Super Bowl 59 will feature two familiar foes, as the Kansas City Chiefs & Philadelphia Eagles will meet in New Orleans. The matchup highlights two Top 10 cash spending teams from 2024, with the Eagles ranking 3rd, and the Chiefs 9th this past season. When combining the average salaries of their 53-man rosters, the Eagles stand atop the league, with over $350M allocated. KC drops down to 19th in this regard, thanks to a defense loaded with rookie contracts (for a minute).

Notable Notes

• 4 Kansas City Chiefs players carried the highest average salary at their position in 2024: TE Travis Kelce ($17.1M), C Creed Humphrey ($18M), DT Chris Jones ($31.75M), K Harrison Butker ($6.4M)
• Only 1 Eagles player carried a Top APY in 2024: G Landon Dickerson ($21M)
• Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, & Dallas Goedert combined for $71.6M cash this season. Every single RB, WR, & TE for the Chiefs earned just over $57M combined.
• Both starting QBs have a contract escalator based on the outcome of the Super Bowl
• Both of these teams are Top 3 spenders toward Special Teams, while the Eagles are the most expensive offense in football
• 6 Eagles were named All-Pro in 2024, but only 1 (pending free agent Zack Baun) will be in need of a contract.
• 4 Chiefs were named All-Pro in 2024. Two of them (Joe Thuney, Trent McDuffie) are headed toward contract extensions.

Offense/Defense Cash Ranks

Positional Spending Breakdowns
Kansas City Chiefs
Philadelphia Eagles

Quarterback Futures

Patrick Mahomes has 7 years $315.7M remaining on his massive contract in KC, but, thanks to a recent modification/salary advance, only the next three years ($160M) are really worth considering. The 29-year-old carries a massive $66.2M cap hit in 2025, but a full cap conversion on his salary/roster bonus can lower that down to $28M as needed. Mahomes can add $1.25M to his 2025 salary with a Super Bowl win.

Jalen Hurts has 4 years, $195M remaining on his sophomore extension, but a Super Bowl win will escalate all of his remaining salaries by $500,000. A 6-bonus structure on his contract keeps salary cap hits tempered, including a team-friendly $21.7M for 2025.

The Running Back Comparison

Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, & Samaje Perine have combined to be integral pieces to the KC puzzle this year at just a $3.5M price tag. The last time the Chiefs paid a RB more than $5M cash was in 2020, Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s signing bonus season. Before that? Jamaal Charles in 2016. This value isn’t an accident - it’s a plan. Pacheco is on the books at just $1.1M in 2025, the final season of his rookie contract.

After years of paying this position extremely close to the vest (2015 DeMarco Murray was the last $5M+ running back), Philly made one of the bigger offseason splashes in adding Saquon Barkley to the mix. A Super Bowl victory will mean a $15M payout for Barkley in 2024, 3rd most among running backs last season. The almost 28-year-old is fully guaranteed through 2025 at $11M.

The Wide Receiver Comparison

Xavier Worthy’s $7.6M was the biggest payout the Chiefs made to a WR in 2024, which aligned with his WR-team-high 98 targets. KC handed out a little over $26M to its 9 wideouts this past season, despite many of them missing significant time (Skyy Moore, Rashee Rice, Marquise Brown). Rice remains in his rookie deal through 2026, Worthy won’t be extension eligible until after the 2026 season, while Brown & DeAndre Hopkins are headed for free agency this March.

Philly paid out over $47M to its 6 wideouts this past season, including $42.6M to A.J. Brown & DeVonta Smith alone. 5 of these receivers are under contract in 2025, with Brown guaranteed $62.75M and Smith guaranteed $48.5M through 2027.

2024 Positional Cash Rankings

Where the Chiefs/Eagles ranked in terms of cash spending at each respective position group this past season

Notable Extension Candidates

Chiefs
G Trey Smith
The 6th round pick out of Tennessee has seen his stock explode in recent months. He’ll be considered one of the top available free agents this March if allowed to get there, with a 4 year, $80M projection attached to him in our system.

OL Joe Thuney
The starting left guard for the better of 4 seasons in KC has been filling in admirably at left tackle a bit down the stretch as well. He’s as valuable an offensive lineman as the league currently has, and despite being 32-years-old, should be considered an extension candidate this winter (especially as it will lower his current $27M cap figure). A 2 year, $40M tack-on could be in the cards here.

CB Trent McDuffie
The #21 overall pick back in 2022 is now extension-eligible for the first time, joining a growing list of young defensive backs that should easily reset this market. McDuffie enters 2025 with a 3 year, $66M valuation attached to him.

Eagles
EDGE Josh Sweat
The 27-year-old signed a 1 year, $10M renegotiated contract to remain in Philly, responding with 8 sacks and 41 tackles. He may have priced himself out of the Eagles constraints this time around, projecting toward a 3 year, $45M contract in our system.

LB Zack Baun
The 28-year-old signed a 1 year, $1.6M contract to join Philly last March, and is now a 1st-Team All-Pro linebacker. He’s a near $10M per year player in our system this time around.

C Cam Jurgens
No longer just “Jason Kelce’s replacement”, Jurgens shined in his first season as Jalen Hurts’ center (including a Pro Bowl nod). He’s entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2025, projecting toward a 3 year, $25 million extension in our system.

Notable Free Agents

Chiefs
Trey Smith is largely considered the most prominent free agent on the open market and could be in line to test Landon Dickerson's $21M per year figure. 

• G Trey Smith
• WR DeAndre Hopkins
• S Justin Reid
• LB Nick Bolton
• WR Marquise Brown
• VIEW ALL

Eagles
Zack Baun turned a 1 year, $3.5M contract into 1st-Team All-Pro. Josh Sweat should be seeking a multi-year guarantee this time around as well after a 1 year, $10M deal in Philly.

• LB Zack Baun
• DE Josh Sweat
• G Mekhi Becton
• VIEW ALL

Before the chaos of the NFL offseason kicks into gear, we’ll dive into five players who appear poised to lock in a contract extension in the coming weeks and months, providing outcome predictions for each.

QB Brock Purdy (SF, 25)

Remaining Contract: 1 year, $5M

Purdy’s 2025 salary will escalate from $1M up to around $5M thanks to a Proven Performance Bonus (figure to be determined once the 2025 league salary cap is set). It’s a small consolation prize for a player who has been providing his team with as much financial value as possible for the better part of 3 seasons.

Has Purdy done enough to demand a near top of the market contract? Does his value outside of the 49ers create leverage? Will the Niners play hardball here? Common sense says the two sides move quickly on this deal, coming in at a healthy, but not crushing, bottom line number.

Let’s keep this simple and cap adjust the Daniel Jones contract from 2023:

Prediction: 4 years, $194M, $100M guaranteed

ED Micah Parsons (DAL, 25)

Remaining Contract: 1 year, $24M

Parsons produced 12 sacks, 43 tackles, and 2 forced fumbles in just 13 games for the Cowboys last season and will enter a contract year in 2025 (fully guaranteed $24M 5th-year option salary). He’s been one of the games most productive edge defenders since stepping onto the field back in 2021, and should be of Dallas’ top priority signings this offseason.

The top numbers for edge defenders currently stand at: $34M APY, $122.5M GTD, though it should be noted (since the Cowboys tend to wait until the last minute with these things) that T.J. Watt, Myles Garrett, Max Crosby, and Zach Allen are all contract extension candidates this offseason as well, which should continue to push this market even further.

Prediction: 4 years, $150M ($115M guaranteed)

WR Ja’Marr Chase (CIN, 24)

Remaining Contract: 1 year, $21.8M

127 catches, 1,708 yards, 17 touchdowns. There are certainly worse ways to launch yourself into a contract negotiation offseason, and Justin Jefferson’s $35M APY, $110M guaranteed could very much be in danger here. While drops remain a bit of a concern (9 in 2024), the former #5 overall pick has done more than enough to warrant a market resetting contract this spring.

