Michael GinnittiFebruary 22, 2025

Spotrac's MLB Offseason recap series begins with a look at the NL Central, led by a Cubs team that has ramped up, Pirates & Reds teams looking for magic, a Brewers team looking to win on value, and a Cardinals roster at a standstill.

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs carried the 9th largest tax payroll in 2024, finishing just over the $237M threshold last season. They enter 2025 with a $210M CBT estimate, 14th in MLB and around $36M under the threshold ($241M).

2025 Projections

84.5 wins, 1st in the NL Central

Notable Subtractions

The Cubs retained $2.5M of Cody Bellinger’s salary per his trade to the Yankees.
(OF) Cody Bellinger
(3B) Isaac Paredes
(SP) Kyle Hendricks
(RP) Hayden Wesneski, Jorge Lopez, Drew Smyly

Notable Additions

Tucker is the big catch this offseason, but the Cubs weren’t shy about adding pieces to the bullpen this winter as well. They were one of the most aggressive trade teams, a trend that could continue into the season as they see fit. Chicago spent $56.25M in free agency this season, 15th in the league.

Via Free Agency
(SP) Matt Boyd, $12.5M
(C) Carson Kelly, $5M
(SP) Colin Rea, $4.75M
(RP) Caleb Thielbar, $2.75M
(INF) Jon Berti, $2M

Via Trade
(OF) Kyle Tucker
(2B) Vidal Brujan
(SP) Cody Poteet
(RP) Ryan Pressly, Ryan Brasier, Eli Morgan

Prospects/Farm System

The Cubs farm system currently ranks 15th according to Baseball America, led by top prospect Matt Shaw (3B). The pool is thin when it comes to pitching, but is loaded with middle infielders.

Top 100 Prospects
(3B) Matt Shaw, (OF) Owen Caissie, (C) Moises Ballesteros, (2B) James Triantos, (OF) Kevin Alcantara, (SS) Jefferson Rojas, (SP) Cade Horton

2025 Storylines

  • Can Nico Hoerner prove he belongs in the mix long-term?
  • Will the Cubs aggressively try to keep top pending free agent Kyle Tucker off of the open market?
  • Is the bullpen deep enough to make this team a legit NL Central contender?

Cincinnati Reds

The Reds posted the 25th highest tax payroll in 2024, finishing just over $123M ($114M under the threshold). They enter 2025 with a $124M CBT estimate, 22nd in MLB and around $117M under the $241M threshold.

2025 Projections

78 wins, 4th in the NL Central

Notable Subtractions

Jonthan India’s trade to Kansas City brought back Brady Singer, who currently slots in as the SP2 for Cincinnati in 2025. Both players are arb-eligible again in 2026.

(1B) Ty France
(2B) Jonathan India
(SS) Amed Rosario
(C) Luke Maile
(RP) Justin Wilson, Fernando Cruz, Buck Farmer, Jacob Junis

Notable Additions

Martinez surprised a few when he signed his qualifying offer, though it does represent a $9M raise from the $12M player option he declined this fall. Lux fills a much needed utility role for this Reds team defensively, while Rogers slots in as a very formidable setup reliever for Alexis Diaz in 2025.

The Reds spent $10M in free agency, 27th in MLB.

Via Free Agency
(SP) Nick Martinez, $21.050M (qualifying offer)
OF) Austin Hays, $5M
(SP) Scott Barlow, $2.5M

Via Trade
(SP) Brady Singer
(2B) Gavin Lux
(RP) Taylor Rogers
(C) Jose Trevino

Prospects/Farm System

The Reds farm system currently ranks 10th according to Baseball America, led by top prospect Rhett Lowder (P). This is a pool flush with pitching, especially starting pitchers, but could use a few more impact bats as the Reds look to push toward contention.

Top 100 Prospects
(SP) Chase Burns, (SP) Rhett Lowder, (2B) Sal Stewart, (3B) Cam Collier, (SS) Edwin Arroyo

2025 Storylines

  • Will new manager Terry Francona bring a little more magic to this young team?
  • The Reds lost 4 significant relievers this winter and only replaced about half of that production on paper. Still work to do?
  • Can a young OF core (Hays, Friedl, Fraley, Fairchild) develop into an MLB-producing group? They combined for a 26th ranked 1.7 WAR in 2024.
  • Are we on the cusp of an Elly De La Cruz MVP-candidacy season, and the next massive MLB extension?

Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers easily won the NL Central in 2024, posting 93 wins against an 18th highest $162M tax payroll last season. They’ve trimmed down financially quite a bit heading into 2025, currently projecting toward a $131M CBT payroll (23rd in MLB).

2025 Projections

81 wins, 2nd in the NL Central

Notable Subtractions

Adames becomes the new centerpiece in San Francisco, to be replaced by youngster Joey Ortiz in Milwaukee going forward. It’s an upgrade defensively, but quite a drop-off at the plate currently speaking. The big, though expected, move came in swapping closer Devin Williams to the Yankees, officially handing the keys to the role over to Trevor Megill for the upcoming season.

(SS) Willy Adames
(C/DH) Gary Sanchez
(SP) Frankie Montas, Colin Rea
(RP) Devin Williams, Joe Ross, Hoby Milner, Bryse Wilson

Notable Additions

It’s been a winter of subtraction for the Brewers who added a few minor-league level players on near-minimum salaries, and acquired SP Nestor Cortes from NY in the Devin Williams swap. If they’re in the mix come July, this is a team poised to be active at the deadline in order to bulk up for the stretch run.

The Brewers spent $2.6M in free agency, 29th in MLB.

Via Free Agency
(SP) Elvin Rodriguez, $900,000
(RP) Grant Wolfram, $760,000

Via Trade
(SP) Nestor Cortes
(RP) Grant Anderson

Prospects/Farm System

The Brewers farm system currently ranks 9th according to Baseball America, led by top prospect Jesus Made (SS). Milwaukee continues to use both the International pool and strong drafting habits to keep themselves near the top of the league from a prospect standpoint, and are certainly reaping some of those benefits with the likes of Jackson Chourio at the MLB level.

Top 100 Prospects
(C) Jefferson Quero, (SS) Jesus Made, (SS) Cooper Pratt, (P) Jacob Misiorowski

2025 Storylines

  • Will their win total and respective place in the standings mimic a “subtraction-first” offseason?
  • If the wheels fall off early, will the Brewers rip this roster down to studs? (1B) Rhys Hoskins, (SP) Aaron Civale, (SP) Freddy Peralta, (SP) Nestor Cortes are all fairly obvious trade-away candidates.
  • Jackson Chourio gave us our first sniff at the production he can provide. Will the 21-year-old find another gear in 2025?

Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pirates found themselves in the NL Central basement yet again in 2024, posting the 26th highest tax payroll at just under $123M. They’ve gone young and cheap again this winter, heading toward 2025 with a $110M projected payroll, 26th in MLB, and $131M under the $241M threshold.

2025 Projections

77 wins, 5th in the NL Central

Notable Subtractions

Pittsburgh put their stamp on the offseason early, non-tendering notable players De La Cruz & Joe, turning to cheaper, more short-term options in each case.

(OF) Connor Joe
(OF) Bryan De La Cruz
(SP) Luis Ortiz
(RP) Aroldis Chapman

Notable Additions

The big add here is Horwitz, though he’ll miss a few months after undergoing wrist surgery this month. The 27-year-old has 5+ years of team control ahead of him still, and could quickly become a piece of this core lineup going forward.

The Pirates spent $19.95M in free agency, 22nd in MLB.

Via Free Agency
(DH) Andrew McCutchen, $5M
(OF) Tommy Pham, $4.025M
(RP) Caleb Ferguson, $3M
(2B) Adam Frazier, $1.525M
(RP) Tim Mayza, $1.150M

Via Trade
(1B) Spencer Horwitz
(RP) Peter Strzelecki

Prospects/Farm System

The Pirates farm system currently ranks 16th according to Baseball America, led by top prospect Bubba Chandler (P). Pittsburgh remains flush with young pitching talent, but has little to say in terms of up-and-coming bats to make this a productive, winning lineup anytime soon.

