The value for high NFL stars retains going up.
On Thursday, Indianapolis Colts operating again Jonathan Taylor turned the most recent star to earn a profitable extension this week, becoming a member of Atlanta Falcons operating again Bijan Robinson and Baltimore Ravens extensive 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 search out out. For this train, we excluded gamers on rookie contracts and as a substitute centered 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 % of his passes in 34 regular-season video games through 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 essential 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 no less than 1,000 yards every season, per Stathead. With three operating 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 exhibits 19 wideouts have a better AAV than Smith, however there definitely aren’t that many receivers extra essential to their offense. The 2020 Heisman winner turned 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 could possibly produce numbers just like these of the place’s high earners.
Contract: There years, $30.75M ($10.25M per yr)
Johnson, who ranks No. 15 amongst tight ends in AAV, completed 2025 within the high 5 at his place in receptions (77) and receiving yards (889). He notably impressed as soon as Tyler Shough took over at quarterback, growing 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 in every of 4 tackles final season to play no less than 800 snaps and permit one or fewer sacks. The 2020 fourth general choose has blossomed into one of many league’s greatest 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 greatest defensive tackles for years, and it is completely affordable he is by doing Tampa Bay favors.
Contract: 4 years, $106M ($26.5M per yr)
Timing is the whole lot. 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 Yr 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 greatest.
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 nicely 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 no less than $30M per yr. Lenoir, San Francisco’s CB1, inked a longterm deal in November 2024 conserving him below contract by 2029. Nearly as good as his extension appears to be like in 2026, it might 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 might come from a contract that ranks No. 16 amongst safeties in complete value.
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 greatest clear hits.