Prediction: 4 years, $145M ($100M guaranteed)

CB Derek Stingley Jr. (HOU, 23)

Remaining Contract: 1 year, $5.4M + 2026 option

The #3 overall pick in 2022 now has 11 interceptions in 37 games and enters the offseason as PFF’s 4th highest rated cornerback. Houston will (of course) exercise his 5th year option before the May 2nd deadline, then should have its sights on locking in Stingley to a deal in the same ballpark as Patrick Surtain’s extension in Denver (4 years, $96M, $77.5M guaranteed).

Prediction: 4 years, $105M ($83M guaranteed)

S Kyle Hamilton (BLT, 23)

Remaining Contract: 1 year, $2.9M + 2026 option

Hamilton’s versatility fills up the box score on a weekly basis (107 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and a pick in 2024), and the #2 rated safety in football according to PFF is now extension-eligible for the first time at just 23 years old.

The safety market got a nice bump last offseason with Antoine Winfield Jr.’s extension in Tampa Bay. Hamilton should all but destroy his numbers ($21M APY, 53.5% guaranteed). Assuming the Ravens exercise Hamilton’s 5th-year option (estimated $18.3M) before extending him, he’ll be carrying around $21M with him into the negotiation.

Prediction: 3 years, $75M ($58M guaranteed)

A look at player contracts from each of the 14 NFL playoff teams that we’re watching for one reason or another over the course of the next few weeks/months.

RELATED: 2025 NFL Free Agents

Baltimore Ravens

C Tyler Linderbaum
Entering Year 4 of his rookie contract. Baltimore is a lock to exercise his 5th-year option for 2026, but an extension is very much on the table this offseason. He’s a 3 year, $50M player in our system.

LT Ronnie Stanley
The 30-year-old had the healthiest season of his career in 2024 on a renegotiated 1-year contract, setting up a tough decision for the Ravens’ front office this March. He holds a 2 year, $42M valuation in our system heading toward 2025.

S Kyle Hamilton
This one seems pretty simple, as Hamilton has quickly become the best safety in all of football. Mathematically speaking, he projects to become the highest paid safety in NFL history. A 3 year, $61M extension is the starting point.

Buffalo Bills

CB Christian Benford
Benford joins a growing list of cornerbacks around the league (Stingley Jr., Gardner, Humphrey, McDuffie) who could push this market into the $25M+ per year category. He’s been one of the best shutdown corners in the game over the past 2 seasons, and he enters a contract year in 2025. He’s a 4 year, $92M player in our system right now.

DE Greg Rousseau
After a slow start to his rookie campaign, Rousseau has now posted 3 straight productive, consistent seasons in Buffalo, including career-best numbers this past season. He holds a fully guaranteed $13.3M 5th-year option salary in 2025, projecting toward a 4 year, $100M extension in our system.

RB James Cook
Cook will be entering a contract year in 2025, set to earn a projected $5M based on a Proven Performance Bonus. He just posted one of the best overall rushing seasons in Bills’ history, proving his worth and then some to this Buffalo offense. He’s a $9M player in our system as of today, projecting toward a 4 year, $36M contract.

Denver Broncos

DE Zach Allen
Allen heads into a contract year after posting the most productive season of his career in 2024. With a $19.8M cap figure, Denver will be motivated to extend the 27-year-old both for football and business purposes this winter. He holds a 3 year, $66M projection in our system.

OLB Nik Bonitto
The 2nd rounder out of Oklahoma has improved each season, culminating with an outstanding 2024 campaign (14 sacks, 48 tackles, 2 forced fumbles and an interception). He enters the final year of his rookie contract, where a Proven Performance Bonus should escalate his salary near $5M. The 25-year-old holds a 4 year, $94M projection in our system.

WR Courtland Sutton
Sutton was offered an incentive package before the 2024 season to “sweeten the pot” a bit. He responded with near-career numbers across the board and showed a clear fit with new QB Bo Nix. He enters a contract year in 2025, carrying a 3 year, $69M valuation in our system.

Detroit Lions

CB Carlton Davis
The pending free agent has helped stabilize a once deficient Lions’ D, and should hit the open market as one of the top available free agents. He’s in line for a 3 year, $42M contract based on our valuation.

DL Aidan Hutchinson
Recovery from a broken leg notwithstanding, every part of Hutchinson’s NFL start has been both productive, and exponentially improving annually. He’s extension-eligible for the first time now, holding a $30.5M valuation in our system. Nick Bosa’s $34M per year should very much be in sight here.

Green Bay Packers

CB Jaire Alexander
Alexander has missed significant time in each of the past 2 seasons, putting his 2 years, $37M remaining very much in question. A late season knee injury/IR stint probably means the Packers move on next March.

WR Romeo Doubs
The Packers passing game hasn’t been much to write home about of late, but Doubs has consistently been QB Jordan Love’s go to target down the stretch (especially with Christian Watson suffering another tough injury). The 24-year-old is entering a contract year in 2025, and could very well garner a multi-year extension to remain in the fold thereafter. As a fringe WR2/WR1, Doubs currently projects toward a 4 year, $86M extension in our system.

LB Quay Walker
Walker has been “solid” as an off-ball linebacker in Green Bay for the better part of three seasons, but he hasn’t lived up to the #22 overall status the Packers were hoping for back in 2022. Despite a starting role, look for Walker’s name to be floated in offseason trades this winter. The 24-year-old is guaranteed $2.6M next season, with a decision looming on his 2026 5th-year option.

Houston Texans

CB Derek Stingley Jr.
Back-to-back massive seasons for the #3 overall pick from 2022 has Stingley Jr. primed to reset the CB market this offseason. He’s owed $5.4M in 2025, with a certain to be exercised 5th-year option for 2026, so let’s tack on 3 years, $75M to all of that and call it a day.

G Kenyon Green
Green’s role in Houston appears to be on thin ice, as veteran stopgaps have taken away precious snaps from him in each of the past two seasons. He enters Year 4 of his rookie contract in 2025, with a decision to be made on a 5th year option looming as well. The #15 overall pick back in 2022 could be on the trade block this winter.

Kansas City Chiefs

G Trey Smith
The 6th round pick out of Tennessee has seen his stock explode in recent months. He’ll be considered one of the top available free agents this March if allowed to get there, with a 4 year, $80M projection attached to him in our system.

OL Joe Thuney
The starting left guard for the better of 4 seasons in KC has been filling in admirably at left tackle a bit down the stretch as well. He’s as valuable an offensive lineman as the league currently has, and despite being 32-years-old, should be considered an extension candidate this winter (especially as it will lower his current $27M cap figure). A 2 year, $40M tack-on could be in the cards here.

CB Trent McDuffie
The #21 overall pick back in 2022 is now extension-eligible for the first time, joining a growing list of young defensive backs that should easily reset this market. McDuffie enters 2025 with a 3 year, $66M valuation attached to him.

Los Angeles Chargers

RB JK Dobbins
The oft-injured 26-year-old did miss a few weeks with a knee knock, but for the most part proved to be a legitimate weapon for the new-look Chargers offense. Has he done enough to warrant a multi-year deal this time around? He’s a $7.3M/year player in our system on the surface.

LT Rashawn Slater
Slater battled injuries early on in his rookie deal, but the former #13 overall pick now seems a lock to be Justin Herbert’s blindside protection for the foreseeable future. He enters 2025 on a fully guaranteed $19M 5th-year option salary, carrying a $25.5M per year valuation in our system.

EDGE Khalil Mack
While he didn’t come near the 17-sack, 6 forced fumble performance he posted in 2023, Mack still proved to be one of the best edge defenders in all of football this past season. The almost 34-year-old is a pending free agent, but an incentive-laden deal to remain in LA seems plausible. 1 year, $7.5M with a chance to get to $10M might get it done.

Los Angeles Rams

WR Demarcus Robinson
The 30-year-old played a much more significant role than anticipated, filling in for frequent injuries to Cooper Kupp & Puka Nacua throughout the season. A pending free agent, Robinson could be in the market for the 1 year, $4M contract he just finished out.

WR Cooper Kupp
Kupp has 2 years, $39M remaining on his contract, but the 31-year-old has struggled to remain healthy each of the past 3 seasons. With that said, Kupp is still both highly productive & valuable to this Rams’ offense when available, and a $5M roster bonus for 2025 is already fully guaranteed. But this (along with QB Matthew Stafford) is still a situation to watch this offseason.

