And then there were eight. A quick look at the current and future contract statuses for the 8 quarterbacks set to start in this weekend’s NFL Divisional Round, and few who won’t be available as well.

2022 Average Salary (league rank)

1. Patrick Mahomes, $45M (5th)
2. Josh Allen, $43M (6th)
3. Dak Prescott, $40M (9th)
4. Trevor Lawrence, $9.1M (18th)
5. Joe Burrow, $9M (19th)
6. Trey Lance, $8.5M (21st)
7. Jimmy Garoppolo, $7M (26th)
8. Daniel Jones, $6.4M (29th)
9. Jalen Hurts, $1.5M (55th)
10. Brock Purdy, $934k (77th)

Mahomes was the only Top 5 paid quarterback to make the postseason, with Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Kyler Murray, & Deshaun Watson all missing out on the party.

Patrick Mahomes (KC, 27)
9 years, $415M remaining
Mahomes’ 12 year deal doesn’t even really get good until 2023, when his cash payout jumps over $40M ($63.1M across the first three seasons). This deal is fully guaranteed through 2031, or until Mahomes says he wants a new one - whichever happens first.

Josh Allen (BUF, 26)
6 years, $217M remaining
Allen is mostly fully guaranteed through the 2024 season, and will become fully locked in on March 19th. He holds early vesting guarantees through 2025, keeping him safely in the fold for at least 3 more seasons.

Dak Prescott (DAL, 29)
2 years, $65M remaining
Dak’s deal is only guaranteed through 2023, putting him loosely in a contract year next season. But it’s much more likely that the Cowboys restructure his $49.1M cap hit for 2023, then extend their QB1 again after the upcoming season.

Trevor Lawrence (JAX, 23)
2 years, $9.6M + 5th year option remaining
Lawrence will become extension eligible for the first time after 2023, so his much improved play this past season is a huge step in the right direction toward an historic payday. Nick Foles’ $88M contract back in 2019 is the largest total value deal in Jags history.

Joe Burrow (CIN, 26)
1 year, $5.5M + 5th year option remaining
Burrow is now extension eligible, and has already done plenty enough to warrant signing a new deal this spring. He projects to a 6 year, $264M contract in our system right now.

Trey Lance (SF, 22)
2 years, $9M + 5th year option remaining

Lance continues to recover from ankle surgery and as of now, his status for 2023 is TBD. His next 2 contract years are already fully guaranteed, and the Niners will need to decide on his 5th year option by May of 2024. That’s about all we can say at this point.

Daniel Jones (NYG, 25)
Pending Free Agent
Jones is eligible for free agency on March 15th, but it seems impossible now that the Giants will let him get there. A $32M(ish) franchise tag could be on the table next month, but a multi-year extension in the $25-$30M per year range should also be expected.

Jimmy Garoppolo (SF, 31)
Pending Free Agent
Garoppolo can’t be franchise tagged, and with Brock Purdy holding serve for the better part of 6 weeks now, it seems unlikely that an extension will be on the table before March 15th arrives. Jimmy G will test the open market for the first time in his career, and could command 2nd tier starter money ($30M+) to join a new team for 2023 and beyond.

Jalen Hurts (PHI, 24)
1 year, $1.4M
2023 is the final year of Hurts’ rookie deal, but it seems a no-brainer that the Eagles will lock in their QB1 to a massive extension this spring. The MVP candidate projects to a 6 year, $266M contract in our system right now, but it’s hard to imagine he won’t surpass Kyler Murray’s numbers.

Brock Purdy (SF, 23)
3 years, $2.9M remaining
Purdy scored a $77k signing bonus in June, and holds non-guaranteed minimum salaries through the 2025 season. He appears to be one of the most consistent backup options in the league right now - though the system and players around him most certainly help.

The 2023 NASCAR season (the 75th Anniversary season!) is right around the corner. So let’s take a look at the upcoming 2024 NASCAR Cup free agent class headlined by names such as Denny Hamlin and Ross Chastain.

