Anticipating Major NFL Contracts in the Upcoming Offseason

As the NFL Super Bowl approaches, the focus is not just on the championship game but also on the exciting offseason landscape that's about to unfold. With free agency set to commence after the New Year on March 12, teams are faced with crucial decisions regarding player contracts that could have lasting implications on both their rosters and financial commitments.

To provide insight into these financial dynamics, we consulted with multiple league executives and salary cap specialists to project the contracts of key players—both impending free agents and current stars due for extensions. Here’s our analysis of ten notable contracts that could reshape the market.

Top Five Free Agents Likely to Cash In

1. Sam Darnold, QB, Minnesota Vikings

   • Age: 27
   • 2024 Stats: 4,319 passing yards, 35 TDs, 12 INTs
   • Current Contract: One year, $10 million (almost $9 million guaranteed)
   • Prediction: Darnold is projected to land a lucrative three-year deal worth $120 million, with $75 million guaranteed, positioning him among the top 15 quarterbacks in average annual value.

2. Russell Wilson, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers

   • Age: 36
   • 2024 Stats: 2,482 passing yards, 16 TDs, 5 INTs
   • Current Contract: One year, $1.2 million, fully guaranteed
   • Prediction: A possible two-year extension at $50 million, with $35 million guaranteed, likely reestablishing his standing in the market.

3. Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

   • Age: 26
   • 2024 Stats: 73 catches, 911 yards, 10 TDs
   • Current Contract: One-year franchise tag at $21.8 million
   • Prediction: Higgins might fetch a four-year deal totaling $114 million, securing $70 million in guarantees, positioning him as a premier wide receiver in free agency.

4. Trey Smith, G, Kansas City Chiefs

   • Age: 25
   • 2024 Stats: 17 starts, 93.9% pass block win rate
   • Current Contract: Four years, $3.6 million
   • Prediction: Expected to sign a five-year contract worth $105 million, with $65 million guaranteed, to reinforce Kansas City's offensive line.

5. Zack Baun, LB, Philadelphia Eagles

   • Age: 28
   • 2024 Stats: 151 tackles, 11 TFL, 3.5 sacks
   • Current Contract: One year, $3.5 million, fully guaranteed
   • Prediction: A four-year deal worth $60 million, with $35 million guaranteed, would place him among the top five linebackers in average annual value.

Key Players Due for Contract Extensions

1. Brock Purdy, QB, San Francisco 49ers

   • Age: 25
   • 2024 Stats: 3,864 passing yards, 20 TDs, 12 INTs
   • Current Contract: One year left at $5.2 million
   • Prediction: Potentially a four-year contract worth $196 million, with $112 million guaranteed, allowing him to showcase his value.

2. Ja'Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

   • Age: 24
   • 2024 Stats: 127 catches, 1,708 yards, 17 TDs
   • Current Contract: One year at $21.8 million
   • Prediction: Expecting a five-year contract worth $180 million, with $70 million guaranteed, setting a new benchmark for wide receivers.

3. Micah Parsons, Edge, Dallas Cowboys

   • Age: 25
   • 2024 Stats: 12 sacks, 55 pressures
   • Current Contract: Remaining year at $24 million
   • Prediction: Anticipating a lucrative five-year extension worth $180 million, with $125 million guaranteed, potentially making him the highest-paid defensive player.

4. Derek Stingley Jr., CB, Houston Texans

   • Age: 23
   • 2024 Stats: 54 tackles, 5 INTs
   • Current Contract: One year at $5.3 million
   • Prediction: Projecting a four-year deal of $104 million with $80 million guaranteed, setting new corners’ market standards.

5. Kyle Hamilton, S, Baltimore Ravens

   • Age: 23
   • 2024 Stats: 107 tackles, 1 INT
   • Current Contract: One year at $2.9 million
   • Prediction: A four-year contract of $88 million with $50 million guaranteed could place him at the top of the safety market.

As the NFL offseason unfolds, fans can expect to see these potential contract negotiations create ripples throughout the league, impacting team strategies and player positions. Stay tuned as we continue to follow and analyze these high-stakes offseason maneuvers!