Minnesota Vikings

QB Sam Darnold
Regardless of where you land on the “should they keep him or not” debate, nobody can deny the magical season Darnold just posted. Signed as a mere stopgap to hold the Minnesota fort down in 2024, there’s a legitimate path to $40M+ this winter (either via a tag, extension, or free agent contract).

OT Cam Robinson
Brought over from Jacksonville at the deadline to step in for the injured Christian Darrisaw, Robinson will be considered one of top available free agent OL on the market this March. He’s a 3 year, $42M player in our system.

RB Aaron Jones
Jones posted a career-high 1,546 yards from scrimmage with 7 total touchdowns on a 1 year, $7M contract in Minnesota. Despite eclipsing the 30-years-old mark last month, Jones appears worthy of another go around in 2025. He’s a 1 year, $6M player in our system

Philadelphia Eagles

EDGE Josh Sweat
The 27-year-old signed a 1 year, $10M renegotiated contract to remain in Philly, responding with 8 sacks and 41 tackles. He may have priced himself out of the Eagles constraints this time around, projecting toward a 3 year, $45M contract in our system.

LB Zack Baun
The 28-year-old signed a 1 year, $1.6M contract to join Philly last March, and is now a 1st-Team All-Pro linebacker. He’s a near $10M per year player in our system this time around.

C Cam Jurgens
No longer just “Jason Kelce’s replacement”, Jurgens shined in his first season as Jalen Hurts’ center (including a Pro Bowl nod). He’s entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2025, projecting toward a 3 year, $25 million extension in our system.

Pittsburgh Steelers

OLB T.J. Watt
Just another 12 sacks, 40 tackle, 6 forced fumble, Pro Bowl/All-Pro season from the 30-year-old future Hall of Famer. Watt is entering a contract year in 2025, set to earn $21M. He projects toward a 4 year, $121M extension in our system, but there’s a legitimate discussion to be had about $40M per year here (especially if the Steelers decide to rip the band-aid off and go young/cheap elsewhere on this roster).

WR George Pickens
It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster ride for Pickens and the Steelers, leading toward a potential crossroads this offseason. The 23-year-old (yes, really) is entering a contract year in 2025, with three options on the table: Hold and let this contract play out. Trade Pickens for draft assets. Extend the fringe WR1 (currently valued at 4 years, $94M in our system).

QB Justin Fields / QB Russell Wilson
The Steelers enter the offseason with no quarterbacks under contract, so obviously something has to give in the coming weeks. Adding a QB in the upcoming draft seems like a lock (even if it’s a mid-round flier), but it also stands to reason that one of Wilson or Fields will be back in the fold for 2025. Wilson handedly took this job over when he became healthy enough to do so, but really struggled to maintain a high level of productivity down the stretch. In either case here, a 1 year, $10M incentive-laden contract makes sense. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

WR Chris Godwin
A devastating ankle injury put an end to Godwin’s 2024 campaign, but with slim-pickings set to be available in the WR free agent market, it shouldn’t damage his ability to cash in too much. 3rd-round pick Jalen McMillan appears poised to step into the WR2 role for TB going forward, putting Godwin in a position to change teams for the first time in his career. He’s a 3 year, $66M player in our system.

LB Lavonte David
The 34-year-old just refuses to slow down, turning a 1 year, $8.5M contract into 122 tackles, 6 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and an interception this past season. Run it back at the same price for one more season?

Washington Commanders

WR Terry McLaurin
With Jayden Daniels now firmly entrenched as the leader of this offseason for the foreseeable future, McLaurin is finally able to maximize his talents (and find the end zone regularly). The 29-year-old enters a contract year in 2025, set to earn $19.65M. A 3 year, $84M extension to keep him in the fold makes sense.

EDGE Dante Fowler Jr.
Fowler signed his third straight “show-me” deal in March of 2024, a 1 year, $3.25M contract with the Commanders. He added $1.6M to that based on both playing time, and his 11 sack performance on the field. Has he earned a muti-year deal this time around? Spotrac has him on a 3 year, $16M deal this offseason.

RB Brian Robinson
The Commanders are a better offense when Robinson is healthy and on the field. The 25-year-old enters a contract year in 2025, but could be in line for a 3 year, $27M extension to remain in the fold as this young team grows up quickly.

Chicago Bears

Caleb Williams enters Year 2 of his rookie contract, with cap hits of $8.9M, $10.7M, & $12.5M through 2027. He won’t become extension-eligible until after the 2026 season, and the Bears hold a 5th-year option on him in 2028 if needed.

QB2 Tyson Bagent is scheduled for restricted free agency this winter. Tendering him at the first right of refusal should cost around $3M in 2025.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Trevor Lawrence enters Year 2 of his 7 year, $306.3M total value contract in Jacksonville, set to earn $37.5M in 2025. His cap hits remain extremely team-friendly thanks to the use of a signing bonus & four option bonuses over the course of the contract (Lawrence stands to account for $17M of cap in 2025). There are early vesting guarantees through 2028 on this deal, making this at least a 4 year, $163M contract for practical purposes.

Backups Mac Jones & C.J. Beathard are both pending unrestricted free agents.

Las Vegas Raiders

$3.16M of Gardner Minshew’s 2025 salary is already fully guaranteed, but that only represents 25% of the $12.5M he’s set to be owed next season. He’s a keep, trade, and release candidate this offseason as he recovers from a collarbone injury.

Aidan O’Connell enter Year 3 of his rookie contract, set to earn $1M in 2025, and $1.1M in 2026 (barring a Proven Performance Bonus). The Raiders are certain to add another QB to the mix this offseason, but O’Connell’s near minimum, non-guaranteed contract should allow for him to compete in 2025.

The Raiders hold the #6 pick in the upcoming draft.

New England Patriots

Drake Maye enters Year 2 of his rookie contract, with cap hits of $8.3M, $9.9M, & $11.6M through 2027. He won’t become extension-eligible until after the 2026 season, and New England holds a 5th-year option in 2028 as needed.

Jacoby Brissett is a pending unrestricted free agent this March.

New Orleans Saints

Derek Carr has a fully guaranteed $10M roster bonus in 2025 to go along with a $30M base salary that becomes guaranteed March 14th. He’s already on the record stating he won’t be taking a pay cut this winter, so for now it appears imminent that he’ll remain with the Saints through 2025. He holds $50.1M of dead cap against a $51.4M salary cap figure for the upcoming season.

Spencer Rattler enters Year 2 of his rookie contract, with non-guaranteed minimum salaries on the books through 2027.

The Saints hold the #9 pick in the upcoming draft.

New York Jets

Aaron Rodgers’ $35M option bonus isn’t due until the start of the 2025 regular season, but it’s largely expected that a decision on his future in NY will come at the beginning of the league year (March 12th). The Jets would take on $49M of dead cap to release/trade the 41-year-old.

$2.5M of Tyrod Taylor’s $6M 2025 salary is fully guaranteed already, and his deal carries plenty of incentives to bump that up based on playing time and production. It stands to reason that Taylor could be in the Jets’ plans next season regardless of who else is brought in at the position.

The Jets hold the #7 pick in the upcoming draft.

Honorable Mention: Dallas Cowboys

With current HC Mike McCarthy’s contract set to expire in the coming days, it’s plausible that the Cowboys could find themselves in this mix sooner rather than later.

Dak Prescott is entering Year 2 of a 5 year, $274M contract, set to earn $47.75M in 2025. He holds a league-high $89.9M cap hit for the upcoming season that can (will) be lowered down to $52.7M after a salary conversion. The deal carries early vesting guarantees through 2027, making this a 3 year, $132.75M contract for practical purposes.

Cooper Rush & Trey Lance are both pending unrestricted free agents.

As the calendar flips to 2025, Spotrac dives into 10 looming scenarios that could come to fruition in the coming weeks and months, including potential trades, extensions, releases, & retirements.

The New York Jets and QB Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers is due a non-guaranteed $37.5M in 2025, including a $35M option bonus that doesn’t need to be exercised until the beginning of the regular season. While his $23.5M cap figure next season isn’t overly restraining, it seems wildly unlikely that a Jets/Rodgers relationship will continue.

