There are a few talented pass-rushers up for big paydays after Justin Houston raised the bar on July 15, signing the richest contract in league history for a linebacker. His deal, which made him the second-highest paid defender in the NFL, is a six-year contract worth $101 million, $52 of which are guaranteed.
Players who can bring consistent pressure and who rack up sacks are among the most valued commodities in the league. With the rules now significantly favoring offenses in terms of what is legal after the ball is in the air, these men are the greatest weapons defenses have to combat them.