The number of games in MLB and the NBA are why they can pay more. More games=more revenue.
I wouldn't say that these quarterbacks are making chump change…
Rodgers $22M 12
2 Matt Ryan $20.75M 6
3 Joe Flacco $20.1M 10
4 Drew Brees $20M 7
5 Peyton Manning $19.2M 12
6 Colin Kaepernick $19M 8
7 Jay Cutler $18.1M 5
8 Tony Romo $18M 12
9 Matthew Stafford $17.6M 11
10 Alex Smith $17M 8
11 Carson Palmer $16.5M 6
12 Eli Manning $16.25M 6
13 Andy Dalton $16M 10
14 Philip Rivers