Aaron Hernandez is cheap

Everyone talks about Rob Gronkowski's monster year, and Wes Welker's out-of-this-world production, but Aaron Hernandez was a huge part of the Patriot's success last year.

With Welker playing under the $9.5 million franchise tag, and Gronk under his new deal, Hernandez will be very cheap this season for the production he gives the team.

Brian McIntyre, NFL.com

In 2012, Hernandez will earn $540,000 in base salary and can earn up to $104,000 in per game roster bonuses. A $96,000 workout bonus brings his total compensation this season to $740,000, which is about what franchised Washington Redskins tight end Fred Davis will have earned by halftime of Week 3 (provided Davis plays out the season on the franchise tag).