There are two primary ways to win in the NFL. Either a franchise quarterback leads the way, or the defense can get to opposing quarterbacks and make their lives miserable.

Everyone knows how important quarterbacks are at every level of football. Teams must find players who can get into the head of those triggermen and disrupt the offensive rhythm. That's particularly true in today's NFL, where it's more difficult than ever to establish a physical presence considering the halo that's been created around quarterbacks.

A great pass-rusher can now come from any angle. Aaron Donald's retirement took away one elite interior presence from the NFL, but Chris Jones, who plays all over the Kansas City Chiefs' defensive front, signed a record-setting five-year, $158.8 million contract extension before free agency began in March.

Jones isn't the only defensive lineman who broke the bank this offseason. Christian Wilkins, who is coming off a career-high nine sacks last season, signed a four-year, $110 million deal to join the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency. Justin Madubuike of the Baltimore Ravens exploded for 13 sacks this season and inked a four-year $98 million contract extension. Jacksonville Jaguars edge-rusher Josh Allen and New York Giants edge-rusher Brian Burns both landed big deals this offseason worth more than $140 million.

Jones, Wilkins, Madubuike, Allen and Burns are but the latest examples of defensive linemen cashing in. They don't take into account previous monster deals signed by the Raiders' Maxx Crosby, Green Bay Packers' Rashan Gary, Miami Dolphins' Bradley Chubb, Pittsburgh Steelers' T.J. Watt, Buffalo Bills' Von Miller, Cleveland Browns' Myles Garrett or San Francisco 49ers' Nick Bosa, all of which exceeded $90 million.