The NFL Next Contract Roster

Michael Ginnitti
Michael Ginnitti, Managing Editor & NFL/MLB ExpertAugust 12, 2022
© USA TODAY Sports

As the 2022 NFL regular season approaches, we'll push ahead to players from each position who are positioning themselves for big paydays in the coming months.

 

Quarterback: Joe Burrow (CIN, $43.1M)

NCAA National Championship -> Torn ACL -> Super Bowl finalist -> #1 rated PFF QB. It’s been a wild few years for Burrow, but all signs point to him being this generation’s elite winner, even if his stats may lag behind the likes of a Herbert or Mahomes. He becomes extension eligible for the first time after 2022, and Kyler Murray’s $104M guaranteed at signing, $160M practically speaking, becomes his floor.Honorable Mention: Justin Herbert (LAC, $43M), Lamar Jackson (BAL, $44M)

 

Running Back: Tony Pollard (DAL, $6.3M)

Pollard broke out in 2021, leaving many to wonder if Dallas would simply move away from Ezekiel Elliott before the 2022 campaign. Zeke’s contract made that difficult, so it’ll be another strong one-two punch season for the Cowboys’ running game. Pollard will play out an expiring contract, while Elliott’s deal contains no more future guaranteed salary. Honorable Mention: Damien Harris (NE, $5.8M), D’Ernest Johnson (CLE, $2.5M)

 

Wide Receiver: Justin Jefferson (MIN, $26M)

196 catches, 3,000+ yards, and 17 TDs in 2 seasons, including 91 yards per game, and 10 yards per grab. Not a bad start to an NFL career. Kevin O’Connell’s offense should continue that trend, and Jefferson will become extension eligible after the upcoming season. Honorable Mention: CeeDee Lamb (DAL, $16.5M), Tee Higgins (CIN, $18M)

 

Tight End: Dawson Knox (BUF, $12.3M)

Knox broke out last year after a sluggish start in Buffalo. He’s extension eligible right now, but appears poised for a franchise tag next February at this stage. Honorable Mention: T.J. Hockenson (DET, $13.5M), Darren Waller (LV, $14M)

 

Offensive Tackle: Elgton Jenkins (GB, $14M)

Jenkins filled in at left tackle for the injured David Bakhtiari, and could take that role on full-time after the 2022 season. Unfortunately, he’s also recovering from a torn ACL as he enters his expiring contract year. Honorable Mention: Donovan Smith (TB, $19.3M), Andrew Thomas (NYG, $16.3M)

 

Offensive Guard: Quenton Nelson (IND, $17.2M)

Nelson and the Colts have been in contract discussions for quite some time, but still seem far apart in their negotiations. It’s safe to assume that Nelson has $20M per year on his brain, and it’s hard to argue that figure all things considered. $50M guaranteed should be the first number he considers though. Honorable Mention: Wes Schweitzer (WAS, $13.8M), Chris Lindstrom (ATL, $10.3M)

 

Offensive Center: Andre James (LV, $12M)

With Derek Carr now re-upped long term, and left tackle Kolton Miller paid handsomely as well, keeping a recently blossoming Andre James in the fold past 2022 makes sense as well. Honorable Mention: Matt Hennessy (ATL, $9.6M), Lloyd Cushenberry (DEN, $7M)

 

Defensive Tackle: Jeffery Simmons (TEN, $23.6M)

The advanced stats have never treated Simmons well, but he’s always comp’ed closely with DeForest Buckner (who signed a $21M per year deal 2 ½ years ago). With Aaron Donald now at the $30M per year/$95M guaranteed mark, it’s safe to assume that $25M/$75M is within reach here. Honorable Mention: Chris Jones (KC, $21.1M), Christian Wilkins (MIA, $16.7M)

 

Edge Defender: Nick Bosa (SF, $27.8M)

Bosa has been one of the most consistent edge rushers in the game (when healthy), compiling production that falls in just slightly behind that of T.J. Watt’s ($28M per year, $80M guaranteed). That puts his 4 year, $111M projection about where it belongs. Honorable Mention: Rashan Gary (GB, $20.5M), Marcus Davenport (NO, $23.2M)

 

Linebacker: Roquan Smith (CHI, $17.6M)

The Bears made Smith a back-loaded, low guarantee offer this summer that was not only rejected, but has prompted a trade request. The off-ball linebacker market now sits at $19.7M per year, $52.5M guaranteed. Most expect Smith to eclipse this (even if the numbers don’t quite project him there yet). Honorable Mention: Jordyn Brooks (SEA, $12.5M), Tremaine Edmunds (BUF, $14.2M)

 

Cornerback: A.J. Terrell (ATL, $20.8M)

Terrell has quietly put together an impressive resume for a bad Falcons team. He’s a cornerstone piece to keep and build around, but it won’t be cheap. Jaire Alexander’s $21M per year and Denzel Ward’s $71.25M guaranteed are the new bars to eclipse. Honorable Mention: Rock Ya-Sin (LV, $10.7M), Kenny Moore (IND, $10M)

 

Safety: Derwin James (LAC, $16.5M)

James has been holding out much of the summer as he negotiates his next contract in LA. The safety market has pushed up nicely this summer, thanks to deals for Jamal Adams, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Marcus Williams. James belongs squarely in this mix, with $18.4M per year, $38M guaranteed as the current ceiling. Honorable Mention: Antoine Winfield Jr. (TB, $16.3M), Amani Hooker (TEN, $16.7M)

 

Special Teams: Matt Gay (K, LAR, $5M)

While consistent (98% PAT, 94% FG), Gay probably doesn’t belong in the Justin Tucker/Harrison Butker conversation just yet. All said though, a $5M per year $12M+ guaranteed extension should be in the cards. Honorable Mention: Greg Joseph (K, MIN, $4.75M), Deonte Harty (KR, $10M)


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