The contract carries $49M of dead cap due to previously paid out bonuses. The Jets will have the choice to take that all on in 2025, designate him a Post June 1st release (splitting the cap into $14M for 2025/$35M for 2026), or simply waiting until after June 1st to process a release (or a potential Rodgers retirement).

Prediction: The Jets outright release Aaron Rodgers in early March, taking on all $49M of dead cap in 2025 as they look to fully reset their roster & financials. Rodgers takes the spring to assess his options, ultimately opting for retirement after 20 seasons.

The Buffalo Bills and QB Josh Allen

Allen’s contract was adjusted this past March to bring money forward, giving the 28-year-old a $60M base payout in 2024. There’s another $5M available based on playoffs & and MVP win. The maneuver leaves just $14.5M of base cash available in 2025 now, making it very likely that another adjustment will be necessary.

Allen has 4 years, $129.5M remaining on his contract through 2028, a $32.3M APY. With top QB contracts now nearly doubling this mark, it stands to reason that the Bills could opt to start fresh with a brand new deal for the 28-year-old.

Prediction: The Bills and Josh Allen agree to a 5 year, $290 million renegotiated contract through the 2029 season that includes $232M guaranteed for practical purposes. 

The Cleveland Browns and DE Myles Garrett

The last place Browns possess 8 contracts with a total value of $50M or more, putting the pressure on this front office to either get back to winning immediately - or start selling pieces to reduce the financial blow (and help mitigate a rebuild).

Garrett’s contract holds 2 years, $44.7M remaining on it, and the league’s top edge rushers will soon be approaching $40M per year (especially after Micah Parsons and T.J. Watt lock in new deals this offseason). Cleveland will be pressured into considering a Garrett extension this Spring as well, but it might not be in the best interest for their current window.

Prediction: The Browns trade Myles Garrett to the Arizona Cardinals for a 1st, 3rd, & 5th round draft pick. Arizona signs Garrett to a 4 year, $140 million renegotiated contract through 2028 that includes $91M guaranteed.

The Green Bay Packers and Jaire Alexander

The Packers have pushed a lot of right buttons over the course of the past decade or so, but the 4 year, $84 million extension for Alexander might go down as a bit of a miss (at least according to their standards). After an outstanding 2022 campaign, the 27-year-old has missed significant time in each of the past two seasons, putting his future in Green Bay in serious doubt.

Alexander’s contract contains 2 years, $37M remaining, but none of it is guaranteed, and there are no early offseason bonuses to contend with.

Prediction: The Packers release Jaire Alexander this March, taking on a $19.1M dead cap hit, freeing up $6.7M of space. Alexander signs a 1 year, $10M contract with the New England Patriots for the 2025 season.

The Minnesota Vikings and their Quarterbacks

Minnesota will be a must-follow franchise for the next few months as they navigate one of the best problems in all of sports: too many quarterbacks at their disposal.

Sam Darnold’s 2024 was a revelation, setting up the Vikings to put #10 overall pick J.J. McCarthy in a holding pattern until further notice. Darnold is a pending free agent, so the decision to keep him will prove expensive. But losing him could prove even more costly.

Prediction: The Vikings apply a $39M+ franchise tag on Sam Darnold, then trade J.J. McCarthy to the Las Vegas Raiders days before the NFL Draft. Darnold and the Vikings agree on a 4 year, $196M extension before the July 15 deadline that includes $110M guaranteed.

The Cincinnati Bengals and Tee Higgins

Life is just better in Cincinnati when Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins are all on the field together. Higgins, the top pending free agent according to our rankings, hasn’t negotiated with the Bengals in months, setting up a likely exit this March.

With Chase likely to reset the WR market (currently $35M APY, $110M guaranteed), the idea of paying both he and Higgins this spring seems nearly impossible for a Bengals franchise that has been selective with their finances. But that doesn’t mean they have no path forward…

Prediction: The Bengals slap a 2nd franchise tag on Tee Higgins, which comes in at $26.18M for the 2025 season, setting up a holdout battle with the 25-year-old. Higgins signs the tag before the start of the season, and the band gets back together one last time.

The New York Jets and RB Breece Hall

From A-Z, the Jets organization appears to be at a crossroads, setting up an opportunity for rostered players nearing next contract negotiations to be poached.

Running back appears to be one of the deeper positions on this Jets roster, setting them up to float Hall in trade discussions this March as they look to bulk up on draft picks for the pending rebuild. Hall’s deal contains 2 years, $3.4M remaining, none of which is guaranteed.

Prediction: The Jets trade RB Breece Hall to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a 3rd & 6th round pick.

The Las Vegas Raiders and Maxx Crosby

Crosby will enter 2025 with 2 years, $42.8M remaining on his contract, but none of it guaranteed and no early offseason bonuses built in. He was an often vocalized name at the trade deadline, despite both he and the team publicly claiming they remain committed. But the team has continued to downslide and the roster appears to be very much in flux.

Crosby should be seeking a new deal this spring, but does it make sense for he and the Raiders to lock in to something significant right now? It’ll take an aggressive offseason to begin to truly right this ship - but that’s exactly what we’re anticipating here.

Prediction: The Raiders and Maxx Crosby agree to a 3 year, $100 million extension through 2029, including $66M fully guaranteed.

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Russell Wilson

Don’t leave Russ for dead just yet. The Steelers dodged more than a few bullets this season to remain relevant both in the AFC North and into the postseason. Wilson isn’t statistically close to what he once was, nor is he capable of single-handedly leading an offense into contention, but he’s a clear fit with this Steelers setup for the short-term.

The 36-year-old pending free agent is likely seeking one final contract this offseason.

Prediction: The Steelers and Russell Wilson agree to a 3 year, $100M contract extension through 2027, including $45M fully guaranteed.

The San Francisco 49ers and Brock Purdy

This is becoming one of the tougher reads of the looming offseason, as a wonderful story and dynamically exciting team came to a crashing halt in 2024. Purdy battled his own injuries this season, but even when healthy, didn’t appear capable of elevating a weakened offense to higher places. Was 2024 just an overall mess to be ignored, or is it proof of a much lower future ceiling (confirming his original draft position)?

It was perfectly plausible to evaluate Purdy’s looming extension along the lines of Jordan Love, Trevor Lawrence, or even Joe Burrow based on his ability to both navigate and manage one of the top teams in all of football for multiple seasons.

It now seems perfectly plausible to evaluate Purdy a tier below that threshold, especially with the growing sense that the 49ers aren’t going to be negotiating against another other NFL team for Purdy’s services going forward (a mistake the Giants made with Daniel Jones 2+ years ago).

As a Pro Bowler in 2023, Purdy’s 2025 salary will escalate from $1.1M to an estimated $5.2M based on the Proven Performance Bonus available to non-first-rounders. Will the Niners ask Purdy to play out his rookie contract before making any significant decisions? Or will Purdy feel he’s capable of holding out to ensure he garners the long-term guarantee he deserves (a tactic more than a few 49ers have taken in recent offseasons).

Prediction: The 49ers offer Brock Purdy a well-below-market 3 year, $105M extension, including $50M guaranteed. Purdy declines the offer, holds out most of the summer, then returns to play on his $5M salary for 2025, setting up free agency or a potential franchise tag in 2026.

The latest addition to Spotrac's NFL team views focuses on player incentives, including real-time tracking for many performance thresholds. We've detailed a few of the more notable 2024 scenarios heading into Week 18.

RELATED: 2024 NFL INCENTIVES TRACKER

Arizona Cardinals

QB Kyler Murray is 50 rushing yards plus 1 rushing touchdown away from a $750,000 salary escalator. The 27-year-old has 4 years, $158M remaining on his contract.

EDGE Zaven Collins is 1 sack away from a $300,000 incentive. The 25-year-old enters Week 18 with 4 sacks, and $3.25M of his 2025 salary is fully guaranteed.

All Cardinals Incentives

Baltimore Ravens

RB Derrick Henry has already maxed out his rush yards and touchdown incentives, scoring him an extra $2M in 2024. The 30-year-old can add another $500,000 to his pockets with a Ravens Super Bowl win. Henry carries a non-guaranteed $7M salary in 2025.

