Playing for Pay Days

Michael Ginnitti
Michael Ginnitti, Managing Editor & NFL/MLB ExpertSeptember 04, 2022
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As fantasy drafts finalize approaching the real Week 1, a quick dive into players we'll be watching extra closely this season (fantasy and real), as they may be playing themselves into big pay raises next spring.

Quarterbacks

Lamar Jackson (BAL)

Unmatched fantasy ceiling potential, should be motivated to put up huge regardless of the offensive game plan. Lamar Jackson/Josh Allen entered the league as similar prospects but Buffalo has done much more to develop JA as a passer via scheme, supporting cast, offseason adjustments etc. The Ravens offensive personnel and scheme is almost identical to when Jackson debuted in 2018. It’s fair to wonder where he’d be developmentally if in a different situation.

Spotrac True Value Stat Ranks:
2019: QB1
2020: QB3
2021: QB6

With this said - Lamar doesn't need to prove anything else on the field to ensure a big payday. He's holding his foot down to normalize Deshaun Watson's contract, something no other QB has been able to do as of yet. If he doesn't give in, there may very well be a $45M tag in his immediate future.

Baker Mayfield (CAR)

This is simply a bet on the player returning to (2018-2020) levels rather than the version we saw in 2021. Recurring shoulder injuries derailed his season and a deteriorating situation in Cleveland solidified his exit. Now, a fresh start in Carolina should have Mayfield motivated to prove he’s still a starting caliber QB. The division isn't nearly as competitive as some others, and there are paths to success here if you squint hard enough. If he does bounce back, it’s hard to see Carolina letting him leave after the season considering they’ve scrambled at QB since Cam Newton left. There's a world where we're projecting a franchise tag for Mayfield in a few months.

Also: Jalen Hurts (PHI), Ryan Tannehill (TEN), Geno Smith (SEA)

Running Backs

Derrick Henry (TEN)

Tennessee sweetened his 2022 pot a bit ($2M more cash, $5.2M less cap), further increasing his 2023 cap hit to $15.75M. In other words, something is going to give after the upcoming season. If he's still same ole Derrick Henry come Christmas, a restructured extension becomes extremely likely.

Aaron Jones (GB)

Jones' cap hit increases from $5.9M this year to $20M next year. There's also $16M cash built into the 2023 season, including a $7M roster bonus due in early March. With AJ Dillon chomping at the bit for a full-time role, the Packers may already have a trade/release built into Jones' future. But with Davante Adams gone, it stands to reason that the Packers offense can utilize Jones in a variety of ways for all three downs. If he has the year many expect him to, there will be pressure on Green Bay to flex this contract.

Also: Saquon Barkley (NYG), David Montgomery (CHI), Tony Pollard (DAL)

Wide Receivers

Juju Smith-Schuster (KC)

Set up for a potential monster year as the top WR in a high upside Chiefs offense with minimal target competition. Turns only 26 in November, should be in the midst of his prime. Recency bias makes us overlook his breakthrough 111/1426/7 sophomore season and he posted 97 catches, 9 TDs in 2020. Recent down years coincided with Ben Roethlisberger's decline. I’ll attribute Juju's lack of production to a limited offense led by a 40 year old quarterback rather than an actual decline in skills.

He signed a total ‘prove it’ deal (1yr/$3.76m) and I expect him to shatter that ROI. Early favorite to lead our 2023 TVS among veteran WRs. With that said, it's rare for a player to accept a $4M contract, then jump up to $25M in a matter of months. Teams pay what plays accept themselves at. He's probably on a Robbie Anderson/Corey Davis financial path from here out.

DJ Chark (DET)

Another bet on talent, buy low in a new situation with a ‘prove it’ contract (1yr/$10m). Former 2nd rd pick in 2018 (61st overall). Intriguing size/speed profile that never completely translated in underwhelming Jacksonville offense outside of 1,000 season in 2019. Again, I’ll give the player a pass and blame his lack of production on the situation (Bortles, Foles, Minshew, Urban Meyer). One could argue his current QB Jared Goff is only marginally better but offense showed competence in 2021. The Lions were 30th in yards per play allowed in 2021 and defense barely improved. Team should get into plenty of shootouts which sets up nicely for fantasy production. If this leads Chark to breakout performance, could enter 2023 FA as the most coveted WR on the market.

Allen Lazard (GB)

Lazard doesn’t have the typical profile or production of a receiver that gets a big contract. This is simply about opportunity and potential production in a contract year. Davante Adams departure leaves a huge target void that will get filled by an unproven group of receivers. Enter Lazard who played a mostly ancillary role in recent years but filled in as WR1 whenever Adams missed time and has shown clear chemistry with Aaron Rodgers. I expect Rodgers to lean on him early and often which could lead to career highs. Lazard already feels like the worst value 2023 FA WR contract.

Also: Marquise Brown (ARI), Jacobi Meyers (NE), Mecole Hardman (KC), Parris Campbell (IND)

Tight Ends

Dawson Knox (BUF)

Developmental TE who emerged as a high end red zone threat in 2021. Will need strong follow up performance to prove it wasn’t a fluke. TDs will likely regress but obvious chemistry with Josh Allen and plenty of primetime visibility should boost him into both high production and league popularity. Both pay well.

Foster Moreau (LV)

Talented TE stuck behind Darren Waller, who should see a new contract announced once he returns to full health. He should see more opportunities in Josh McDaniels' two TE offensive sets, and could play himself into a bit of an overpay on the open market (Jonnu Smith, Hayden Hurst, etc...)

Also: Dalton Schultz (DAL), Mike Gesicki (MIA), T.J. Hockenson (DET)


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