As the divisional rounds
of the playoffs are in full swing, 24 teams around the NFL are considering how
to build their team. They’re scouting potential draft picks, evaluating tape of
their own players as well as looking at the tape of potential free agents, free
agent like Ray Rice, Sione Pouha, Dwayne Bowe, Vincent Jackson and Arian
Foster.
With names like that
populating the free agent market, there is going to be a fair bit of money
thrown about, like there is every year. But the question isn’t just who is
going to move, but how much they’re going to make. Depending on how much they
make, they set the pace for the free agency market going forward.
So, with that in
mind, let’s take a look at the payers who are going to get the biggest
paychecks this offseason. Just remember, these guys aren’t necessarily going to
move from their current teams, but they are definitely the ones that are going
to be paid the most this offseason. Also, the list is in the order of players I’m
most confident will get a huge contract, not necessarily who will get paid the
most. Also, the franchise tag will pay approximately the average salary of the
top 5 at the position, which are the same numbers that I’m looking at when
forming these contract numbers.
10. Dwayne
Bowe – While Bowe isn’t the big play threat that a guy like Vincent Jackson
is, he’s something infinitely better in the eyes of a team. He is a consistent
pass-catcher and, at times a dominating presence on the outside. He followed up
a breakout season in 2010 with another strong season, which some would say is
made even better by the fact that the Chiefs had so many quarterback problems
this year. Look for him to get Brandon Marshall-like dollars, either from the
Chiefs or from another team in need of a solid receiver in his prime.
Projected Contract: 4-6
years, 8-10 Million per year
9. Cortland
Finnegan – When conversations about the top cornerbacks in the game come
up, most of the time, Finnegan gets over-looked. Cortand Finnegan doesn’t
always make the not interceptions, or does shut down the opponent’s receivers
as often as guys like Revis. However, he can do both in equal measure, and a
fair number of teams don’t dare throw his way as a result. An under-rated part
of his game is how he can disrupt plays outside of coverage. He plays close to
the line in much the same way as Troy Polamalu does and has a similar effect.
He is a solid blizter and can pressure the quarterback into making bad
decisions. He should be paid like the top quality corner he is.
Projected Contract: 5-8
years, 9-13 Million per year
8. Stephen
Tulloch – The importance of the middle linebacker in the modern NFL
sometimes feels like it has been reduced over the last couple of years.
However, Tulloch is the kind of linebacker that can make a huge impact in nickel
and dime packages. He is very athletic and has shown himself to be a solid
blitzer and a strong coverage player. He can cover from side to side without
any problem and makes a ton of tackles. He should be the top priority for the
Lions to re-sign because of his relationship with head coach Jim Schwartz.
Projected Contract: 6-8
years, 9-13 Million per year
7. Robert
Mathis – The importance of the pass rush can’t be over stated in today’s
NFL. With that in mind, athletic, productive pass rushers in their prime like
Mathis are highly sought after. Mathis has been the prefect compliment to
Dwight Freeney for the past 7 years. While undersized, he has an endless motor and
can beat most tackles to the edge. He’s extremely dangerous off the edge and
should be paid like it. That being said, the chances he returns to Indianapolis
are somewhat slim, because of the contract already being paid to Freeney and
the potential rebuilding mode the Colts are going into. Look for him to get a
lot of interest around the league.
Projected Contract: 5-7
years, 10-13.5 Million per year
6. Wes
Welker – It’s rare to find a 30-year old receiver who is in-line for one of
the biggest contracts in free agency. But then again, it’s rare to find a
30-year old receiver who is just coming off his fourth 100+ catch season in
five years. Due to his age, Welker is looking at this last chance to really
cash-in, as he sorely deserves it. For example, Welker was named a first team
All-Pro with Calvin Johnson being the other receiver. With the various bonuses
factored in, Johnson made 12.6 million this year. Welker made 4.1 million. And
by the way, they were signed to their respective contracts the same year. While
New England made a great move getting Welker locked into the kind of contract
and Welker has been very good about not discussing his contract, it’s time for the
man to get paid. He’s more likely to take a discounted contract to stay with
New England because of his relationship with the 34 year old Tom Brady, but New
England has low-balled key players in the past so he could still move.
Projected Contract: 5-7 years,
7-12 Million per year
5. Jermichael
Finley – Jermichael Finley has gone from being a third-round draft pick to
a border-line pro bowl player and one of
Aaron Rodger’s favorite targets. Finley has the size and athleticism to create
the kind of mismatches that teams look for. He does have a bit of an issue
dropping the ball on occasion and a fair number of injuries, but in spite of
that, he is a mismatch on the outside and inside. There will be a lot of teams interested
in his services, should the Packers foolishly decide to let him go.
Projected Contract: 4-6
years, 4.5 – 7 Million per year
4. Matt
Forte – Forte made the most of Mike Martz’s complicated offense to produce
another great season before he was injured in week 12. While he did disappear
at times early in the season, he also exploded in other games, particularly after
week 3. His importance to the offense was unquestionable and the Bears need to
try and get him to stay put.
Projected Contract: 5-6
years, 6.5 – 8.5 Million per year
3. Ray
Rice – While Forte is getting a lot of publicity as the dual-threat running
back going into free agency this year, Rice is going to be the more-valued of
the two. Rice has had more yards on fewer carries and more catches than Forte.
But the most important factor in this is the fact that Rice is younger. Rice is
only 24 while Forte is 26. He went from being an under-sized runner who would
likely only be a sub-package player to probably the top-paid running back in the
NFL.
Projected Contract: 6-7
years, 7.5 – 9 Million per year
2. Carl
Nicks – I know that flashy positional players get big contracts. But I know
most good general managers and team builders value the quality of their offensive
lines above anything except the quarterback. Nicks is coming of an All-Pro
season and some would say he’s as good as his more well-known partner Jahri
Evans. The
Saints are going to
work hard to re-sign him, but they may be hard pressed with all the important
free agents they have, including number one.
Projected Contract: 7-8
years, 7 – 10 Million per year
1. Drew Brees – What a time to break Dan Marino’s
record for passing yards in a single season. Though somewhat lesser known,
Brees is also challenging Johnny Unitas’ record for most consecutive games with
a touchdown pass. He stands only a few games shy of breaking a record that
almost no one thought would be broken. He’s been one of the best quarterbacks
in the NFL since going to the Saints the last time he was a free agent, not
once passing for less than 4000 yards in a season. He’s going to get a huge
contract from New Orleans.
Projected Contract: 7-8
years, 13-15 Million per year
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