FRONT ROW MOTORSPORTS

Michael McDowell (#34, age 38)

McDowell has been with Front Row Motorsports since the 2018 season and it was announced in December 2022 that McDowell would return to the #38 car for the 2023 season. McDowell has continued to get better each year while driving for FRM. His Top-10 finishes and average finishes have improved and it appeared that McDowell was in almost every race in 2022. McDowell seems to have found his groove with FRM, but if he continues to have success in this later part of his career will a bigger named team come calling?

2022 wins: 0

2022 average finish: 16.7 (18th best)

Major Sponsors: Love’s Travel Stops, Horizon Hobby, FR8 Auctions

Todd Gilliland (#38, age 22)

The 2022 season was Gilliand’s rookie season and he did not disappoint when you combine that he was a rookie and it was the first season of the NextGen car. Gilliland ended the season with a Top-5 and two Top-10 finishes. I think we can expect more out of him in the 2023 season and if he continues to show progress and growth FRM might just lock him up for the 2024 season sooner than later with the potential of a lot of 2024 seats being open.

2022 wins: 0

2022 average finish: 23.2 (outside Top-20)

Major Sponsors: First Phase

HENDRICK MOTORSPORT

Alex Bowman (#48, age 29)

Alex Bowman signed a two-year contract extension in the middle of the 2021 season, extending his contract through 2023. Bowman is in an interesting situation as he is the only driver with Hendrick that is not currently locked into a multi-year contract; Kyle Larson (thru 2026), Chase Elliott (thru 2027) and William Byron (thru 2025) were all extended during the 2022 season. According to Bob Pockrass, Bowman doesn't want to go anywhere else but Hendrick and negotiations are currently happening. So perhaps it's only a matter of time before this extension happens, but for now Bowman could still be a free agent in 2024.

2022 wins: 1

2022 average finish: 16.7 (17th best)

Major Sponsors: Ally Financial 

JOE GIBBS RACING

Denny Hamlin (#11, age 42)

Denny Hamlin has been driving for Joe Gibbs Racing for as long as we can remember at this point (2005 to be exact). He most recently signed a contract extension prior to the 2021 season. This might be the most interesting free agent going into the 2023 season on the heels of the Kyle Busch/JGR contract situation from last season. Hamlin struggled during the 2022 season having a career worst average finish of 15.5 since 2013, and “just” 10 Top-5 and 16 Top-10 finishes which have been career lows over the past eight seasons. So is that one-year struggle or dip in performance cause for concern that JGR would choose not to retain/extend Hamlin before the 2023 season is over?

According to Bob Pockrass, Hamlin feels confident that a deal is likely to get done; however, it could take a few months due to logistics that need to be put in place because of him being a driver and the owner/JGR-alliance that is already in place. As we all know a lot can happen when too much time passes, so until that deal is truly locked up Denny Hamlin will remain a top 2024 free agent.

2022 wins: 2

2022 average finish: 15.5 (10th best)

Major Sponsors: FedEx, Sport Clips, Coca-Cola

Martin Truex Jr. (#19, age 42)

Truex Jr., who has been with JGR since 2019, seems to have rumors each season on whether or not it will be the last of his career; however, he still continues to perform year in and year out. While the 2022 season was not Truex Jr’s best season in the most recent years, he just nearly missed the playoffs on points. There is obviously still something left in the tank for him to compete, the question is just how much is left and will he use it with JGR or another team in 2024?

 2022 wins: 0

2022 average finish: 14.9 (8th best)

Major Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops

KAULIG RACING

Justin Haley (#31, age 23)

Justin Haley has been a full-time Cup driver with Kaulig Racing since last season. Haley has shown some promise and some flashes having earned three Top-5 finishes in the 2022 season. Haley is likely to be on a year-by-year contract basis unless he can take massive steps to prove he can be a consistent contender year in and year out.

2022 wins: 0

2022 average finish: 18.4 (outside Top-20)

Major Sponsors: LeafFilter Gutter Protection

LEGACY MOTOR CLUB

Noah Gragson (#42, age 24)

Noah Gragson moves from the Xfinity Series to the Cup Series for the 2023 season. While he is on a one-year contract to start the season, he is going to be able to learn from Erik Jones and the new co-owner and part-time championship driver Jimmie Johnson. If he shows and proves what he truly can do on the track it is likely that LMC locks him up for the 2024 season sooner rather than later.

