The NFL's highest-paid quarterback is rarely the NFL's best quarterback. He's simply the most recent really good quarterback to sign a new contract.
But the NFL's highest-paid quarterback is often the quarterback facing the most scrutiny. And pressure.
Arguing about whether a young quarterback is "worth" the $125-million reported deal the Raiders just gave Derek Carr is an errand for fools, cranks and Washington Redskins executives. Carr is the NFL's highest paid player now. Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston will eventually surpass him, and Dak Prescott will eventually surpass them, with Aaron Rodgers horning in when the time comes for an extension.