The new NFL economic system is becoming difficult to comprehend.

Carolina Panthers’ quarterback Cam Newton, who has one career playoff win and sub-mediocre 85.5 passer rating (91.0 is average) and 31-33-1 record, just got a new contract worth $20.76 million a year.

Yet, the Denver Broncos’ Peyton Manning, who is roughly a half season away from becoming the NFL’s all-time winningest quarterback and owning every meaningful career passing record, was forced to take a 21 percent pay cut to $15 million.

Manning is only the NFL’s 18th highest-paid player overall and ninth highest-paid QB.

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Peyton Manning is the NFL’s 18th highest-paid player. (AP file)