2022 wins: 0

2022 average finish: 23.1 (outside Top-20)

Major Sponsors: TBD

SPIRE MOTORSPORTS

Corey LaJoie (#7, age 31)

Spire Motorsports announced that LaJoie would be returning in October 2022 who he has been racing for since 2021. While LaJoie’s racing stats have been consistent while joining Spire, there hasn’t been anything to write home about (outside of a career-first Top 5 finish) which is why LaJoie’s contract status seems to be on a year-by-year basis right now. 

2022 wins: 0

2022 average finish: 24.3 (outside Top-20)

Major Sponsors: Celsius, Schluter Systems

Ty Dillon (#77, age 30)

Ty Dillon comes over to Spire Motorsports from Petty GMS (now Legay Motor Club) on a one-year contract. The Dillion signing was announced alongside the announcement that Corey LaJoie would be returning. It seems that like LaJoie, Dillon will be on a year-by-year basis for the foreseeable future.

2022 wins: 0

2022 average finish: 22.6 (outside Top-20)

Major Sponsors: TBD

STEWART-HAAS RACING

Chase Briscoe ( #14, age 28)

UPDATE: Signed a multi-year extension with SHR, 1/26/23

Is Chase Briscoe the future of Stewart-Haas Racing? With Kevin Harvick recently announcing that he will be retiring at the end of the season, and Aric Almirola’s wishy-washy drive status moving forward (see more below), is Briscoe primed to cash in with a contract extension with SHR or could we see him driving for a different team in 2024? Briscoe has shown promise and growth having won a race locking himself into the playoffs and reaching the Round of 8 in 2022, in addition to achieving six Top-5 finishes and ten Top-10 finishes. 

2022 wins: 1

2022 average finish: 17.3 (20th best)

Major Sponsors: Mahindra Ag North America, HighPoint

Aric Almirola (#10, age 38)

Almirola’s situation has been interesting none-the-less. He announced prior to the 2022 season that he was going to retire at the end of the season. By August 2022, Almirola pivoted and announced he was not going to retire after all and would return for one more season and his primary sponsor Smithfield was going to return as well. Rumors reported Almirola signed a two-year contract extension in August, but recently has been listed as a 2024 free agent. Furthermore, Almirola’s last two seasons statistically have not been on par with how he has performed from 2018 to 2020. Will Almirola retire or decide to drive in 2024? Only time will tell, but then again he might change his mind again.

2022 wins: 0

2022 average finish: 17.8

Major Sponsors: Smithfield

Ryan Preece (#41, age 32)

The #41 car seat was hotly contested within SHR, per reports. It sounds like some wanted Cole Custer to remain in the #41 car, while others wanted to give Preece a shot. This is likely to be a one-year prove it season, but if he comes out and performs well out of the gate (especially if he’s outperforming what Custer did in 2022) it would not be a surprise if Preece gets the nod for the 2024 season by silly season time. 

2022 wins: 0

2022 average finish: 31.0 (2 races only)

Major Sponsors: Haas Automation / HaasTooling.com

TRACKHOUSE RACING

Ross Chastain (#1, age 30)

Ross Chastain announced he was signing with Trackhouse Racing in August 2021. He truly made a name for himself during the 2022 season (good or bad) by having a career year on the track. Ross won his first Cup race ever in 2022 at COTA and then followed it up with his second Cup win ever at Talladega, in addition to career numbers for laps led, average start and average finish. Of the 36 races, Chastain was Top-10 in 21 races. Chastain will be a sought-after driver if Trackhouse doesn’t lock him up to contract extension.

2022 wins: 2

2022 average finish: 13.3 (2nd best)

Major Sponsors: AdventHealth, Worldwide Express, Kubota

Daniel Suarez (#99, age 31)

Suarez joined Trackhouse Racing for their inaugural season in 2021. He has competed and continued to grow as a driver since joining the team. Suarez had a career season by earning himself and team a spot in the playoffs having earned his first win ever in a Cup car, a career best 13 Top-10 finishes and by far led the most laps of his career. Will Trackhouse continue to grow and win with Suarez or will they pivot going into 2024?

