Brady had the highest paid record before &

he will have the record back soon once the new contract is negotiated.  

There is a salary cap imposed in NFL.  It is not MLB.  Every team loses and signs great player every off-season.  Currently the Patriots have 3 RB's earning 2.5 millions, 3.0 millions, 3.5 millions, respectively.  I don't call that group cheap money-wise.  They traded for Deion Branch (a great WR), who earns almost 5 millions.  I don't consider it as a "cheap" move.  

I agree that the Patriots do a good job to find values out from low rounders though (thanks to their scouts)