Top 100 Prospects
(SP) Bubba Chandler, (SS) Konnor Griffin, (SP) Thomas Harrington, (2B) Termarr Johnson

2025 Storylines

  • Pittsburgh entered the winter with the most exciting young player (Paul Skenes) and did little to nothing to build around him - especially as he offers maximum financial value.
  • Recent deals for Mitch Keller & Bryan Reynolds were certainly a step in the right direction for this franchise, but until they get serious from all avenues (free agency, veteran extensions, large-scale trades), they’ll be categorized as not having done enough.
  • Will Skenes get a full workload in 2025 - and remain healthy during it? Will the Pirates aggressively try to sign their golden goose?
  • Can CF/SS Oniel Cruz put in a healthy campaign and put himself back in the category of one of MLB’s bright young stars?

St. Louis Cardinals

The Cardinals tied with CHC for 2nd in the NL Central last season, boasting a 14th-ranked $207M tax payroll throughout the 2024 season. They’ve trimmed back significantly this past winter, heading into 2025 with a $158M projected payroll, 18th in MLB.

2025 Projections

79 wins, 3rd in the NL Central

Notable Subtractions

Goldschmidt leaves for NY, allowing Willson Contreras a chance to move into the first base spot on a regular basis. St. Louis spent the better part of 4 months trying to add 3B Nolan Arenado to this list, but haven’t come to trade terms for the time being.

(1B) Paul Goldschmidt
(RP) Andrew Kittredge

Notable Additions

None. The answer here is none. The Cardinals haven’t added a single player via trade or free agency thus far.

Via Free Agency
N/A

Via Trade
N/A

Prospects/Farm System

The Cardinals farm system currently ranks 18th according to Baseball America, led by top prospect JJ Wetherhold (SS). There’s a good mix of hitting and pitching in the system, and their current Top 100 prospects are a star SS, and two top of the rotation projected starting pitchers. There’s a path forward here for sure.

Top 100 Prospects
(SS) JJ Wetherholt, (SP) Quinn Mathews, (SP) Tink Hence

2025 Storylines

  • How long will it take St. Louis to find the right mix of retained salary/trade price to get Arenado out the door?
  • Closer Ryan Helsley is a pending UFA after 2025. The Cardinals will want to maximize his trade value as soon as possible.
  • All things considered, and despite a complete zero in offseason adding, this is still a legitimate division contending team. Their “rebuild on the fly” might make for interesting midseason decisions.
Michael GinnittiFebruary 21, 2025

The Chicago Bears got an early jump on their 2025 offseason in releasing TE Gerald Everett & DE DeMarcus Lawrence. The moves freed up $10.75M of cap space, giving the Bears over $75M to work with as we approach the new league year.

Elsewhere, the Cincinnati Bengals announced the release of DT Sheldon Rankins, a move that opened up over $9.6M of cap room, while the Carolina Panthers freed up $4.35M by moving on from CB Dane Jackson.

The Chargers made their first big offseason move, locking in CB Elijah Molden to a 3 year, $18.75M extension this week. The deal comes with a reported $13.5M guaranteed, and keeps the former 3rd Round Pick under contract through the 2027 season.


Michael GinnittiFebruary 20, 2025

As the NFL offseason approaches the new league year (March 12th) teams will begin the process of converting salaries, processing extensions, and of course - outright releasing players as they push for cap compliancy. Spotrac has identified a potential cap casualty from each NFL team in the coming weeks and months.

RELATED:
NFL CAP HIT RANKINGS

Arizona Cardinals

S Jalen Thompson

The 26-year-old is just 1 season removed from a 4 INT campaign, but had a more up-and-down 2024 season in Arizona. His $13.7M cap hit is a team-high among defensemen, and nearly $5.7M of that can be freed up before a $2M March 16th roster bonus is due/

Atlanta Falcons

QB Kirk Cousins

Well that escalated quickly. Cousins is fully guaranteed $27.5M in 2025, and the Falcons are highly unlikely to find a trade partner before another $10M locks in on March 16th. Atlanta likely designates the 36-year-old a Post 6/1 release prior to that bonus trigger, keeping his $40M cap hit on the books into June, then taking on dead hits of $40M 2025, $25M in 2026.

Baltimore Ravens

K Justin Tucker

Things were heading in this direction even prior to the (growing) list of allegations that have been reported against him. Tucker has 3 years, $13.5M remaining on his contract, but none of it is guaranteed, and there are no early bonuses to contend with either. Unfortunately, a few sizable salary conversions in recent offseasons means the contract holds $7.5M of dead cap against a $7M cap hit in 2025. An outright release this March actually comes with a cap loss of $445,000 (a Post 6/1 designation can free up $4.2M in June).

Buffalo Bills

OLB Von Miller

The nearly 36-year-old took an $8.6M pay cut to remain with the Bills in 2024, earning just over $12.4M when it was all said and done. Due a non-guaranteed $17.5M for the upcoming season, a similar arrangement may be in the works, but the Bills could surely use the $8.4M to be freed up by moving off of this contract completely. 

Carolina Panthers

RB Miles Sanders

Sanders was relegated to a backup role almost immediately after signing his 4 year, $25 million free agent contract back in 2023. The 27-year-old earned $13.2M over the past 2 years in Carolina, but will almost certainly be moved on from before a $1M roster bonus is due on March 14th. The Panthers will take on $2.95M of dead cap, freeing up $5.2M.

Chicago Bears

TE Gerald Everett

The 30-year-old enters Year 2 of a 2 year, $12M contract in Chicago, set to earn $5.5M for the upcoming season. Everett saw action in just 240 snaps last season, putting his $6.5M cap hit on notice in the coming weeks. The Bears can free up $5.5M of space by moving on.

Cincinnati Bengals

DE Sam Hubbard

Hubbard enters the final year of a 5 year, $42M contract with the Bengals, set to earn a non-guaranteed $9.6M in 2025. The 29-year-old posted a respectable 25 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 interception line in 2024, but saw action in just 46% of the team’s snaps. Cincinnati can free up $9.5M of space by moving on.

Cleveland Browns

G Joel Bitonio

The 33-year-old struggled in 2024, and has publicly mentioned the possibility of retirement this offseason. He enters the final year of a 5 year, $69M contract in Cleveland, set to earn a non-guaranteed $15M for the upcoming season. With $31M of dead cap on the books currently, the Browns would need to process a release or retirement as a Post June 1st move, freeing up $4.25M of space after 6/1. A decision will need to be made by March 14th, when a $3M roster bonus is due.

Dallas Cowboys

S Donovan Wilson

Wilson is a do-it-all safety when it comes to stuffing up a run game or even getting to the QB, but his coverage numbers tied with the fact that Dallas has two young players ready to compete for his job already rostered likely moves Wilson to the bubble this March. The nearly 28-year-old is set to earn $7M in 2025, but the Cowboys can free up $5.85M of cap by moving on.

Denver Broncos

S P.J. Locke

Locke posted a career-high 73 tackles in 2024, taking over 900 snaps for the Broncos D. He enters the final season of a 2 year, $7M contract in Denver, set to earn $4M in 2025. The Broncos can free up over $4.1M by moving on this spring.

Detroit Lions

LB Alex Anzalone

The Lions have a few higher-priced defensive players that may be on the bubble heading toward March, but we’ll focus on Anzalone here. The 30-year-old missed 6 weeks with an arm injury in 2024, allowing 2023 1st rounder Jack Campell to slide ahead of him on the depth chart. If Detroit feels like this move could prove permanent, they’ll look to capture the $4.8M of space they can free up here.