2022 wins: 1 

2022 average finish: 16.5 (15th best)

Major Sponsors: CommScope, Freeway Insurance

WOOD BROTHERS RACING

Harrison Burton (#21, age 22)

Harrison Burton joined Wood Brother Racing and competed as a full-time rookie in the 2022 season. He showed promise with some Top-20 finishes, but he finished with one Top-5 and two Top-10 finishes. Burton seems to be on a year-by-year basis when it comes to his contract for the time being.

2022 wins: 0

2022 average finish: 22.8 (outside Top-20)

Major Sponsors: Menards, Motorcraft/Quick Lane

Coach, Quarterback, & Cap

Here’s the deal. Justin Herbert has done plenty over the past few seasons to warrant a big time extension, and the likelihood that it happens in the next few weeks is extremely high. The 24 year old values to a 6 year, $255M deal in our system, but pushing north of $45M per year should be realistic.

With that said, it’s not inconceivable that Brandon Staley has coached his last game for the Chargers organization. If a new regime is coming in (be it Sean Payton or another set of eyes), will the (small market owners in a major market) see this as an opportunity to stall on the Herbert money, allowing the player-coach dynamic to settle in a bit before the big pay day is handed out. Denver’s disaster of a 2022 certainly puts this type of scenario in the spotlight.

Herbert holds a guaranteed $4.2M in 2023, then a 5th-year option for 2024 that will certainly be exercised by May. 

From a full roster standpoint, this is a franchise that enters 2023 in the red (estimated -$10M in 2023 cap space with 41 players under contract), with 6 players set to account for at least $10M of cap for next season. A simpler restructure for Joey Bosa can free up at least $15M, while Keenan Allen’s 2023 compensation can open up $14.3M of space with a conversion. Khalil Mackk is entering 2 non-guaranteed years of his contract, and could stand for a rip it up and start over deal to open up cap space, and build in a little stability on his end.

From a Roster Bubble standpoint OG Matt Feiler is a capable body, but LA might opt for the $6.5M of space to get out of the contract this March. TE Gerald Everett showed his value down the stretch, but there’s $4M to be opened up if the Chargers move on there as well.

RELATED
Spotrac's NFL Offseason Series continues with divisional breakdowns of team cap space, notable free agents, extension candidates, and potential roster bubble players.

AFC: NORTH | SOUTH | EAST | WEST
NFC: NORTH | SOUTH | EAST | WEST
POSITIONAL: QB | RB | WR

All-Out Attack

The narrative following the Vikings into and now certainly out of the postseason was something along the lines of: Fraudulent.

While the point differential doesn’t lie (-3 for a division winner), it would be wrong to look at this team and expect them to blow it up anytime soon. The division around them is in hand, their QB is doing more than enough to put them in winning positions, and they have arguably the best offensive weapon in all of football. 

It’s clear and obvious that the defense (specifically the pass rush) simply didn’t have the talent to compete for 60 minutes on a weekly basis. An offseason focused on bulking up the D-Line is to be expected.

Financially speaking, the Vikings sit about $8M in the red right now for 2023. Kirk Cousins is entering a contract year, and Minnesota can either restructure his $30M (freeing up over $23M of cap), or rebuild the contract into an extension (Stafford’s $40M per year deal seems right)

Moving on from WR Adam Thielen opens up at least $6.4M (more if Designated Post 6/1), while an early release of LB Erik Kendricks frees up $9.5M of space.

As for their prized possession, Justin Jefferson is now extension eligible, and while he wasn’t his usual self down the stretch - his numbers to start an NFL career simply defy logic. He’s in line to smash A.J. Brown’s current 4 year, $100M rookie extension mark, with a base valuation of $27M per year in our system.