OLB Kyle Van Noy has already locked in $500,000 worth of sack/playing time bonuses. He can add another $250,000 with a half sack this weekend. The 33-year-old holds a non-guaranteed $3.75M in 2025.

RB Justice Hill is 8 catches away from a $250,000 bonus. $1M of the 27-year-old’s 2025 salary is already fully guaranteed.

All Ravens Incentives

Buffalo Bills

QB Josh Allen can secure a $1.5M bonus if he’s named NFL MVP. The 28-year-old can add another $3.5M if the Bills win the AFC Championship Game ($1M) and Super Bowl ($2.5M). Allen has 4 years, $129.5M remaining on his contract, but only $14.5M is currently allocated to 2025.

OLB Von Miller has already secured $2.5M with 5 sacks. He can add another $1.5M with 1 more this weekend. The 35-year-old has 3 years, $67.5M remaining on his contract, though non of it is guaranteed.

CB Taron Johnson is 1 interception away from a $250,000 bonus. The 28-year-old is fully guaranteed through 2025 at $10.1M.

TE Dawson Knox has already locked in $750,000 worth of bonus/2025 salary escalators. He’s 8 catches, 89 yards away from another $200,000 bump. $4.5M of the 28-year-old’s 2025 compensation is fully guaranteed.

DL DaQuon Jones is a half sack away from a $250,000 bonus. $2.25M of the 33-year-old’s 2025 salary is fully guaranteed.

All Bills Incentives

Carolina Panthers

With just over 60% of the snaps taken, DE A’Shawn Robinson is inline for a $1M pay bump. The 29-year-old has 2 years, $15.1M remaining on his contract.

All Panthers Incentives

Chicago Bears

OL Coleman Shelton has easily maxed out $500,000 in playing time bonuses. The 29-year-old is a pending UFA.

Cincinnati Bengals

TE Mike Gesicki has already locked in a $375,000 of bonuses for receptions & receiving yards. He can add another $125,000 with 3 receiving yards this weekend. The 29-year-old is a pending UFA.

All Bengals Incentives

Dallas Cowboys

DE Carl Lawson has already secured $125,000 for 5 sacks. 2 more in Week 18 would double that. The 29-year-old is a pending UFA.

DT Linval Joseph is 1 sack away from a $100,000 bonus. The 36-year-old is a pending UFA.

QB Cooper Rush has already secured a $250,000 playing time bonus this season. He can double that by taking every Week 18 snap.

All Cowboys Incentives

Denver Broncos

WR Courtland Sutton is 82 receiving yards away from maxing out a $2M bonus. The 29-year-old has already locked in $1.5M, and he holds a non-guaranteed $14M salary in 2025.

LB Cody Barton has already secured $1.25M based on playing time this year. He can add another $250,000 with 1 interception this weekend. The 28-year-old is a pending UFA.

All Broncos Incentives

Detroit Lions

QB Jared Goff can add $1M to his 2028 salary if he’s named NFL MVP. The 30-year-old has 4 years, $160M remaining on his contract.

DE Za’Darius Smith needs 2 sacks in Week 18 to secure a $250,000 bonus. The 32-year-old holds a non-guaranteed $11M in 2025.

All Lions Incentives

Green Bay Packers

CB Keisean Nixon is 1 interception away from a $50,000 bonus. The 27-year-old has 2 years, $9.6M remaining on his contract.

All Packers Incentives

Houston Texans

RB Joe Mixon is 107 rushing yards away from a $250,000 bonus. The 28-year-old has 2 years, $16M remaining on his contract, and $4M of his 2025 salary is fully guaranteed.

DT Tim Settle has eclipsed 50% snaps, securing him a $500,000 incentive for 2024. The 27-year-old holds a non-guaranteed $2.5M in 2025.

All Texans Incentives

Indianapolis Colts

DE Tyquan Lewis needs 1.5 sacks this weekend to secure a $100,000 bonus. He’s also on pace to add a $500,000 playing time bump. The 29-year-old holds a non-guaranteed $4.79M in 2025.

All Colts Incentives

Kansas City Chiefs

QB Patrick Mahomes can add $1.25M with a Super Bowl Win. The 29-year-old has 7 years, $315.7M remaining on his contract.

WR DeAndre Hopkins needs 9 catches for a $250,000 bonus. He also needs 140 receiving yards for another $250,000 bonus. With 5 touchdowns, he’s already secured a $250,000 incentive, but can add another $250,000 if he finds the end zone one more time.

WR Justin Watson has secured $400,000 based on playing time, and another $200,000 for 20+ receptions.

All Chiefs Incentives

Las Vegas Raiders

OLB Robert Spillane is on pace to max out his playing time incentive, which would secure him an extra $1M this season. The 29-year-old is a pending UFA.

With 32 receptions, RB Alexander Mattison has secured a $125,000 bonus. 8 more catches this weekend would double that.

All Raiders Incentives

Los Angeles Chargers

CB Kristian Fulton needs 1 more interception to lock in a $125,000 bonus. The 26-year-old is a pending UFA.

RB JK Dobbins has already secured $300,000 for his 842 rushing yards. Another 58 this weekend bumps that up to $450,000. Dobbins is a pending UFA.

EDGE Bud Dupree is 1 sack away from a $250,000 bonus. The 31-year-old holds a non-guaranteed $3M salary for 2025.

All Chargers Incentives

Los Angeles Rams

CB Darious Williams has already maxed out his playing time/playoff incentives, securing him an additional $2.5M this season. The 31-year-old has 2 years, $15.5M remaining, but can void the rest of his contract with a Pro Bowl nod this winter.

S Kamren Curl has already maxed out his playing time/playoff incentives, securing him an additional $2M this season. The 25-year-old is non-guaranteed $4.75M in 2025.

WR Demarcus Robinson has maxed out his $1M of playing time/playoff incentives. The 30-year-old is a pending UFA.

All Rams Incentives

Miami Dolphins

DE Zach Sieler has maxed out his $1.25M of performance incentives, raising his 2024 pay to $9.92M. The 29-year-old is under contract for 2 years, $15.95M remaining through 2026.

LB Tyrel Dodson needs 1 sack to secure a $300,000 bonus this weekend. The 26-year-old is a pending UFA.

DE Emmanuel Ogbah needs 1.5 sacks this weekend to secure a $500,000 bonus. The pending UFA has already maxed out $1.25M in playing time incentives.

DE Calais Campbell needs 1 sack this weekend to secure a $300,000 bonus. The 38-year-old is on pace to max out $725,000 in playing time incentives as well.

All Dolphins Incentives

Minnesota Vikings

LB Blake Cashman needs a half a sack this weekend to secure a $250,000 bonus. He’s on pace to max out his $250,000 playing time incentive as well.

All Vikings Incentives

New England Patriots

TE Hunter Henry secured a $1M bonus with his 66th reception last week. The 30-year-old has 2 years, $16.5M remaining on his contract, including a fully guaranteed $6.65M in 2025.

OLB Anfernee Jennings is on pace to secure a $1.5M playing time bonus, and can add another $400,000 with 1.5 sacks this weekend.

TE Austin Hooper secured a $125,000 bonus with his 41st catch of the season last week. 4 more this weekend doubles that.

All Patriots Incentives

New Orleans Saints

DT Khalen Saunders needs 1 sack and ample snaps to vest a $250,000 bonus this weekend. The 28-year-old holds a non-guaranteed $4M in 2025.

All Saints Incentives

New York Jets

OLB Haason Reddick had $5,341,728 of compensation converted to incentives per his holdout/renegotiation. Unfortunately he’s only on pace to secure $791,628 of it back. The 30-year-old is a pending UFA.

TE Tyler Conklin needs 1 catch to secure a $250,000 bonus. The 29-year-old is a pending UFA.

G John Simpson maxed out his $3M playing time escalator. He’s under contract through 2025 at $5.99M, $1M of which is fully guaranteed.

DT Javon Kinlaw needs a half sack to secure a $250,000 bonus. The 27-year-old is already on pace to max out $500,000 in playing time incentives.

OT Tyron Smith has secured $9.5M of playing time bonus this season.