Green Bay Packers

CB Jaire Alexander

The 28-year-old is entering Year 4 of a 5 year, $97M contract in Green Bay, set to earn a non-guaranteed $17.5M for the upcoming season. When healthy, he’s still a top-flight cornerback in the league, but the availability has been few and far between of late. The Packers can open up $6.4M of space by moving on (release or trade) this March.

Houston Texans

DE Denico Autry

The 34-year-old enters the final season of a 2 year, $20M contract in Houston, set to earn $9M in 2025. He posted 3 sacks in a depth role (314 snaps) for the Texans last season, and is likely too expensive to carry into the new league year. Houston can free up $6M of space by moving on.

Indianapolis Colts

DT Raekwon Davis

The 27-year-old enters the final season of a 2 year, $14M contract in Indy, set to earn $6.5M in 2025. He posted extremely limited production in just 349 snaps last season, putting his $8.9M cap hit on notice. The Colts can free up $6.5M of space by moving on.

Jacksonville Jaguars

WR Christian Kirk

After a sparkling 2023 campaign, Kirk has battled injuries each of the last two seasons in Jacksonville, putting his $16.5M salary on notice. The Jags can free up $10.5M of space by moving on.

Kansas City Chiefs

CB Joshua Williams

A 4th-round pick back in 2022, Williams remains a depth CB for the Chiefs heading toward the final season of his rookie contract. Despite the backup role, Williams garnered enough snaps to trigger a Proven Performance Bonus for 2025, escalating his salary to a non-guaranteed $3.2M for the upcoming season. KC can free up this amount by moving on.

Las Vegas Raiders

QB Gardner Minshew

$3.16M of Minshew’s 2025 salary is already fully guaranteed, so this isn’t a slam-dunk scenario by any means. But the Raiders are almost certain to spend significant free agent and/or draft capital on the QB position this offseason, rendering the Minshew-project somewhat useless going forward. Las Vegas can free up $3M of cap with an early release this March.

Los Angeles Chargers

OLB Joey Bosa

Bosa renegotiated his contract to remain in the fold last season, signing a 2 year, $40.3M deal that included no guaranteed money for 2025. He started only 9 games last year, posting 5 sacks and causing 2 forced fumbles for his efforts. When healthy, he’s still a heck of a player, but the 29-year-old hasn’t played out a full season since 2021. The Chargers can free up $25.3M of cap by moving on before a $12.36M roster bonus is due on March 12th.

Los Angeles Rams

WR Cooper Kupp

The 31-year-old has been told to seek out a trade this winter, furthering the narrative that his time in LA is likely coming to an end. Kupp has 2 years, $39.85M remaining on his contract, including $5M fully guaranteed for the upcoming season. The Rams may need to eat a portion of the $7.5M bonus due on March 16th to facilitate a trade, but could also just outright release Kupp at the start of the league year, taking on $22.2M of dead cap, freeing up $7.5M of space.

Miami Dolphins

WR Tyreek Hill

The Dolphins have already trimmed a few veterans from their roster as they work to become cap-compliant in March, but this offseason is about making an expensive football team more competitive in the AFC as well. Hill still has separation, speed, and a ton of ability - but for one reason or another, wasn’t given a lot of opportunities to put that on display in 2024 within this Miami offense. If a team or two is willing to overpay a bit on the trade market, the Dolphins seem open to having someone else take on the $28M+ owed to Hill in 2025 (even if a Pre 6/1 trade only frees up $401,250 of cap space).

Minnesota Vikings

G Ed Ingram

A 2nd Round pick out of LSU back in 2022, Ingram fell out of the starting lineup in 2024 despite starting 32 games in his first 2 NFL seasons. His 2025 salary escalated over $3.2M thanks to a Proven Performance Bonus, putting him squarely on the bubble this March. Minnesota can free up that $3.214M by moving on.

New England Patriots

WR Kendrick Bourne

Bourne’s 2024 got off to a slow start as he recovered from an ACL injury, and he never really found his footing in Drake Maye’s offense. That’s not to say that a full offseason can’t change that, but plenty of changes are coming to the offensive weapons this winter, so a bit of a “clean sweep” could make total sense.The Patriots can free up $5.1M of cap by on from the remaining 2 years, $13M left on Bourne’s deal.

New Orleans Saints

QB Derek Carr

As usual, the Saints have a lot of work to do (and potentially a lot of players to subtract) just to get cap-compliant for 2025. But they may take a big swing by moving on from their QB1 before the remaining $30M of his 2025 compensation becomes fully guaranteed on March 14th. New Orleans would still owe Carr a $10M payment on his way out, and the contract carries $50.1M of total dead cap on it this offseason, but signs still point to his release in the coming weeks. If the Saints designate Carr a Post June 1st release, they’ll split that dead cap into $21.5M this year, $28.6M next year once June hits, though they’d still be carrying a $51.4M cap hit for 3+ months.

New York Giants

TE Daniel Bellinger

Bellinger’s targets and subsequent production have fallen off of a cliff in each of the past two seasons in NY, putting his future there very much in doubt. The former 4th Round pick still secured a Proven Performance escalator, taking his 2025 salary north of $3.2M, but the Giants can free all of it up by moving on this March.

New York Jets

WR Davante Adams

The Jets will likely do all the due diligence they can to see if they can squeeze a draft pick or two from a team looking to acquire Adams this winter, though there won’t be a team in football that wants anything to do with the 2 years, $72.5M remaining on this current contract. The Jets only hold $8.3M of dead cap on the deal, so they stand to free up nearly $30M if/when they move on via trade or release.

Philadelphia Eagles

S Darius Slay

The 34-year-old is under contract at 1 year, $16M for the upcoming season, but it’s largely expected that the two sides will part ways, at least for the purpose of getting out of this current contract. Philly likely designates Slay a Post June 1st release this March, a move that will send him to free agency immediately, while also freeing up around $4.3M of cap for the Eagles when the calendar flips to June.

Pittsburgh Steelers

DL Larry Ogunjobi

The 30-year-old posted a pretty typical 40+ tackle, 2 sack campaign for the Steelers in 2024, and his cap figure actually DROPS $2.7M for the upcoming season, but the writing still may be on the wall in the coming weeks. PIttsburgh can free up $7 of cap by moving on before a $3M roster bonus is due on March 14th.

San Francisco 49ers

WR Deebo Samuel

The 29-year-old has been given the green light to seek out a trade partner this winter, as he and the 49ers head toward divorce. The problem with a Pre June 1st trade is the $31M+ of dead cap attached to the contract this offseason. It represents a $15.2M loss for San Francisco in 2025. It’s largely expected that Niners will instead designate Samuel a Post June 1st release this March, keeping his $15.8M cap figure on the books into June, then taking on dead hits of $10.6M in 2025, $20.4M in 2026.

Seattle Seahawks

WR Tyler Lockett

The 32-year-old was a 3rd round pick of the Seahawks back in 2015, but his time in Seattle appears to be coming to an end. While the 1 year, $17M remaining on his contract is somewhat feasible, the $30.9M cap figure certainly is not. The Seahawks are expected to release Lockett before a $5.3M roster bonus is paid out on March 16th, freeing up the entire $17M.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

S Jordan Whitehead

After a great 2023 campaign, Whitehead battled both a pec injury, and an unfortunate car accident through 2024, putting his immediate figure with the organization in a bit of question. The 2025 portion of his 2 year, $9M contract was always going to be a bit of an “option”, and Tampa Bay can free up $4.5M of cap by moving on this March.

Tennessee Titans

OT Nicholas Petit-Frere

The 3rd Round pick out of Ohio State back in 2022 hasn’t been able to find his sea legs as a starter in the NFL, putting his $3.21M salary for 2025 very much in question. The Titans will spend plenty of capital & assets bulking up their offensive line for their next QB1, so moving on here makes sense.