Pretty Damn Close - BUT

The Tua Tagovailoa medical situation is scary for all parties involved - including the NFL. The Dolphins have already come out and stated that he remains the QB1 plan for 2023 and beyond, and there’s no doubt that a healthy Tua makes this team a legitimate AFC contender - but the what ifs attached to it are downright terrifying.

With that said, we’re simply going to operate as if the Dolphins believe their own words. There’s no reason to assume that a contract extension is coming for Tua, despite his eligibility window now opened up, but this is an organization that can put together a calculated offseason and become a REAL problem.

Their entire running back arsenal is slated for free agency, as are TE Mike Gesicki, and backup QB Teddy Bridgewater. Luckily, there are about a dozen starting running backs and viable backup QBs set to hit the open market this March.

DL Christian Wilkins probably made himself a good chunk of change this year (and his ongoing rift with Bills’ QB Josh Allen is only going to further that rivalry). He projects to a $15M+ per year extension in our system entering a contract year.

As a whole, the Dolphins’ project to open 2023 with around -$9M of cap space. But a simple restructure for Tyreek Hill can free up $20M, and another one for Bradley Chubb can open up almost $15M. Miami forfeits their 1st round pick thanks to some ownership collusion (which might be happening as we speak again), so their ability to clog a few holes will come in March, and on Day 2 of the April draft.

There’s an awful lot to like here - if Tua is healthy.

It’s Time

The hot take artist in me wants to push further down the BLOW IT UP boulevard, but the Baltimore Ravens aren’t a blow it up franchise. It’s also not a make the dollars rain organization, or a “let the players run the show” front office - by any means. Lamar Jackson had a real chance to go out there and shut everyone up this season, turning down a standard extension offer for what he believed should have been a top of the market one.

Now it feels like we’re back to square one with this situation, and by that I mean we throw out the fact that he’s a former MVP, we throw out the 45-16 career record, and we simply look at the player and his organization through a telescope over the next 3-4 years. Does anyone who’s truly being honest with themselves see a scenario where these two parties not only make it work, but thrive, grow, and succeed at the highest level together?

The fact of the matter is, Baltimore can still sell extremely high with Lamar on the trade market. They’ll slap an exclusive franchise tag on him in February, but can probably get away with budgeting the $32M non-exclusive tag price on their books while they work out a trade, as the non-exclusive price doesn’t lock until after RFA tender season (early April). What does all of this garbly-goo mean? Jackson won’t be able to negotiate with other teams, and the Ravens will be able to get more than just two first round picks back when they move on from him (the compensation for a player signing an offer sheet on a franchise tag).

It took the Browns three firsts, a third, & two fourths to secure the right to pay Deshaun Watson historic money. It would be foolish to assume that the Ravens won’t be looking for AT LEAST this package come March 15th. Will the Raiders & their Derek Carr situation show interest? Are the Falcons & Panthers ready to mortgage their draft future to see what Lamar can do for them instantaneously? Are the Jets actually the best landing spot for Jackson in their current form?

This might be a lot of words about a situation that never bears out. But it’s becoming increasingly more possible every day. Oh right, money. Lamar has been a $42M player in our system for the better part of 2 seasons now, but his passing productivity dipped quite a bit in 2022. Mathematically he’s a $40M player. On the open market with 6 teams vying for his services? He might just get that $200M fully guaranteed.

On the Edge

Word play. The Seahawks need pass rushers. Even the people in the balcony can read this situation clear as day. Other than that, why wouldn’t this organization try to run this thing back at least for 2023? Geno Smith is the definition of why the franchise tag exists, and should be prepared to play on the $32Mish tender next season.

Seattle enters 2023 with about $47M of cap space, but less than half a roster signed as we speak. Quandre Diggs is a restructure candidate, Noah Fant is a trade candidate, & Uchenna Nwosu is an extension candidate, all which should put the Seahawks in a great place to both draft & sign more than enough ammo to compete again next season.

And by the way - next season is all this organization should be thinking about right now. The future is here.