All Jets Incentives

Philadelphia Eagles

RB Saquon Barkley has locked in $500,000 for posting 2,000+ yards from scrimmage. There’s another $750,000 tied to Pro Bowl & All-Pro nods, and another $500,000 available for Conf. Championship & Super Bowl wins.

All Eagles Incentives

San Francisco 49ers

DE Leonard Floyd has already secured $500,000 for 8.5 sacks. Another sack and a half this weekend doubles it.

WR Jauan Jennings has escalated his 2025 salary by the maximum $3.5M for 50% snaps played, 60+ receptions, 600+ receiving yards, and 6+ touchdowns this season.

OT Colton McKivitz has already vested a $485,000 bonus for playing time, and he can add another $135,000 to that if the 49ers remain Top 10 in Rushing Yards per Attempt (currently 7th) AND if the Niners climb into the Top 10 in Sacks Allowed (currently 11th).

All 49ers Incentives

Seattle Seahawks

QB Geno Smith has 5 passing stat categories he can cash in on. He’s 185 passing yards away from $2M, just over the 69.7% completion rate he needs for another $2M and 1 win away from yet another $2M.

K Jason Myers holds an 87.5% FG Made rate on kicks between 40-49 yards. If he keeps it over 85% this weekend, he’ll cash an extra $375,000.

All Seahawks Incentives

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

QB Baker Mayfield can secure $500,000 if he’s Top 5 in Passer Rating. He’s currently 4th. There’s another $500,000 available if he’s NFL Top 10 or NFC Top 5 in Completion %. He’s currently 2nd. There’s another $500,000 available if he’s NFL Top 10 or NFC Top 5 in Yards per Attempt. He’s currently 7th. He’s also easily on pace to secure an extra $1M for Top 10 finishes in Passing Yards and Passing TDs. This puts him on pace for a total of $2.5M in his pocket. There’s another $2.5M available in the postseason.

WR Mike Evans can add $3M to his 2025 salary with 5 catches and 85 receiving yards this weekend. He’s also easily on pace to secure a $666,668 bonus for being Top 10 in Receiving TDs. Another $2M of playoff incentives are available.

All Buccaneers Incentives

Tennessee Titans

S Amani Hooker secured $500,000 with his 5th interception. The 26-year-old is under contract through 2025 at a non-guaranteed $8.1M.

RB Tony Pollard needs 83 rushing yards to secure an extra $250,000. There’s another $200,000 available if he scores twice on the ground as well.

LB Kenneth Murray needs a half sack this weekend to secure a $250,000 bonus. The 26-year-old holds a non-guaranteed $7.5M for 2025.

EDGE Arden Key is a sack and a half away from securing a $500,000 bonus. The 28-year-old holds a non-guaranteed $7M in 2025.

All Titans Incentives

Washington Commanders

DE Dorance Armstrong needs 1 sack to secure a $250,000 incentive/escalator. The 27-year-old has 2 years, $16.1M remaining on his contract.

DE Dante Fowler Jr. needs a half sack this weekend to max out $1.5M of bonuses. He’s already secured $1.125M of that incentive, plus $500,000 based on playing time.

TE Zach Ertz has already secured $750,000 based on receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns. He’s 9 catches, 90 yards, and 2 touchdowns away from further bonuses.

All Commanders Incentives

The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced its 15 finalists this week, sparking us to open up the wayback machine to uncover their contract/earnings history.

CB Eric Allen 

Career Earnings: $25.4M
NFL Seasons: 14
Teams: Eagles, Saints, Raiders

Allen’s big contract came via a restricted free agent offer sheet from the New Orleans Saints. The Eagles refused to match the 5 year, $14 million contract that Allen would split between the Saints & Raiders through 1998.

DE Jared Allen

Career Earnings: $97.8M
NFL Seasons: 12
Teams: Chiefs Vikings, Bears, Panthers

Allen utilized free agency to his financial advantage, cashing in first with the Vikings ($73M+), then the Bears ($32M). He’s the 21st highest paid edge defender in league history at the time of this piece.

OT Willie Anderson

Career Earnings: $50.5M
NFL Seasons: 13
Teams: Bengals, Ravens

Spent 12 seasons with the Bengals, who drafted him #10 overall back in 1996, garnering contract extensions of $29.8M & $23.1M before moving on to Baltimore for one final year.

OG Jahri Evans

Career Earnings: $55.3M
NFL Seasons: 12
Teams: Saints, Packers

The 4th round selection back in 2006 secured a $56M+ free agent contract to remain in New Orleans 4 years later, setting up an 11-year run with the Saints.

TE Antonio Gates

Career Earnings: $70.9M
NFL Seasons: 16
Teams: Chargers

The undrafted free agent out of Kent State went on to earn over $70M in 16 illustrious seasons with the Chargers franchise, which still ranks 7th all-time among tight ends. 

WR Torry Holt

Career Earnings: $46.8M
NFL Seasons: 11
Teams: Rams, Jaguars

One of the key cogs in the Best Show on Turf, the #6 overall selection from the 1999 draft capitalized on a $42M contract extension with the Rams before the 2003 season.

LB Luke Kuechly

Career Earnings: $63.8M
NFL Seasons: 8
Teams: Panthers

The #9 overall pick in 2012 was a 5-time All-Pro, 7-time Pro Bowler and the beneficiary of a 5 year, $62 million extension with Carolina back in 2015. His career ended shorter than expected due to multiple injuries (notably concussion-based).

QB Eli Manning

Career Earnings: $252.2M
NFL Seasons: 16
Teams: Giants

The famously traded #1 overall pick back in 2004 helped the Giants secure 2 Super Bowls, while securing himself over $250M on the field (still 9th all-time). Eli’s contract history is fairly clean: a $45M rookie contract, a $97.5M first extension, and a final $84M extension.

WR Steve Smith Sr.

Career Earnings: $81M
NFL Seasons: 16
Teams: Panthers, Ravens

One of the more polarizing players of his generation, Smith, a middle 3rd round draft pick, secured three contract extensions from the Panthers before finishing off his career in Baltimore.

EDGE Terrell Suggs

Career Earnings: $108.2M
NFL Seasons: 17
Teams: Ravens, Cardinals, Chiefs

The 7-time Pro Bowl, 2-time Defensive Player of the year, 2-time Super Bowl champion compiled 139 sacks in 244 games, while his $108M+ earned still ranks 16th among edge defenders all-time. Baltimore took their time paying the #10 overall pick out of Arizona State, franchise tagging Suggs twice before finalizing a $62.5M extension back in 2009.

RB Fred Taylor

Career Earnings: $40.9M
NFL Seasons: 13
Teams: Jaguars, Patriots

The #9 overall pick out of Florida gave Jacksonville 11 great seasons, including 7 in which he compiled over 1,000 yards rushing. The Jags rewarded the Pro Bowler with contract extensions of $18.4M & $19.8M through 2008, before he finished off his career with a cup of coffee in New England.

K Adam Vinatieri

Career Earnings: $51.1M
NFL Seasons: 24
Teams: Patriots, Colts

One of the most decorated kickers in league history, Vinatieri essentially had two full careers: One as a Patriot, One as a Colt. The success and longevity scored him over $51M on the field, 2nd only to  Sebastian Janikowski ($53.2M) all-time.

WR Reggie Wayne

Career Earnings: $65.3M
NFL Seasons: 14
Teams: Colts

The 6-time Pro Bowler went over 1,000 yards receiving 8 times in his illustrious career, all with the Colts (he spent an offseason in New England but retired before Week 1). Indy locked in the #30 overall pick out of Miami to extensions of $39.5M & $17.5M over a 14-year span.

S Darren Woodson

Career Earnings: $28.2M
NFL Seasons: 12
Teams: Cowboys

A second round pick out of Arizona State, Woodson was a 3-time All-Pro and a 3-time Super Bowl champion for the Cowboys, securing 23 interceptions and a team-high 1,350 stops in 178 games for Dallas. He locked in extensions of $18M & $20M but a disc/back injury derailed his 2004 season and ultimately led to his retirement.