Washington Commanders

DL Jonathan Allen

A #17 overall pick back in 2017, Allen is the longest-tenured member of this Commanders franchise not-named Tress Way, but that could be coming to an end in the next few weeks. The 30-year-old is entering a contract year in 2025, set to earn $16.3M against a $22.3M cap hit. With just $6M of dead cap on the books, Washington can free up (even more) significant cap space for league year.

 

Michael GinnittiFebruary 18, 2025

Spotrac has identified one player from each of the 32 teams we consider a contract extension candidate in the coming weeks & months plus a few honorable mentions for each where applicable.

RELATED:
Spotrac’s Market Values

Arizona Cardinals

TE Trey McBride

The 2nd Rounder out of Colorado State enters the final year of his rookie deal in Arizona, having seen his 2025 salary escalate up to $5.2M per a Proven Performance Bonus. The knock on him (famously) is a lack of touchdowns, but this is a player with 192 catches for 1,971 yards over the past 33 games. He projected toward a 4 year, $72M extension in our system that would make him the highest average paid TE in NFL history.

Atlanta Falcons

RT Kaleb McGary

The nearly 30-year-old has been a reliable, consistent, productive player for the Falcons through 6 seasons, and he enters a contract year in 2025 (1 year, $14.5M remaining). McGary currently projects toward a 3 year, $52M extension in our system.

Also: Drake London (WR, $23.8M APY)

Baltimore Ravens

S Kyle Hamilton

A veritable no-brainer. Hamilton has been as-advertised since entering the league as the #14 overall pick back in 2022. He’s extension-eligible for the first time this winter, projecting toward a 3 year, $60M deal in our system (to add-on to the 2 remaining years of his rookie contract).

Also: Derrick Henry (RB, $13.5M APY), Marlon Humphrey (CB, $20M APY)

Buffalo Bills

RB James Cook

The Bills have around 8 players eligible & worthy of a contract extension this winter, but Cook might become the most sensible priority. 1) His salary escalated north of $5M due to a Proven Performance Bonus 2) Paying above-average Running Backs as early as possible seems to be the best path forward based on age/shelf live 3) RB Ray Davis remains at near minimum over the next two seasons (the duration of any sensible guarantee at signing for Cook). He’s a 4 year, $41M player in our system.

Also: Josh Allen (QB, $62.5M APY), Greg Rousseau (DE, $25M APY), Terrel Bernard (LB, $6.8M APY), Connor McGovern (C, $7.7M APY), Khalil Shakir (WR, $19.5M APY), Christian Benford (CB, $23M APY)

Carolina Panthers

OT Taylor Moton

One of the league’s true Ironmen, Moton missed a game for the first time in his 8-year-career during the 2024 season. Regardless, he’s been one of the most reliable, consistent offensive tackles in the game, and he enters a contract year in 2025 set to earn $17.5M. The 30-year-old carries a 3 year, $51M valuation in our system.

Also: Jaycee Horn (CB, $4.5M APY), Jadeveon Clowney (OLB, $11.5M APY)

Chicago Bears

S Kyler Gordon

A 2nd Round pick out of Washington, Gordon has found a role as the nickelback, a position that has increased its market value over the past few offseasons. His 2025 salary was escalated over $2M this winter due to a Proven Performance Bonus, setting up a potential extension this offseason. The 25-year-old projects toward a 3 year, $33M contract in our system. 

Cincinnati Bengals

WR Ja'Marr Chase

Chase is under contract through 2025 on a fully guaranteed $21.8M 5th-year option. He shouldn’t last long there, as the time for him to lock in a likely historic extension is now. The still 24-year-old projects toward a 4 year, $134M extension, but a number closer to $150M in total value likely makes more sense at this point.

Also: Trey Hendrickson (DE, $30M APY), Cam Taylor-Britt (CB, $15M APY)

Cleveland Browns

G Wyatt Teller

Teller missed a few weeks with a knee injury, but has been a pillar of reliability for Cleveland since joining from Buffalo back in 2019. He enters a contract year in 2025, set to earn $14.8M against a $14.1M cap hit. Now 31, Teller projects toward a 3 year, $24M extension in our system.

Dallas Cowboys

DE Micah Parsons

Here we go again. Another offseason where the whole world knows that the Dallas Cowboys need to sign a player to an historic extension (except maybe this time around those trade rumors aren’t so crazy). The 25-year-old enters 2025 with a fully guaranteed $24M 5th-year option on the books. Mathematically, he’s a $33.7M per year player in our system, which means it shouldn’t take more than a couple of elbow twists to nudge this contract past Nick Bosa’s current $34M high bar. The real question is, can Parsons approach $40M per year with these negotiations?

Also: DaRon Bland (CB, $23.7M APY), Tyler Smith (G, $19.1M APY), Brandon Aubrey (K)

Denver Broncos

OLB Nik Bonitto

The 2nd Rounder out of Oklahoma has taken major steps forward in each of his first three NFL seasons, culminating with a 48 tackle, 14 sack, 2 forced fumble, 1 INT campaign in 2024. His 2025 salary escalated nearly $4M thanks to a Proven Performance Bonus, but Bonitto has his eyes set on much bigger numbers this offseason, currently projecting toward a 4 year, $102M extension in our system.

Also: Courtland Sutton (WR, $23M APY), Zach Allen (DE, $22M APY), John Franklin-Myers (DE, $8.5M APY)

Detroit Lions

S Kerby Joseph

The 3rd Rounder out of Illinois has been an absolute ball-hawk over his first 3 NFL seasons, compiling 237 tackles and an astounding 17 interceptions. The Lions fed a lot of mouths last season, and there are at least 3 legitimate candidates again this time around. But Joseph, enters 2025 on a 1 year, $3.3M deal, now projects toward a 4 year, $93M extension.

Also: Aidan Hutchinson (DE, $31M APY), Jameson Williams (WR, $20M APY)

Green Bay Packers

RT Zach Tom

The 4th rounder out of Wake Forest has been the every week starter for the past two seasons now and has more than held his own. He enters a contract year in 2025, set to earn $3.2M, but now projects toward a 4 year, $86M extension in our system.

Also: Romeo Doubs (WR, $12M APY), Rasheed Walker (LT, $18M APY)

Houston Texans

CB Derek Stingley Jr.

The #3 overall pick out of LSU has now become as-advertised through 3 NFL seasons and is now extension-eligible for the first time. He’s set to earn $5.4M guaranteed in 2025, with a 5th-year-option certain to be exercised for 2026, but there’s a clear path to Stingley Jr. securing the highest average per year contract for a cornerback in NFL history this offseason. He’s a 4 year, $104M player in our system.

Also: Danielle Hunter (DE, $20M APY), Jalen Pitre (NB, $11M APY)

Indianapolis Colts

LT Bernhard Raimann

A 3rd Rounder out of Central Michigan, Raimann has quickly built himself into one of the more reliable left tackles in all of football. He enters a contract year in 2025, set to earn $3.3M thanks to a Proven Performance Bonus. The 27-year-old is a 3 year, $61M player in our system.

Also: Nick Cross (S, $11.3M APY), Kwity Paye (DE, $15M APY)

Jacksonville Jaguars

ILB Devin Lloyd

Lloyd has now put together back-to-back strong seasons in Jacksonville, putting him in a nice position this offseason as he becomes extension-eligible for the first time. The #27 overall pick  in 2022 is guaranteed $2.5M in 2025, and there’s a 5th-year option available in 2026, but he’s a 3 year, $28M player in our system.

Also: Ezra Cleveland (G, $14.5M APY), Montaric Brown (CB, $4M APY)

Kansas City Chiefs

CB Trent McDuffie

The #21 overall pick from 2022 has been about as consistent, productive, and rock-solid as could have been asked through his first three seasons, setting up a major pay day in the coming months. The Chiefs have a lot of mouths to feed (or replace) this winter, and McDuffie still has a fully guaranteed $2.6M salary plus a 5th-year option ahead of him, but waiting will only make things more expensive. He’s a 3 year, $66M player in our system.