Internal Combustion

It's tough to blame the Bucs for trying to squeeze every possible minute of TB12 time out as possible. When he un-retired this Spring, it likely changed the mindset of the Bucs front office, who may have been looking to dial certain things back a bit in preparation for the "purge". The about face cost them plenty of cash, and even more flexibility with their cap, as Tampa Bay now stares down a near $44M cap deficit to start the 2023 campaign.

The major focus here (for a lot of reasons) is Brady, who certainly sounded like a player who won't be returning to the organization in his parting press conference. If no new contract is honored, Brady's 2022 deal will automatically void on March 15th, leaving the Bucs with a $35.1M dead cap hit for 2023, the 2nd largest of its kind in history (Matt Ryan, $40.5M).

Elsewhere, another $17.5M of voidable dead cap exists from Lavonte David, Akiem Hicks, Julio Jones, & William Gholston. Will any of these players be back in the fold by the start of the new league year? Are the seemingly QB-less Bucs going to expedite their purge plan and subtract much more than they add or retain this spring? If so, Mike Evans, who enters a contract year in 2023, could be one of the prime candidates to be traded.

Si Woo Kim comes from behind to win the Sony Open in Hawaii. He finishes with the top spot by shooting a 64 in the last round and finishing the tournament 18 under par. He earns $1.422 million for the first place finish and brings his 2023 season earnings to $2.42 million.

Sony Open Top 5

1. Si Woo Kim: $1,422,000

2. Hayden Buckley: $861,100

3. Christian Kirk: $545,100

T4. Andrew Putnam, David Lipsky, Ben Taylor: $332,458

Full Results

2023 Tournament Earnings Leaders Update

1. Jon Rahm: $3,162,000

2. Keegan Bradley: $2,585,224

3. Max Homa: $2,449,805

4. Si Woo Kim: $2,416,775

5. Tom Kim: $2,332,085

Full List

With the NFL postseason upon us, a quick look at how players are compensated for each playoff round, broken down by team, based on the agreed upon CBA costs.


Wild Card Weekend
This round stands out from the rest because it contains split pay based on a few factors. If the Wild Card team was a regular season division winner, players will each earn $46,500 (JAX, BUF, CIN, MIN, SF, TB). If the team of the Wild Card game was not a regular season division winner (LAC, MIA, BAL, SEA, NYG, DAL), players from that team will each earn $41,500 - a $5,000 difference.

Additionally, the two teams who secured a #1 seed and were rewarded a bye for the Wild Card round (KC, PHI) will earn the lesser of these two payments, or $41,500 per player.

Divisional Round Winners
All players who are on the active 53-man roster the Sunday immediately preceding the divisional round games will earn $46,500 this year, up $4,000 from last season’s postseason.

Conference Championship Winners
All players who are on the active 53-man roster the Sunday immediately preceding the conference championship games will earn $69,000, up $4,000 from last year.

Super Bowl Payouts
Players from the winning Super Bowl team will cash an extra $157,000 each, while those from the losing team will earn $82,000 for their efforts.

Potential AFC Team Playoff Earnings (per player)

Potential NFC Team Playoff Earnings (per player)

After trading Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, the prevailing wisdom around the Utah Jazz was that veterans like Jordan Clarkson, Mike Conley and Rudy Gay would be next to go. Instead, the Jazz hung on to those veterans and have been better than expected halfway through the NBA regular season.

Clarkson, in particular, has had a really good year. He’s also become a leader for a somewhat young Utah roster. Clarkson’s play and leadership have brought enough to the team that reports are the Jazz are more likely to extend him than they are to trade him.

In his ninth NBA season, Clarkson is averaging a career-high 20.7 points per game, while playing the most minutes of his career. As a full-time starter for the first time since his sophomore season, Clarkson has maintained, or lifted, his shooting percentages, while also averaging career-bests in rebounds and assists.

Let’s take a look at what Clarkson could get by extending with the Jazz and what his next deal could look like if he were to push his decision to free agency.

The Veteran Extension

In the most beneficial veteran extension scenario, Jordan Clarkson would decline his player option for next season. That would allow Clarkson to add four new years to his deal. Clarkson could also opt in for next season, and add just three seasons. This is because contracts are limited to five total years (years remaining, plus new years) in a veteran extension.

