TE in NFL historypic.twitter.com/VVaPJpule1
— Boston Sports Info (@bostonsportsinf) April 22, 2023
4. Rob Gronkowski, Tight end – $53,379,507
Rob Gronkowski is arguably the greatest tight end in NFL history. During his time in New England, he was the primary pass-catching threat.
Gronkowski helped the Patriots to three Super Bowls during his nine-year run and earned $53,379,507 for his efforts.
3. Stephon Gilmore, Cornerback – $58,198,770
The New England Patriots needed a lockdown cornerback in 2017, and head coach Bill Belichick had the perfect one in mind. Belichick brought in Stephon Gilmore, and the rest is history.
Gilmore played for the Patriots for four seasons and helped the team to Super Bowl 2019. For his efforts, he earned $58,198,770.
2. Devin McCourty, Free safety – $92,664,986
Devin McCourty was one of the most beloved Patriots during Bill Belichick’s time with the team. He was a member of the franchise for 13 years and was a key part of three Super Bowl wins.
The free safety earned $92,664,986 in New England and retired from professional football in 2022.
1. Tom Brady, Quarterback – $235,166,804
Tom Brady is the greatest New England Patriot of all time, so it’s unsurprising that he tops this list. Brady won six Super Bowls with the franchise and spent an impressive 20 years with the team.
Brady earned $235,166,804 through his contracts before departing for his last Super Bowl run in Tampa Bay.