Giving Thanks: The NFL Best Values

Michael Ginnitti
Michael Ginnitti, Managing Editor & NFL/MLB ExpertNovember 22, 2023
© USA TODAY Sports

Which players are NFL teams most thankful for this holiday season? Based on Spotrac’s True Value Statistic, these are the players offering the most value against their 2023 compensation through 11 weeks of the NFL season (minimum 50% games).

 

QUARTERBACKS

Tua Tagovailoa (Dolphins, 98.65), Brock Purdy (49ers, 93.75), C.J. Stroud (Texans, 93.01)

Honestly, it’s a neck & neck & neck conversation here, as all three currently carry a TVs Rating just north of 93 in our system. Tua is staring down a contract extension next spring, Purdy could find himself in the Super Bowl in a few months, and Stroud is the runaway rookie of the year.

Best Value Veteran: Josh Allen (Bills, 88.49)

RUNNING BACKS

Raheem Mostert (Dolphins, 98.65), Kyren Williams (Rams, 96.53), Brian Robinson (Commanders, 89.59)

No running back has a perfect resume this time of year, but Mostert is absolutely flourishing in this Miami system. He’s on pace for career numbers both as a runner and a pass catcher, and may score 20 total TDs when it’s all said and done.

Next Best Value Veteran: Christian McCaffrey (49ers, 86.51)

WIDE RECEIVERS

Amon-Ra St. Brown (Lions, 99.36), CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys, 99.34), Brandon Aiyuk (49ers, 98.69)

St. Brown (99.36) and Lamb (99.34) are in a virtual value tie heading toward Week 12, and both should be up for significant contract extensions in the coming months. The same might be said for Aiyuk, who is playing out Year 4 of his rookie contract, with an already exercised $14.1M 5th-year-option waiting in 2024.

Best Value Veteran: Tyreek Hill (Dolphins, 91.17)

TIGHT ENDS

Sam LaPorta (Lions, 98.24), George Kittle (49ers, 97.95), Jake Ferguson (Cowboys, 96.70)

LaPorta is on pace for 85 catches, 850 yards, and 7 TDs in his debut season, and could be on a fast track to being the league’s best TE sooner rather than later. Kittle is playing out Year 4 of a 6 year contract in San Francisco, and Ferguson has quickly become one of Dak Prescott’s goto targets in Year 2 of his 4th round rookie contract.

Next Best Value Veteran: Travis Kelce (Chiefs, 96.26)

OFFENSIVE TACKLES

Christian Darrisaw (Vikings, 98.71), Penei Sewell (Lions, 95.49)

The Joshua Dobbs story is fun, but the real reason the Vikings are keeping a crumbling ship afloat may be their offensive line play, beginning with Darrisaw. The 24-year-old becomes extension eligible after 2023. Andrew Thomas’ $23.5M per year; $67M guaranteed is very much in play. Sewell is in a similar boat in Detroit, as the former #t7 overall pick can lock in a rookie extension after this season as well. He’s a franchise talent.

Best Value Veteran: Trenton Brown (NE, 92.48)

GUARDS

Quinn Meinerz (Broncos, 98.21), Greg Van Roten (Raiders, 94.82)

Van Roten signed a near minimum contract to join Las Vegas this past May and has held the fort down nicely. The 31-year-old should have no trouble locking in a new deal next March. Meinerz was a 3rd round pick back in 2021 and has improved every year, culminating with 2023. He becomes extension eligible for the first time after 2023.

Next Best Value Veteran: Graham Glasgow (Lions, 94.40)

CENTERS

Drew Dalman (Falcons, 99.56), Creed Humphrey (Chiefs, 97.22)

Neither Dalman or Humphrey are surprising anyone anymore, as both have had outstanding 2 ½ seasons to begin their careers. Humphrey was the #63 pick in the 2021 draft, while Dalman was selected a few rounds later at #114. Both become extension eligible after 2023 and should be considered strong candidates to reset the center market (($14.25M per year, $42M guaranteed).

Best Value Veteran: Connor Williams (Dolphins, 95.32)

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

Jalen Carter (Eagles, 99.44), Justin Madubuike (Ravens, 98.04)

Carter’s making a strong case to claim Defensive Rookie of the Year in Philly, making plenty of NFL teams regret letting him slip to #9 overall this past May. Madubuike is having a breakout season in a contract year - always a good recipe. He’s an $18.5M player in our system heading toward the offseason.

Best Value Veteran: David Onyemata (Falcons, 93.82)

EDGE DEFENDERS

Micah Parsons (Cowboys, 98.65), A.J. Epenesa (Bills, 99.26)

Parsons continues to do Parsons this in Dallas, and he mathematically projects to a 4 year, $114M extension this offseason. Logic says that numbers needs to be closer to $140M to peak his interest. Epenesa entered 2023 with 9 sacks and 2 forced fumbles in 3 seasons. He enters Week 12 with 6.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception.

Best Value Veteran: Myles Garrett (Browns, 92.34)

LINEBACKERS

Tyrel Dodson (Bills, 97.03), Quincy Williams (Jets, 96,68)

Dodson has had the mammoth task of picking up the slack left by Matt Milano’s injury, and for the most part - he’s held his own. Factor in a minimum $1.01M salary, and Buffalo is getting plenty from the 25-year-old UDFA. Quincy WIlliams might just be the next big star coming out of NY/NJ. Every time the Jets have been thrust into the spotlight this season - Williams has been up to the task. He’s in Year 1 of a 3 year, $18M contract.

Next Best Value Veteran: Foyesade Oluokun (Jaguars, 92.22)

CORNERBACKS

DaRon Bland (Cowboys, 99.83), Ja’Quan McMillian (Broncos, 99.49)

Bland has been the gift that keeps on giving in Dallas, and his 5th round rookie contract makes it all a little bit sweeter. He won’t become extension eligible until after 2024. The Broncos secondary is loaded with high priced talent - but McMillian makes this list on a minimum salary, UDFA contract. His emergence has been just one example of why the Broncos have turned a corner of late.

Best Value Veteran: Tavierre Thomas (Texans, 95.21)

SAFETIES

Jevon Holland (Dolphins, 98.3), Antoine Winfield Jr. (Buccaneers, 98.1)

The Dolphins have players all over this list, including their young ballhawk Holland, who has now put together 2 seasons near the top of the league. He’ll be entering a contract year in 2024. Winfield Jr. is in a contract year, and the Buccaneers will have a mighty decision to make this Spring, as the 25-year-old has a legitimate chance to reset the safety market ($19.1M per year, $42M guaranteed).

Best Value Veteran: Geno Stone (Ravens, 89.99)


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