In this scenario, we’ll look at Clarkson declining his 2023-24 option, in order to add four years.

• 2023-24: $16,008,000
• 2024-25: $17,288,640
• 2025-26: $18,569,280
• 2026-27: $19,849,920
• Total: four years, $71,715,840

That’s a 20% bump off of Clarkson’s $13.34 million salary for this season. He’d also be eligible for 8% raises, which is also reflected here.

For this season, a $16 million salary would rank 22nd among NBA shooting guards. That would see Clarkson nestled right between Norman Powell of the LA Clippers and Jazz teammate Malik Beasley.

If we flip it ahead one season, at $16 million, Clarkson would be 27th in the NBA among shooting guards. That’s right behind Beasley and just ahead of Kevin Huerter of the Sacramento Kings.

Not bad company for Clarkson in either spot. Powell, Beasley and Huerter are all solid score-first guards. Huerter is a regular starter, while Powell and Beasley both come off their bench for their teams.

But even in that company, could Clarkson do better in free agency?

Re-signing with the Jazz as a free agent

Utah has full Bird rights for Clarkson. That means that they could offer him up to the max. For posterities sake, here’s what that would look like for Clarkson as a nine years of service player:

• 2023-24: $40,200,000
• 2024-25: $43,416,000
• 2025-26: $46,632,000
• 2026-27: $49,848,000
• 2027-28: $53,064,000
• Total: five years, $233,160,000

That’s the full 30% of the projected $134 million cap for 2023-24, with 8% raises tacked on.

Now, Jordan Clarkson isn’t getting that much in free agency. He’d be the third-highest paid shooting guard in the NBA at $40.2 million, behind only Bradley Beal, Paul George (who is also kind of a small forward) and Klay Thompson. Good as he is (and as overpaid as a couple of those guys may be), that’s not the kind of player Clarkson is.

So, while it’s nice to have a high-point salary as a high-end marker, that’s all it is.

Signing with another team as a free agent

Clarkson is an interesting spot as a potential unrestricted free agent. Two guard is probably the deepest position in free agency, but Clarkson is somewhere in the 2-to-7 range at his position. Overall, Clarkson is likely somewhere in the 10-to-20 range among all potential free agents.

Here’s the most a rival team could offer Clarkson:

• 2023-24: $40,200,000
• 2024-25: $42,210,000
• 2025-26: $44,220,000
• 2026-27: $46,320,000
• Total: four years, $172,860,000

That’s the same 30% of the cap in first-year salary, but the max another team can offer Clarkson is four years and 5% raises.

This deal serves as a nice comparison point for Clarkson’s potential extension with Utah. In theory, Clarkson would be leaving $100 million on the table. In reality, it’s more of another high-end marker that Clarkson won’t come anywhere close to.

The Extend-and-Trade or Extension After a Trade

Even if we’re trying to tamp down expectations a bit for Jordan Clarkson on his next deal, doing an extend-and-trade or an extension after a trade aren’t in range for him. He’d only be able to add a 5% bump off his current $13.34 million salary in Year 1 and then 8% in Year 2. Either situation would look like this:

• 2023-24: $14,007,000
• 2024-25: $15,127,560

Adding $29.1 million isn’t bad, but that’s less money in Year 1 of this extension than Clarkson would make by simply picking up his player option.

And Clarkson can’t extend after a trade, because any extension that would go beyond what’s allowable in an extend in trade would have to wait for six months. That would take us past the opening of free agency, and Clarkson would be better off to just opt out and re-sign with any team that traded for him.

Summary

Jordan Clarkson is having a great season. If the Jazz record were a bit better, he’d join teammate Lauri Markkanen in garnering All-Star consideration. It’s easy to see why Utah is thinking extension vs trading Clarkson.

On the flip side, Clarkson is turning in a career-year in his age-30 season. His last two full seasons in Utah, Clarkson shot 42.2% overall and 33.3% on three-pointers. And on a contender, he’s probably a combo guard coming off the bench.