Also: Joe Thuney (G, $20.5M APY), George Karlaftis (DE, $22M APY)

Las Vegas Raiders

LT Kolton Miller

The Raiders haven’t gotten a lot of things right this past decade, but Miller has been one of them. The 29-year-old remains one of the better left tackles in all of football, and enters a contract year in 2025. He’s a 4 year, $79M player in our system.

Also: Jakobi Meyers (WR, $15M APY), Maxx Crosby (DE, $33M APY)

Los Angeles Chargers

LT Rashawn Slater

Outside of an injury-filled 2022, Slater’s NFL start has been near flawless, setting up for a mammoth pay day in the coming months. He enters 2025 on a fully guaranteed $19M 5th-year option salary, projecting toward a 5 year, $128M extension in our system. 

Los Angeles Rams

QB Matthew Stafford

The 37-year-old has expressed his intent on playing in 2025 - but not exactly at his current $27M pricepoint. With no viable backup plan on the roster (though free agency could change that), a 2 year, $70M renegotiation could make sense here.

Also: Quentin Lake (NB, $10.5M APY), Kyren Williams (RB, $10M APY)

Miami Dolphins

P Jake Bailey

Yep, this is where we’re at. The Dolphins have extended or re-extended so many players over the past two seasons that we’re simply out of options. There’s a case to be made for TE Jonnu Smith, who had a phenomenal turnaround year in Miami, but the safer bet from an age/need standpoint remains Bailey. The 27-year-old is set to earn a very friendly $1.9M in 2025, but should be considered for an extension at around $3.5M per year.

Minnesota Vikings

OLB Andrew Van Ginkel

Well, that worked. The Vikings brought over Van Ginkel from Miami on a 2 year, $20M deal that paid out $9M in 2024. Tacking on an extension not only autocorrects his cashflow, but will also work to lower his current $12.4M cap hit in 2025. A 3 year, $45M extension makes sense here.

Also: Josh Oliver (TE, $7M APY)

New England Patriots

C/G Cole Strange

A tumultuous start to his career may have been rectified by a late 2024 move to center, where the Patriots were prepared to have a hole heading into the 2025 offseason. The 26-year-old enters 2025 with $2.3M fully guaranteed, and a decision on an estimated $17M option for 2026 looming. With a new staff in place, the safer bet may be to extend Strange into something a bit more team-controllable. He’s around a $4.5M per year player in our system currently.

New Orleans Saints

LB Demario Davis

Now 36, Davis remains one of the most reliable, productive off-ball linebacker in football. He enters 2025 with 1 year, $8.25M remaining on his contract against a $12.4M cap hit. With so much change imminent around this Saints roster, tacking on a year for a player who wants to be there, and can still make a significant impact (while also delaying the dead cap that will hit once his contract voids) makes a lot of sense. A combined 2 years, $15M through 2026 should work fine.

Also: Chris Olave (WR $17.8M APY), Blake Grupe (K)

New York Giants

WR Wan'dale Robinson

Robinson had a mini-breakout year in 2024, posting 93 catches, for 700 yards and 3 scores. The 2nd Rounder may have played himself into a worthy WR3 conversation for this group going forward, and he enters a contract year in 2025. A 2 year, $13M extension keeps him tied nicely to Malik Nabers’ rookie deal.

New York Jets

G Alijah Vera-Tucker

The Jets have a few weapon-pieces to consider here, but with the entire regime turning over, locking in a building-block from the trenches seems a much more worthy decision. Injuries have been the major Achilles heel in Vera-Tucker’s career, but the Jets exercised a now fully guaranteed $15.3M option for 2025, setting up a potential extension this offseason. The math calls him an $11M per year player, but it’ll take a bigger punch than that from the Jets to keep him off of the open market next March.

Also: Garrett Wilson (WR, $23.5M APY), John Simpson (G, $14M APY)

Philadelphia Eagles

C Cam Jurgens

The 2nd Round center out of Nebraska assumed the full-time gig in 2024 and fared admirably. He now enters a contract year, with a salary that escalated north of $5.2M thanks to a Proven Performance Bonus. He’s a 3 year, $25M extension in our system right now.

Pittsburgh Steelers

OLB T.J. Watt

One of the league’s most dominant players had another largely impactful season, collecting 12 sacks, 61 tackles, and 6 forced fumbles in 2024. He enters a contract year, set to earn just over $21M in 2025. He’s a 4 year, $130M player in our system, but there’s a case here to see that total value rise as high as $150M.

Also: George Pickens (WR, $23.5M APY), Deshon Elliott (S, $7M APY), Isaac Seumalo (G, $7M APY)

San Francisco 49ers

QB Brock Purdy

Will they? Won’t they? Should they? It’s never easy to project how a team that had such a run of bad luck/injuries in 2024 will rebound from an aggressiveness standpoint just a few months later, but all signs point to Purdy and the Niners locking in a multi-year guarantee this winter. Mathematically, Brock Purdy is a near $60M per year player in our system. A little supply/demand logic drops this down to a 4 year, $180M projection.

Also: George Kittle (TE, $16.3M APY), Jauan Jennings (WR, $10M APY), 

Seattle Seahawks

QB Geno Smith

There’s a world where the Seahawks move on from Smith completely this winter, but signs appear to be pointing to another extension for the 34-year-old, who carries a $44.5M cap hit against $31M cash for the upcoming season. Smith projects toward a 2 year, $86M extension in our system.

Also: Charles Cross (LT, $16.5M APY), D.K. Metcalf (WR, $25.5M APY)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

RT Luke Goedeke

The Bucs need to get younger (and a little cheaper) in a lot of areas, but throwing a few more dollars at a strong offensive line can only make the sum of the parts better. Goedeke has put together back-to-back strong campaigns, and is now a serious candidate for extension on the back-end of his rookie deal. He projects toward a 4 year, $66M extension in our system.

Also: Baker Mayfield (QB, $59.5M APY), Cade Otton (TE, $12.5M APY)

Tennessee Titans

S Amani Hooker

The 26-year-old enters the final season of a 4 year, $33.5M contract in Tennessee, set to earn $8.64M in 2025. He posted a career-year in 2024, compiling 5 INTs, 2 Forced Fumbles, and 70 tackles in 14 games. Mathematically, Hooker projects toward a 3 year, $52M deal in our system, but the Titans will need to swing a little bigger to keep him from the open market next March.

Also: Arden Key (ED, $13.5M APY)

Washington Commanders

WR Terry McLaurin

The 29-year-old has waited 5+ seasons for the organization to find a core, and that time is now here. McLaurin enters a contract year in 2025, set to earn $19.65M for the upcoming season. A 3 year, $83M extension should keep him in the fold for at least 2 more seasons.

 

Michael GinnittiFebruary 13, 2025

The Boston Red Sox made the latest splash in MLB Free Agency, locking in INF Alex Bregman to a 3 year, $120M contract. The deal includes $40M salaries each year, though a significant portion (reportedly around $10M per season) is expected to be deferred. Bregman will have the ability to opt-out after 2025 & 2026, giving him a chance to re-hit the open market next winter based on his status. Bregman is expected to play 2B for the Red Sox in 2025.

Michael GinnittiFebruary 11, 2025

2024 #NFL Playoff Pay (per player)

Philadelphia Eagles: $357,000
Kansas City Chiefs: $277,000
Wasington Commanders: $186,000
Buffalo Bills: $186,000
Los Angeles Rams: $109,000
Baltimore Ravens: $109,000
Houston Texans: $109,000
Detroit Lions: $104,000
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $54,500
Minnesota Vikings: $49,500
Green Bay Packers: $49,500
Los Angeles Chargers: $49,500
Pittsburgh Steelers: $49,500
Denver Broncos: $49,500

Michael GinnittiFebruary 11, 2025

As the NFL calendar flips to the offseason, teams are now settling in for the quick push to March 12, the official start of the 2025 league year and free agency.

