The value for prime NFL stars retains going up.
On Thursday, Indianapolis Colts working again Jonathan Taylor grew to become the newest star to earn a profitable extension this week, becoming a member of Atlanta Falcons working again Bijan Robinson and Baltimore Ravens vast receiver Zay Flowers.
With that in thoughts, who’re the most important bargains because the preseason opens with Thursday’s Corridor of Fame Sport? Under is our try to seek out out. For this train, we excluded gamers on rookie contracts and as an alternative targeted on these on an extension or free-agent contract.
Contract: Three years, $100.5M ($33.5M per yr)
Darnold, coming off a Tremendous Bowl LX victory, has gained 31 video games (together with playoffs) since 2024, finishing 66.9 p.c of his passes in 34 regular-season video games in the course of the span whereas averaging 4,183.5 yards, 30 touchdowns and 13 interceptions per season. Per Spotrac, he ranks No. 15 amongst quarterbacks in common annual worth (AAV), giving Seattle a large low cost on the sport’s most necessary place.
Contract: Three years, $33M ($11M per yr)
Since 2023, Williams ranks sixth amongst backs in dashing yards (3,695) and is one of four with at the very least 1,000 yards every season, per Stathead. With three working backs incomes over $20M per yr after Robinson and Taylor’s signings — Detroit Lions again Jahmyr Gibbs ought to quickly make it 4 — Williams at barely above $10M is a steal.
Contract: Three years, $75M ($25M per yr)
Spotrac knowledge reveals 19 wideouts have the next AAV than Smith, however there definitely aren’t that many receivers extra necessary to their offense. The 2020 Heisman winner grew to become Philadelphia’s undisputed WR1 following A.J. Brown‘s offseason commerce, and after recording 77 receptions for 1,008 yards and 4 touchdowns final yr, he might be able to produce numbers just like these of the place’s prime earners.
Contract: There years, $30.75M ($10.25M per yr)
Johnson, who ranks No. 15 amongst tight ends in AAV, completed 2025 within the prime 5 at his place in receptions (77) and receiving yards (889). He notably impressed as soon as Tyler Shough took over at quarterback, rising the hopes of a repeat — if not higher — efficiency this season.
Contract: 5 years, $117.5M ($23.5M per yr)
Per Pro Football Focus data, Thomas was one among 4 tackles final season to play at the very least 800 snaps and permit one or fewer sacks. The 2020 fourth total decide has blossomed into one of many league’s finest tackles, and with the highest-paid left deal with (Laremy Tunsil) incomes $30.1M per yr, he additionally offers probably the most bang for the buck.
Contract: 4 years, $71M ($17.75M per yr)
One have a look at the league’s highest-paid inside defensive lineman makes clear why Vea requested a commerce; Jalen Carter (4 years, $152M) and Jeffery Simmons (three years, $105.8M) signed offers this offseason with AAVs double what Vea makes yearly. The 2-time Professional Bowler has been among the many league’s finest defensive tackles for years, and it is totally cheap he is by doing Tampa Bay favors.
Contract: 4 years, $106M ($26.5M per yr)
Timing is every thing. The Broncos prolonged Bonitto forward of the 2025 season, when he had a career-high 14 sacks and completed fourth in Related Press Defensive Participant of the 12 months voting. In April, Houston Texans edge Will Anderson Jr. signed a market-resetting three-year, $150M extension. Much less productive edge-rushers Travon Walker and Jaelan Phillips additionally signed richer contracts than Bonitto’s this offseason, additional making his contract among the many league’s finest.
Contract: Three years, $40.5M ($13.5M per yr)
Walker has been a tackling machine since getting into the league, tallying 469 over the previous 4 seasons. The Raiders landed him in free company on a cap-friendly deal properly beneath what the highest-paid inside linebackers, together with Fred Warner ($21M per yr), Jack Campbell ($20.25M) and Roquan Smith ($20M) obtain.
Contract: 5 years, $88.9M ($17.8M per yr)
Corners proceed to receives a commission, with Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward just lately changing into the fourth to earn at the very least $30M per yr. Lenoir, San Francisco’s CB1, inked a longterm deal in November 2024 conserving him beneath contract by 2029. Pretty much as good as his extension seems to be in 2026, it could look even higher subsequent yr.
Houston Texans security Jalen Pitre
Contract: Three years, $39M ($13M per yr)
Pitre is a key a part of Houston’s excellent protection, however the hard-hitting security’s most worth could come from a contract that ranks No. 16 amongst safeties in complete price.
A standout recreation final December on the Kansas City Chiefs confirmed he is value a lot extra, Pitre ending with an interception, two passes defended and one of many yr’s finest clear hits.
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