With the NFL season in the rearview mirror, and free agency coming up fast, it seems like a good time to talk about money. Not any type of money, but contract money. Today, we will be looking at players from each position that are in a position to make tons of money, and perhaps even sign record breaking deals.
Quarterback:
Patrick Mahomes II, Chiefs
We all saw the marvels of Mahomes this season, and it seems obvious that he is in line for a big deal. Right now, he is incredibly cheap, and is just in the second year of his rookie deal. At the end of next season, he will be an extension, and has a very real chance that he could become the NFLs first 200 million dollar player.
Jared Goff, Rams
Goff, like Mahomes, is currently incredibly cheap. However, Goff is eligible for an extension this offseason. It does not make much sense for the Rams to sign him for a huge contract, as his play is sometimes shaky and inconsistent. If he has a good year this season, expect him to receive money near the 200 million dollar marker.
Dak Prescott, Cowboys
Prescott is also eligible for an extension this year, and his contract comes with a catch. The Cowboys do not have a 5th year option on him, so they could lose him to free agency without an extension. Also, owner Jerry Jones is known for throwing insane amounts of money at players, so a contract like Jimmy Garoppolo's(150 million) wouldn't be unreal.
Running Back
Saquon Barkley, Giants
Barkley is just a rookie, but was great in his first season. He cannot get an extension for at least two more years, but when it comes, it will be huge. Barkley is a talent that the Giants cannot afford to lose, and they have shown that they are not afraid to pay players(see: Odell Beckham, Nate Solder). Barkley's eventual deal might break records.
Le'veon Bell, Steelers
Bell might get paid a lot this offseason. He has already said that he is looking for around 17 million a year, and wants to get paid like an RB1 and a WR2. If a team with a lot of cap space, like the New York Jets, are willing to sign him, Bell's deal could exceed that of Todd Gurley's, who set the running back record with a 4 year, 60 million dollar contract.
Ezekiel Elliot, Cowboys
Zeke's rookie deal expires after next season, and he is on pace for a very large extension too. He has said that he wants an extension this year, and once again, Jerry Jones might be willing to pay him a ton of money to make sure that Zeke stays on the team.
Wide Receiver
AJ Green, Bengals
Despite completing his age 30 season, Green performed at a high level when he was healthy. His contract runs out after next season, and Green has previously said that he does not get caught up in contract business. However, premium wide receivers are not a joke, and many teams will be willing to cut Green a large check.
TY Hilton, Colts
Hilton is in the middle of his prime, as he is 29 years old. Hilton is only a free agent in 2021, but will likely receive an extension before that. Him and Andrew Luck have an insanely good connection that make both Hilton and Luck better. He won't get record breaking money, but expect him to receive quite a lot.
Keenan Allen, Chargers
Allen is pretty cheap for the Chargers, and he agreed to a 4 year extension about 3 years ago. That deal will end in 2021, and Allen is going to get a ton of money. He is only 26, and has shown he can be one of the top wideouts in the game when healthy. He is a player that could get money to rival Odell Beckham's 18 million a year contract.
Defensive Tackle/End
Demarcus Lawrence, Cowboys
Lawrence, who was franchise tagged last season, is set to hit the open market. The Cowboys intend to negotiate an extension with him before he hits free agency, but that might not happen. Given Lawrence's stellar play in the past two seasons, it would not come as a surprise if he receives money close to Khalil Mack and Aaron Donald.
Ezekiel Ansah, Lions
Ansah is extremely talented but injury-riddled. After being tagged last season, Ansah injured his shoulder and was put on Injured Reserve. The Lions will certainly not pay money for such a player, but another team might take a chance on him. When healthy, Ziggy was the sack leader and was selected to the pro bowl and as first team all-pro.
Trey Flowers, Patriots
Flowers has been a silent storm for the Patriots, anchoring their defense but not putting up flashy stats to show for it. He is an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and the Patriots ned to make a decision about him. If they let him walk, Flowers could receive money in the 15-17 million dollar range from teams needy of a consistent edge rusher.
Ndamukong Suh, Rams
Suh was signed to a one year deal from Los Angeles last year, but it would be a surprise to see him resign with the Rams. Many teams will want to get Suh for at least a one year deal, as he is still a threat to opposing quarterbacks. He could command money in the 14 million dollar range again, especially if he does not have long term money.
Linebacker
Dee Ford, Chiefs
Ford is super cheap for the Chiefs, and it costs them just 2 million a year to keep him. Ford's rookie deal ends this year, and after a breakout season, Ford will be looking for quite a lot of money. The Chiefs are expected to franchise tag him, but an extension in the next few years would cost quite a lot.
KJ Wright, Seahawks
Wright has been incredibly consistent for the Seahawks, and he deserves to get a big pay day. His contract is up this year, but the Seahawks want to sign him before another team can get their hands on him. Wright could get money near the 15 million range from a team needing a good linebacker.
Anthony Barr, Vikings
The Vikings failed to extend Barr last season, and will face the consequences now. Barr will likely have to test free agency after the Vikings committed too much money elsewhere(Quarterback). Barr has loads of potential, and has already been named to the Pro Bowl four times in his young career.
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