OL Marshal Yanda

Career Earnings: $70.2M
NFL Seasons: 13
Teams: Ravens

A 3rd round pick out of Iowa, Yanda’s $70M+ earned on the field still ranks 8th among guards all-time. The 2-time All-Pro secured contract extensions of $32M, $31.9M, & $10M over his 13 seasons in Baltimore.

Kirk Cousins move to the bench lights a fire under what could be a fascinating offseason for the underachieving Atlanta Falcons. We’ll detail a few options for the Cousins contract in the coming months:

Kirk Cousins Remaining Contract

As it currently stands, Cousins carries the following compensation through the 2027 season:

2025: $27.5M (fully guaranteed)
2026: $45M ($10M guarantees March 16th, 2025)
2027: $45M ($10M guarantees March 2027)

Thanks to a $50M signing bonus this past March, the Falcons carry $37.5M of bonus dead cap in 2025 (¾ of the $12.5M per year bonus proration). This figure will remain with Atlanta regardless of the outcome going forward.

Atlanta Releases Kirk Cousins

Before March 16th, 2025
Dead Cap: $65M ($27.5M of which is cash)

Before March 16th as a Post 6/1 Designation
$40M cap hit stays on the books through June 1st, then:
2025 Dead Cap: $40M ($27.5M of which is cash)
2026 Dead Cap: $25M

Between March 16th - June 1st
Dead Cap: $75M ($37.5M of which is cash)

After June 1st, 2025
2025 Dead Cap: $50M ($37.5M of which is cash)
2026 Dead Cap: $25M

Atlanta Cap Converts, then Releases Kirk Cousins

If a trade partner doesn’t surface, the Falcons can process a salary cap conversion on Cousins’ contract before releasing him.

By converting $26.25M of 2025 salary into a signing bonus, Atlanta can lower Cousins’ cap hit next season down to $19M (it’s currently $40M). Then, they can designate Cousins a Post June 1st release before March 16th (when that extra $10M kicks in), carry his $19M cap hit into June, then take on dead cap hits of:

2025: $19M
2026: $45.9M

Atlanta Trades Kirk Cousins

March 16th remains an important date as it triggers the full guarantee of $10M in 2026 compensation. It should also be noted that Atlanta can and probably will retain a portion of guaranteed salary to help facilitate a trade, though that would push the Falcons’ 2025 dead cap hit north of $40M.

Before June 1st
Falcons Dead Cap
2025: $37.5M

New Team Acquires
2025: $27.5M (fully guaranteed)
2026: $45M ($10M guarantees March 16th)
2027: $45M ($10M guarantees March 2027)

After June 1st
Falcons Dead Cap
2025: $12.5M
2026: $25M

New Team Acquires
2025: $27.5M (fully guaranteed)
2026: $45M ($10M guaranteed)
2027: $45M ($10M guarantees March 2027)

Kirk Cousins Retires

With $27.5M of fully guaranteed salary (+ $10M more set to lock in), it stands to reason that Cousins would stick out another NFL season. However, the 36-year-old has already accrued over $294M in career earnings through 2024, so money is only a part of the story here.

Hypothetically speaking though if a decision to retire is made, Atlanta would still be on the hook for the $37.5M in signing bonus proration, UNLESS, the Falcons work to recoup some of that signing bonus per his retirement (Spoiler: The team isn’t going to arbitrate to recoup money from a player they no longer want on their roster, and certainly don’t want to be paying another $37.5M salary to going forward).

Spotrac details the largest free agent signings and contract extensions across MLB throughout the 2025 offseason.


RELATED: MLB Free Agency Tracker

2B Thairo Estrada signed a 1 year, $3.25 million free agent contract in Colorado.

The 28-year-old earned $4.1M last season in San Francisco, but was outrighted and eventually released early this offseason. He’ll now see $2.75M in 2025, with a $750,000 buyout available on an undisclosed 2026 mutual option with the Rockies.

RP Yimi Garcia returned to Toronto on a 2 year, $15 million free agent contract.

The Blue Jays actually traded Garcia to Seattle at this past deadline, securing two minor leaguers in the process. The 34-year-old returns on his biggest contract to date, and projects to be vying for Toronto’s 9th inning role this spring.

SP Nathan Eovaldi returned to Texas on a 3 year, $75 million free agent contract

The 34-year-old declined a $20M player option last month to reenter the open market, but found his way back to the Rangers with a $75M guarantee under his belt. Eovaldi projects to sit atop the Texas rotation as of now, with Jacob deGrom, Jon Gray, & Tyler Mahle falling in behind him.

The $75M guarantee ensures that the former 11th round pick will have earned over $185M in his MLB career through 2027.

SP Max Fried joined the Yankees on an 8 year, $218 million free agent contract. 

The 30-year-old has had at least one injured list stint in every season since 2018, including a three week period last year due to forearm irritation. Injury is the major red flag here, but the ceiling still remains sky high, and the Yankees are putting all of their chips in on him, handing Friend the largest total value contract for a left-handed pitcher in MLB history. The contract also contains a full no trade clause throughout its duration.

Current Yankees Starting Rotation

OF Mike Tauchman signed a 1 year, $1.95 million contract with the White Sox.

Tauchman heads to the north side of the city after being non-tendered by the Cubs a few weeks back. The White Sox locked the 34-year-old into the same salary he earned in 2024, though he can increase that by $1M based on TBD incentives, and another $250,000 if he’s traded this season.

Full Mike Tauchman Contract

SP Alex Cobb joined the Tigers on a 1 year, $15 million free agent contract.

Cobb went through three separate stints on the injured list with San Francisco/Cleveland last season, so durability is certainly top of mind for the now 37-year-old. Cobb figures to slot into the middle of the Tigers starting rotation.

The contract can max out at $17M based on Cobb pitching 140, then 150 innings in the upcoming season.

Full Alex Cobb Contract

RP Jordan Romano signed a 1 year, $8.5 million free agent contract with the Phillies

The somewhat surprising non-tender out of Toronto quickly found work in Philly, where he currently slots in as the 9th inning reliever for 2025. The 31-year-old can add another $500,000 to this deal if he works through 60 innings this season.

Full Jordan Romano Contract

RP Blake Treinen returned to the Dodgers on a 2 year, $22 million contract.

Treinen returns to LA, where he played out 2024 on a $1M salary as he worked himself back to full health. The 36-year-old gave the Dodgers 50 appearances last season, performing well enough to garner the biggest contract of his career this winter.

OF Juan Soto signed an historic 15 year, $765 million free agent contract with the New York Mets.

Steve Cohen simply wasn’t going to lose this war, even as 3 other teams dipped their toes into the $700M+ pool. While full terms aren’t yet available, we do know that Soto will receive a record-breaking $75 million signing bonus, a full no trade clause, and the ability to opt-out of the contract after the 2029 season. However, the Mets can void that opt-out by adding $40M to the 10 remaining seasons of the contract ($4M per year).

Unlike many of the blockbuster contracts being signed around the league, none of Juan Soto’s $765 million contract contains deferred compensation, making him a $51M per year player at present day value.

OF Michael Conforto joined the Dodgers on a 1 year, $17 million free agent contract

Injuries continue to devalue Conforto’s overall resume, but the final numbers for 2024 in San Francisco were promising (27 doubles, 20 homers, 66 RBIs, 1.34 WAR). He projects as the Opening Day starting left fielder for LAD as of now, though a reunion with Teoscar Hernandez could very much change that.

An undisclosed portion of Conforto’s $8.5M salary is deferred, while the other half will be paid out to Conforto in the form of a signing bonus.

C Gary Sanchez signed a 1 year, $8.5 million free agent contract with Baltimore.

Sanchez spent twice as many 2024 games as a DH (46) than he did a C (28) while also plugging a hole at 1B every now and then for the Brewers last season. He’ll likely do the same for the Orioles in 2025, giving Adley Rutschman time out of his crouching stance as much as possible, primarily speaking.

OF Tyler O’Neill joined the Orioles on a 3 year, $49.5 million free agent contract

Despite 3 stints in the injured list, O’Neill had one of his best overall seasons to date with Boston in 2024, hitting the open market at a strong selling point. Baltimore bought in, bringing in O’Neill as a likely every day left fielder.