Spotrac has identified one player from each of the 32 teams set to become an unrestricted free agent next month, including projected market values and a few honorable mentions for each.

RELATED:
2025 NFL Free Agents
Spotrac’s Market Values

Arizona Cardinals

OLB Baron Browning

Acquired at the deadline from Denver, Browning has proven to be a productive edge rusher - when he remains healthy (12 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 INT through his rookie contract). The 25-year-old is a 2 year, $11M player in our system heading toward March.

Also: Kyzir White (LB), Dennis Gardeck (OLB), Will Hernandez (G)

Atlanta Falcons

C Drew Dalman

Dalman likely hits the open market as the best available center, a spot that’s proven fruitful for notable players in recent offseasons. The 4th round pick out of Stanford calculates near $7M per year in our system, but demand likely brings this contract near $10M per year when it’s all said and done.

Also: Justin Simmons (S), Matt Judon (DE), Mike Hughes (CB)

Baltimore Ravens

OT Ronnie Stanley

Injuries over the past 4 seasons forced Baltimore to re-negotiate Stanley down to a 1 year, $7.5M “prove-it” deal in 2024. He proved it, returning to the top of the offensive tackle list, and should find himself a multi-year guarantee again this offseason. He’s a 2 year, $42M player in our system.

Also: Patrick Mekari (G), Brandon Stephens (CB)

Buffalo Bills

WR Amari Cooper

A deadline acquisition from Cleveland, Cooper battled injuries during his short tenure with Buffalo. While WR is certainly a position of need for the Bills this spring, bringing back Cooper at his currently valued 2 years, $28M+ may prove too costly.

Also: Rasul Douglas (CB), Damar Hamlin (S), Mack Hollins (WR)

Carolina Panthers

CB Michael Jackson

Acquired from Seattle before the 2024 season, Jackson played almost every snap for the Panthers, compiling 76 tackles, 2 interceptions, and strong coverage percentage grades as an outside CB. He’ll be a value option for a team not looking to swing too big this spring, projecting toward a 3 year, $24M contract in our system.

Also: Tommy Tremble (TE), Jordan Fuller (S)

Chicago Bears

G Teven Jenkins

A 2nd Round pick out of Oklahoma State, Jenkins has now posted 3 straight strong seasons on the Bears’ O-Line, and should hit the open market as one of the top interior options available. He projects toward a 3 year, $31M contract in our system (but demand should push this closer to $15M per year).

Also: Keenan Allen (WR), Coleman Shelton (C/G)

Cincinnati Bengals

WR Tee Higgins

Another franchise tag? A tag/trade? An extension to stay? Walking free into the open market? Everything appears to be on the table still with this (and a few other) Bengals’ conundrums, but the fact of the matter remains this: Higgins is set to be the best available offensive weapon, by a lot. The math says he’s a $27M per year player, but demand probably lifts this over the $30M mark. Related: Next Contract: Tee Higgins

Also: Mike Hilton (CB), B.J. Hill (DT), Mike Gesicki (TE)

Cleveland Browns

QB Jameis Winston

Winston proved he can still energize an offense when needed - just not for too long. The good and bad has always seemed to even out for the 31-year-old over the course of his career, putting him on track to secure another backup contract this offseason. He’s a 1 year, $6M valuation in our system.

Also: Jedrick Wills (OT), Nick Chubb (RB), Elijah Moore (WR)

Dallas Cowboys

DT Osa Odighizuwa

Not exactly a house-hold name nationally (yet), but this likely ends up being the contract that turns heads in the coming weeks. The 3rd Round pick out of UCLA could be considered the best interior defensive linemen on the open market, with a 3 year, $63M projection in our system.

Also: DeMarcus Lawrence (DE), Zack Martin (G), Chauncey Golston (DE)

Denver Broncos

DT D.J. Jones

The 30-year-old just completed a 3 year, $30M contract in Denver, and is still a valuable commodity on the D-Line. He’s in line for another deal right around the $10M per year mark again.

Also: Javonte Williams (RB), Cody Barton (LB)

Detroit Lions

CB Carlton Davis

Acquired from Tampa Bay before the start of the 2024 season, Davis proved his value, factoring into a much improved Lions defense. He’s valued right around the $14.5M salary he earned this past season, projecting toward a 3 year, $42M contract this March.

Also: Kevin Zeitler (G), Levi Onwuzurike (DT)

Green Bay Packers

C Josh Myers

Myers has started nearly every game for the Packers over the past three seasons, setting himself up for a nice payday in his first trip to the open market. The 2nd round pick out of Ohio State projects toward a 3 year, $22M deal in our system.

Also: Isaiah McDuffie (OLB)

Houston Texans

WR Stefon Diggs

A week 8 ACL tear put Diggs’ season, and potentially his future, in peril. Assuming he can work his way back to full health, an Odell Beckham Jr. type deal in the 1 year, $13.5M range (heavily incentive-laden) should get the job done.

Also: Derek Barnett (DE), Jeff Okudah (CB)

Indianapolis Colts

ED Dayo Odeyingbo

The former 2nd Round pick out of Vanderbilt has steadily increased his production, consistency, and in turn - snap count. There’s a very real world where the 25-year-old scores a legitimate starting edge rusher pay day in the coming weeks, projecting toward a 4 year, $64M contract in our system.

Also: Will Fries (G), Ryan Kelly (C), Julian Blackmon (S), E.J. Speed (LB)

Jacksonville Jaguars

S Andre Cisco

After very productive seasons in 2022 & 2023, Cisco (and much of the Jacksonville defense) had a bit of a bumpy ride in 2024 that included him being pulled from the starting lineup at times. It’s certainly plausible that a change of scenery gets him back on track, but a 1 year, $10M “showcase” deal could be in the works first.

Also: Brandon Scherff (G), Mac Jones (QB)

Kansas City Chiefs

G Trey Smith

It was a rough (Super Bowl) finish admittedly, but the 6th Round pick out of Tennessee has already done more than enough to stake claim as one of the top pending free agents in the league. There’s a legitimate path to Smith securing a contract at or near Landon Dickerson’s current $21M per year mark.

Also: Justin Reid (S), Nick Bolton (LB), DeAndre Hopkins (WR), Charles Omenihu (DE)

Las Vegas Raiders

ED Malcolm Koonce

Koonce had a legitimate breakout season in 2023 (8 sacks, 3 forced fumbles) but suffered a season-ending knee injury before the start of 2024, making his first trip to the open market a little murky. Will teams squeeze him down to a “showcase” deal, ensuring that 2023 wasn’t a fluke? He’s a 2 year, $40M player in our system.

Also: Trevon Moehrig (S), Robert Spillane (OLB)

Los Angeles Chargers

ED Khalil Mack

The 33-year-old is still doing things at a high level, filling up the statlines on a weekly basis this past season in LA on a renegotiated 1 year, $192.M contract. Despite the age, Mack projects toward a 3 year, $70M contract in our system, and as we tend to say often around this time of the year - it only takes one team.

Also: Asante Samuel Jr. (CB), Poona Ford (DE), JK Dobbins (RB), Teair Tart (DT)

Los Angeles Rams

OT Alaric Jackson

A UDFA out of Iowa, Jackson finished off 2024 on a $4.9M restricted tender, setting up what should prove to be a nice pay raise in his first trip to the open market. The 26-year-old projected toward a 3 year, $48M contract in our system.