The deal includes $16.5 million in 2025, after which the 29-year-old can opt-out of the remaining 2 years, $33 million. If not, it’s a flat $16.5M each of 2026 & 2027 as well.

Full Tyler O’Neill Contract

SS Willy Adames signed an historic 7 year, $182 million free agent contract with the Giants.

It’s the largest total value contract in San Francisco Giants history, surpassing Buster Posey’s $167M deal by $15M. It’s also a $5M raise over Dansby Swanson’s recent free agent contract with the Cubs (7 years, $177M), a clear focal point for Adames’ final cost.

The 29-year-old will secure a $22M signing bonus this year, and a full no trade clause throughout the life of the contract. Salary-wise the deal comes with $10M each of the next two seasons, then $28M for each of the final five.

Adames previously declined a Qualifying Offer so the Giants will forfeit their 2nd and 5th-round draft selections in 2025.

Full Willy Adames Contract

C Danny Jansen signed a 1 year, $8.5M free agent contract with Tampa Bay.

The 29-year-old backstop will earn an $8M salary in 2025, with a $500,000 buyout available on a $12M club option for 2026.

For now, Jansen projects to be Tampa Bay’s opening day starting catcher, though it’s fair to assume that Ben Rortvedt, who saw action in 112 games for TB last year, will also factor into the position.

Full Danny Jansen Contract

P Clay Holmes joins the Mets on a 3 year, $38 million free agent contract.

The story here isn’t so much the money, but the role that Holmes will be serving in Queens. The 31-year-old has been signed as a back-end of the Mets starting rotation player, making the transition over from a 9th-inning reliever for much of the past three seasons with the Yankees.

Contractually, Holmes will see $13M in 2025, another $13M for 2026, then holds a $12M player option in 2027 (no buyout).

Full Clay Holmes Contract

SP Shane Bieber returns to Cleveland on a 2 year, $26 million free agent contract.

Bieber’s final season before free agency was lost to elbow surgery, and he’s not likely to return to the mound until mid-2025, but the Guardians remain confident that he can anchor this young rotation when the time is right.

The 29-year-old will earn $10M in 2025, then holds a $16M player option for 2026 that includes a $4M buyout. If Bieber returns to top-level form to finish off 2024, he’ll almost certainly opt-out and reenter the open market next winter.

Full Shane Bieber Contract

SP Luis Severino signed a 3 year, $67 million contract with the Athletics

The surprise of the winter, the Athletics handed out the single largest contract in their franchise’s history. Severino leaves the Mets for a $10M signing bonus, $20M salary in 2025, $25M salary in 2026, and a $22M player option in 2027 (no buyout). The 30-year-old can opt-out after 2 years, $55M, and there’s a one-time $500,000 trade assignment bonus attached the contract as well.

Severino previously declined a Qualifying Offer so the Athletics will forfeit their third-round draft selection in 2025.

Full Luis Severino Contract

RP Aroldis Chapman signed a 1 year, $10.75 million contract with the Boston Red Sox.

Chapman gave the Pirates 68 appearances in 2024, finishing 18 games, striking out 98 batters in 61+ innings. He now joins forces with 35-year-old Liam Hendriks in Boston, and could have even more opportunities to close out games in the 2025 season.

The $10.75M guaranteed takes Chapman over $176M earned in 16 MLB seasons.

Full Aroldis Chapman Contract

C Kyle Higashioka signed a 2 year $13.5 million contract with the Texas Rangers.

Texas added depth to their catching room, bringing over the 34-year-old Higashioka from San Diego. He’ll earn $5.75M in 2025, $6.75M in 2026, and at least a $1M buyout on a $7M mutual option for 2027. With starting catcher Jonah Heim slated for an arbitration salary north of $5M, the Rangers will likely enter 2025 with one of the more expensive catching payrolls.

Full Kyle Higashioka Contract

SP Blake Snell signed a 5 year, $182 million free agent contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The deal includes a $52 million signing bonus and $66M of deferred compensation, lowering the CBT salary from $36.4M, down to $31.7M.

Snell will receive $65M in 2025 (more than double the $32M he earned from his 1 season in San Francisco last year), then $13M in each of 2026-2029. There’s a $10M conditional club option in place for 2030, but that only remains if Snell hasn’t been traded/claimed away from the Dodgers AND if Snell has a 90+ day stint on the injured list for an undisclosed specific injury (likely arm related).

The deferred money kicks in in 2035, paying out Snell $5.5M each year through 2046 (when he’ll be 53 years old).

The $182M total value contract ranks 4th among active starting pitchers, 9th all-time in that regard. Snell’s original $36.4M APY ranks 3rd, behind only Zack Wheeler ($42M), & Jacob deGrom ($37M).

At the time of this piece, the Dodgers current starting rotation now looks like:

UTL Tommy Edman signed a 5 year, $74 million extension with the Los Angeles Dodgers

The NLCS MVP was already under contract at $9.5 million for 2025, so this is technically a 4 year, $64.5 million new money contract. Edman will now see $22 million in 2025 thanks to a $17 million signing bonus & $5 million salary. From there, salaries increase to $12.25 million through 2029, and there’s a $13 million club option available in 2030 ($3 million buyout).

However, the Dodgers have deferred $25 million of salary ($6.25 million from each of 2026-2029) at 10 payments of $2.5 million each from 2035-2044. The move lowers Edman’s tax salary from $14.8 million down to $13.27 million.

In 153 regular season games last season, Edman was used at CF, SS, 3B, & 2B. He projects to be the Opening Day starting center fielder for LAD as of now.

SP Yusei Kikuchi joins the Angels on a 3 year, $63.675 million free agent contract

After a rough 2+ year stretch in Toronto, Kikuchi drastically changed his free agent image with a strong final two months in Houston following a deadline trade to the Astros. The Angels, who have purged a few starting pieces this offseason already, are now paying the 33-year-old as a top of their rotation (possibly even ace) player.

The deal includes a flat $21.225 million per year salary through 2027, with additional service payments for a trainer ($100,000), interpreter ($75,000), & US-Japan airline tickets ($50,000).

At the time of this piece, the Angels current starting rotation now looks like:

SP Frankie Montas joins the Mets on a 2 year, $34 million free agent contract

The 31-year-old starter has bounced around quite a bit over the past 3 seasons, and he declined a $20 million option with Milwaukee to hit the open market again this winter. He joins the Mets on a 2 year, $34 million deal that includes a player option for 2026, giving him the ability to control his destiny again next offseason.

The deal includes $17 million in each of the next two seasons, a slight upgrade from the $16 million he took home in 2024 ($14 million salary + a $2 million buyout on the declined option).

At the time of this piece, the Mets current starting rotation now looks like:

SP Matt Boyd signed a 2 year, $29 million free agent contract with the Chicago Cubs

After missing a year and a half (2023-2024) from Tommy John surgery, Boyd gave the Guardians 8 strong starts down the stretch, putting him in a nice spot to cash in this winter. The Cubs took the bait, handing Boyd a $29 million guarantee that includes a $2 million buyout on a mutual option for 2027.

The 33-year-old will earn $12.5 million this season ($7.5 million salary plus a $5 million signing bonus), $14.5 million in 2026, with a $15 million option for 2027 ($2 million buyout). The compensation is a huge upgrade for Boyd, who was given a league-minimum $740,000 contract from Cleveland as he rehabbed back to full health.

At the time of this piece, the Cubs current starting rotation now looks like:

Spotrac’s annual NFL Roster Bubble report identifies players that have the potential to be released, traded, or retire after the current 2024 season, including notable financial ramifications for each.

RELATED: 2025 Cap Hit Rankings

JUMP TO:

• QB
• RB
• WR
• TE
• OL
• DL
• EDGE
• LB
• CB/S
• S/T

QUARTERBACKS

This year's QB bubble list highlights an immovable contract, a few highly-drafted trade candidates, and a few savvy vets that could be passed over for a youth movement in the coming months.

RUNNING BACKS

As running back salaries have plummeted, the annual bubble list for these players has shrunk, as teams are more than happy to keep these players at veritable values. The following list outlines a free agent bust or two, a potential high-profile trade candidate, and more than a few role players headed toward the chopping block next spring.

Wide Receivers