Also: TuTu Atwell (WR), Demarcus Robinson (WR), Joseph Noteboom (OT)

Miami Dolphins

S Jevon Holland

Holland’s production dipped a bit in 2024 - a weird year across the board in Miami - but he’s done more than enough through his first four seasons to establish himself as the top safety set to hit the open market.The 25-year-old carries a 4 year, $60M base projection in our system.

Also: Calais Campbell (DE), Tyrel Dodson (LB), Liam Eichenberg (G)

Minnesota Vikings

QB Sam Darnold

Darnold’s 2024 is a rollercoaster ride we haven’t experienced at the QB position, with seemingly zero expectation to start, maximum output nearing the finish line, then a drop off of a cliff to end the season. Where does that leave the 27-year-old going forward? A tag to keep him in Minnesota is likely too expensive ($40M+), and with limited options of his age and ability set to become available this March, it’s fair to assume that at least one team will be ready to open their wallet for the former #3 overall pick. Darnold carries a 4 year, $160M projection in our system.

Also: Byron Murphy (CB), Camryn Bynum (S), Cam Robinson (OT), Aaron Jones (RB)

New England Patriots

CB Jonathan Jones

The coverage numbers have dipped, and Jones even found himself in & out of the starting lineup at times in 2024, but the 31-year-old is still a viable role option for a secondary in need. He’s a 2 year, $5M projection in our system heading toward March.

Also: Austin Hooper (TE), Jacoby Brissett (QB)

New Orleans Saints

ED Chase Young

Young backed up an 8-sack campaign for San Francisco back in 2023 with a 6-sack performance in New Orleans, playing on a 1 year, $13M contract. It stands to reason that he’s done enough to warrant a multi-year guarantee this time around, projecting toward a 4 year, $70M deal in our system.

Also: Paulson Adebo (CB), Juwan Johnson (TE)

New York Giants

WR Darius Slayton

Slayton’s time in NY has been tumultuous to say the least. A change of scenery with a proven QB1 could quickly change the direction of his career (though drops have been a big part of his portfolio). A weak WR market this March could elevate Slayton’s contract terms when it’s all said and done, leading toward a 3 year, $47M projection in our system.

Also: Azeez Ojulari (OLB), Drew Lock (QB)

New York Jets

CB D.J. Reed

One of the more consistent players at the position over the past 6 seasons, Reed should be rewarded with a nice pay raise this March, having completed a 3 year, $33M contract in NY. The 28-year-old heads toward free agency with a 4 year, $58M projection in our system.

Also: Haason Reddick (OLB), Tyler Conklin (TE), Tyron Smith (OT)

Philadelphia Eagles

ED Josh Sweat

Sweat signed a renegotiated 1 year, $10M to “stick around” with Philly this past March, rewarding them with another highly productive season, and a big finish in Super Bowl 59. The 27-year-old will hit March as one of the most coveted free agents on the market, carrying a 3 year, $57M projection in our system.

Also: Milton Williams (DT), Mekhi Becton (OL), Zack Baun (OLB)

Pittsburgh Steelers

OT Dan Moore Jr.

Moore has improved every year on a Pittsburgh O-Line that has badly needed more consistent production. With so many teams (including major contenders) looking to upgrade at the left tackle position this March, don’t be surprised if Moore locks in a big pay day, potentially even to stay with the Steelers. The 26-year-old enters the open market on a 3 year, $38M projection.

Also: Russell Wilson (QB), Justin Fields (QB), James Daniels (G), Najee Harris (RB)

San Francisco 49ers

CB Charvarius Ward

Ward, and the rest of the 49ers, had a big step back year in 2024, but he’s a year removed from one of the more productive seasons at the position, and should hit the open market with plenty of offers. The 29-year-old is a 3 year, $46M player in our system.

Also: Talanoa Hufanga (S), Dre Greenlaw (LB), Aaron Banks (G)

Seattle Seahawks

LB Ernest Jones

Jones bounced from the Rams to the Titans before landing in Seattle at the trade deadline. The two sides showed immediate interest in a long-term relationship, but it now appears as though the 25-year-old will hit the open market this March. The 3rd Rounder out of South Carolina should be one of the more coveted off-ball linebackers in free agency, projecting toward a 4 year, $52M contract in our system.

Also: Jarran Reed (DT), Johnathan Hankins (DT)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

WR Chris Godwin

Godwin was on pace for another Godwin-like campaign in 2024 before an ankle injury derailed his season. Teams will have some pause when assessing the 28-year-old coming back from his second major injury, but a weak WR market will help sustain his ability to cash in. The former 3rd round pick carries a 3 year, $66M valuation in our system.

Also: Lavonte David (LB)

Tennessee Titans

DT Sebastian Joseph

The 29-year-old started 12 games for the Titans in 2024, compiling 3 sacks & 44 tackles in that span. Joseph should be inline for a contract similar to the 1 year, $4M deal he just completed in Tennessee, projecting toward a 2 year, $9M deal in our system.

Also: Nick Westbrook (WR), Tyler Boyd (WR)

Washington Commanders

LB Bobby Wagner

Now 34-years-old, Wagner is showing almost no sign of decline, filling up the stat board on a weekly basis (especially as it pertains to shutting down opposing run-games). A reunion with this fun, talented Commanders group makes a lot of sense, and a 1 year, $7M (incentive-laden) contract does too.

Also: Dante Fowler Jr. (DE), Jeremy Chinn (S), Zach Ertz (TE)

 

Michael GinnittiFebruary 10, 2025

As the offseason officially arrives, here are a few important upcoming dates to keep in mind, including the franchise/transition tag window, negotiation period, and official 2025 league year start.

  • 2/18: Tag Window Opens
  • 2/24-3/3: NFL Combine
  • 3/4: Tag Window Closes
  • 3/10-3/12: Negotiation Period
  • 3/12: League Year Begins*

    *All teams must be Top 51 salary cap compliant by 4PM ET. Spotrac is currently projecting a $275M league salary cap in all NFL views.
Michael GinnittiFebruary 07, 2025

League MVP

Josh Allen | QB | Buffalo Bills

Despite not being named first-team All-Pro, Allen secured his first MVP award in 2024, securing a $1.5M incentive along the way. It’s the first Bills’ player to win the award since RB Thurman Thomas did so back in 1991.

Contractually, Allen holds 4 years, $129.5M remaining, including just $14.5M for the upcoming 2025 season, none of which is guaranteed. He’s in line for some type of renegotiation this winter, be it a sweeten-the-pot maneuver that pulls cash from the back of the deal into 2025, or a straight up extension that pulls Allen into our current $60M+ per year stratosphere.

Offensive Player of the Year

Saquon Barkley | RB | Philadelphia Eagles

Barkley became the 9th player to reach 2,000 yards rushing in a season, finishing just 100 yards behind Eric Dickerson’s single-season record (2,105). He’s been every bit of the home run hitter the Eagles thought they were getting when they signed him away from the Giants on a 3 year, $37.75M contract.

The nearly 28-year-old now has 2 years, $26M remaining thanks to $1M worth of escalators that were hit in his historic 2024 campaign (another $250,000 can be added with a Super Bowl win). $11M of his 2025 salary plus $1.5M of his 2026 compensation is fully guaranteed.

Defensive Player of the Year

Patrick Surtain II | CB | Denver Broncos

The Broncos did a lot of subtracting before the 2024 season, but locking in Surtain to a market resetting 4 year, $96M extension has already proved to be one of their better additives of the offseason. The 24-year-old secured 4 interceptions, a forced fumble, and 45 tackles in 2024.

Surtain now holds 5 years, $100M remaining on his sophomore contract, including $42M guaranteed for practical purposes. His contract sets a new bar for the next wave of cornerback contracts (Stingley Jr., McDuffie, Benford, Gardner).

Offensive Rookie of the Year

Jayden Daniels | QB | Washington Commanders

It was a dream season for the Commanders, who changed nearly every facet of their franchise over the course of the past 24 months - and were rewarded with a lightning-in-a-bottle player at the most important position in sports. Daniels just completed the greatest rookie QB season in the history of the game, finishing 2024 with a Passer Rating over 100, 3500+ Passing Yards, nearly 900 Rushing Yards, and a 5th place ranking in PFFs final grading.

HIs #2 overall rookie contract now holds 3 years, $12.6M fully guaranteed remaining, plus a 5th year option for 2028 (that has already been escalated per his Pro Bowl selection this season). Daniels won’t become extension eligible until after the 2026 season, so it’s a big 2-year window for Washington to cash in on the value system.

Defensive Rookie of the Year

Jared Verse | ED | Los Angeles Rams

The Rams hadn’t made a first round pick since the 2016 draft, but boy did they hit a home run with Verse. The 24-year-old out of Florida State secured 5 sacks, 66 tackles, and 2 forced fumbles in his debut campaign, while almost immediately establishing himself as a player offenses need to “gameplay” around.

His #19 overall rookie contract now holds 3 years, $6.5M fully guaranteed remaining, plus a 5th year option for 2028 (that has already been escalated per his Pro Bowl selection this season). Verse won’t become extension eligible until after the 2026 season.

Comeback Player of the Year

Joe Burrow | QB | Cincinnati Bengals

Burrow’s season began with serious concern about his long-term injury risk, and finished with a legitimate question as to if he should be in the running for League MVP. Such has been the ebbs and flows of his first 5 seasons in Cincinnati.

The 28-year-old holds 5 years, $198.7M remaining on his contract through 2029, $88.8M of which is guaranteed for practical purposes. It’s a big, busy, potentially very expensive offseason for his Bengals’ front office.

Michael GinnittiFebruary 05, 2025

Tee Higgins, a 2nd round draft pick out of Clemson back in 2020 could finally find himself on the open market this March. The barely 26-year-old was franchise tagged by the Bengals in 2024, earning $21,816,000 in his 5th NFL season. Spotrac dives into the future contract status for Higgins as the 2025 league year approaches.

The Second Franchise Tag

While the Bengals have big fish to fry this offseason (a record-setting Ja’Marr Chase extension, keeping Trey Hendrickson happy, completely rebuilding the defense, etc…) tagging Higgins for the second straight season isn’t THAT financially crazy.

Franchise tagging a player for the second time comes at a 120% increase of their first tag, or in Higgins’ case, $26,179,200.

The Bengals enter 2025 with $234M of cap allocated for 55/90 contracts, giving them around $49M of Top 51 cap space. A base salary conversion on QB Joe Burrow’s contract can free up another $19.2M, while an extension for WR Ja'Marr Chase will almost certainly lower his current $21.8M cap figure as well. Those two moves alone should be enough to account for a second Higgins tag to begin the league year.

With this said, Higgins and his camp won’t be pleased with the restrictive move, and it’s highly unlikely that the tag is signed at any point in time. The Bengals could look to shop Higgins, seeking a deal that would bring back a bigger return than the single compensatory draft pick that would come from simply letting him walk in free agency this March. This route can be risky, as Higgins will need to sign the franchise tag in order to process the trade, meaning he’ll get to pick/choose his next destination. It also requires teams to have ample cap space to be able to take on the $26.2M tag number.

Still, with a weak free agent market for WRs, and a potentially underwhelming draft class for the position as well, the tag & trade scenario could prove fruitful for the Bengals, and a “best of both worlds” endgame for both sides. The last WR to be tag/traded was Davante Adams from Green Bay to Las Vegas back in 2022. The Packers received a 1st & 2nd round pick in the 2022 draft per the move, and 30-year-old Adams secured a 5 year, $140 million contract extension.

If Higgins is tagged, he would have until July 15, 2025 to come to terms on a multi-year extension (with whatever team he happens to be on).

Calculated Market Value

The math hasn’t been kind to Higgins as he approaches his first monster payday. A combination of time missed, drops, and a 4 catch, 65 yards per game average over the past 2 seasons keeps the overall price point somewhat tempered.

At the time of this piece, the calculated value of a Tee Higgins contract according to our system clocks in at 4 years, $102M. Fortunately for Higgins, there are plenty of other factors in play that will certainly amplify these figures.

An Extension to Stay

It’s not inconceivable that the Bengals simply agree to pay both Ja’Marr Chase & Tee Higgins this Spring, however this scenario should be considered highly unlikely for now. Chase has the resume to completely reset this position’s financial market, currently set at $35M per year, $110M guaranteed thanks to Justin Jefferson. So where would Higgins fit in under this?

Two teams have recently locked in their top two wide receivers to big-time contracts: Tyreek Hill & Jaylen Waddle in Miami, A.J. Brown & DeVonta Smith in Philadelphia.

While Brown maxed out, Smith secured 9.8% of the cap last year on his $25M per year extension. If we adjust that to a projected $275M league salary cap in 2025, that would mean a deal right around $27M per year for Higgins, or a 4 year, $108M extension. 

Smith also secured 68% of his new money as guaranteed. For Higgins, this would mean $74M, a big number for a “number 2”, but the precedent that one of the best teams in football has now set. Waddle, by the way, secured $76M practically guaranteed on his 3 year, $85M extension in Miami. In other words, a figure around $75M isn’t out of bounds for Tee Higgins going forward.

Is $108M over the next 4 years, $75M practically guaranteed enough to keep Higgins from hitting the open market this March?

A Free Agent Contract

If Higgins is allowed to hit the open market untethered, the sky is seemingly the limit. However: the largest free agent wide receiver contract ever handed out came last year, Calvin Ridley’s 4 year, $92M contract that included $50M guaranteed. Yes, times have changed, the cap has changed, and players of Higgins’ age and ability rarely get to free agency, but there isn’t a precedent for players to “max-out” on the open market like we see in other sports.

With that said, things are lining up nicely for multiple teams (many with quarterbacks on rookie contracts) to step in and generate a bidding war for Higgins’ services. We’ll factor this momentum into our bottom line.

The most likely foundation point for Higgins in a free market is Brandon Aiyuk’s 4 year, $120 million extension with the 49ers. The deal includes $76M guaranteed for practical purposes, $45M fully guaranteed at signing. In direct comparison over the past two seasons (2023-24 for Higgins, 2022-23 for Aiyuk), the numbers are fairly close, with Aiyuk slightly ahead in almost all of these standard receiving categories, holding a sizable lead over him in touchdowns.
At $30M per year, Aiyuk secured 11.7% of the 2024 salary cap on an average basis. If we assume a $275M salary cap in 2025, this represents a $32.1M APY for a WR with similar comparables.

So here’s the million-dollar question: Does the combination of Tee Higgins’ resume PLUS the idea of a free agent bidding war, warrant a cap-adjusted increase of the Brandon Aiyuk contract? Yes. If teams such as New England, Washington, Denver, Atlanta, etc…will all collectively be making offers, it stands to reason that (at least) one will go above and beyond mathematical logic to get their guy.

Using Spotrac’s Free Agent Contract Builder tool, here’s our latest full breakdown projection for Tee Higgins this coming March:


It’s a 4 year, $124 million contract that includes $59.25M fully guaranteed at signing (3rd among WRs). The $31M per year APY would rank him 4th, while a $74.25M practical guarantee over the next 3 seasons would be 9th most.

The deal has a whopping $91M cash built into the first three seasons, 4th most among WRs and WELL ahead of Brandon Aiyuk ($76M). A double-bonus structure ($28.8M signing bonus, $28M 2026 option bonus) plus the use of void years keep the cap hits at bay early on, with conversion possibilities built into 2027 as needed.

It’s a 3 year, $91M contract for practical purposes, a huge upgrade for a player that has never mathematically approached a $30M valuation in our system. But supply, demand, and rookie QB contracts are real, and in cases like this, they can be spectacular too.

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