But let’s not pretend that good bench scorers don’t have value. Two of Clarkson’s best career comps are Lou Williams and Jamal Crawford. Williams had a 17-year career as primarily a bench scoring guard, while Crawford went for a whopping 20 years in that role. Having the remainder of his career play out like two of the preeminent sixth men in NBA history is a good goal for Clarkson.

Given his age, and factoring in that this is probably a career-year and not a new baseline, we can split the difference on what is fair for Clarkson’s next contract. And we’ll also factor in that he’s a valuable player as a reserve of a starter and that his scoring is a skill that gets players paid.

With all that we know, the Jazz would do well to simply extend Clarkson now. He’d get roughly $18 million AAV and that’s pretty fair value. Utah would do best to try to keep it to three years and $52 million, as opposed to four years and almost $72 million, but that’s just to protect against age-related regression.

However, for Clarkson, that’s probably right on the border of it being worth testing free agency. The free agent class this summer is weak enough that there is likely to be more money available than players to reasonably spend it on. Only James Harden, Kyrie Irving and maybe Khris Middleton are max contract guys this summer, and they are all more likely to re-sign where they are than to leave. That leaves a lot available for everyone else.

Clarkson is a primary player among that “everyone else” group. It’s not a stretch to see a team offering him a three- or four-year deal in the $20 million AAV range.

With that in mind, it’s probably best for Jordan Clarkson to finish this year strong, opt out and see what free agency has to offer. Utah loves Clarkson and he seems happy there. Whatever the Jazz can offer him in an extension should be there this summer, and Utah can beat any rival’s offer too. If Clarkson can leverage his way into a bit more salary in free agency, so much the better for him.

The arbitration filing deadline for MLB came and went Friday, with 33 players still in limbo with their respective organizations. Of those who signed, Juan Soto (SD, OF) led the way with a $23M salary for the upcoming season, while 11 others were at or above the $10M mark.

Shohei Ohtani (LAA, SP/DH): $30M (3/3)
Juan Soto (SD, OF): $23M (3/3)
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR, 1B): $14.5M (2/4)
Pete Alonso (NYM, 1B): $14.5M (2/3)
Julio Urias (LAD, SP): $14.25M (4/4)
Josh Hader (SD, RP): $14.1M (4/4)
Rhys Hoskins (PHI, 1B): $12M (3/3)
Ian Happ (CHC, OF): $10.85M (3/3)
Brandon Woodruff (MIL, SP): $10.8M (3/3)
Lucas Giolito (CWS, SP): $10.4M (3/3)
Shane Bieber (CLE, SP): $10.01M (2/3)
Jordan Montgomery STL, SP): $10M (4/4)
(arbitration phase)

Here’s a complete list of the 33 players that couldn’t agree on terms, including the number they’ve filed out versus the one the team has countered with.

• Josh Rojas (ARZ, 3B) $2.9M/$2.575MM
• Max Fried (ATL, SP):: $15M/$13.5M
• Austin Voth (BAL, SP): $2M/$1.7M
• Kyle Tucker (HOU, OF): $7.5M/$5M
• Cristian Javier (HOU, SP): $3.5M/$3M
• Brady Singer (KC, SP): $3.325M/$2.95M
• Luis Rengifo (LAA, SS): $2.3M/$2M
• Hunter Renfroe (LAA, OF): $11.9M/$11.25M
• Giovanny Urshela (LAA, SS): $10M/$8.4M
• Anthony Gonsolin (LAD, SP): $3.4M/$3M
• Jesus Luzardo (MIA, SP): $2.45M/$2.1M
• Jon Berti (MIA, 2B): $2.3M/$1.9M
• Corbin Burnes (MIL, SP): $10.75M/$10.1M
• Luis Arraez (MIN, 1B): $6.1M/$5M
• Jeff McNeil (NYM, 2B): $7.75M/$6.25M
• Gleyber Torres (NYY, SS): $10.2M/$9.7M
• Seranthony Dominguez (PHI, RP): $2.9M/$2.1M
• Jose Alvarado (PHI, RP): $3.7M/$3.2M
• Ji-Man Choi (PIT, 1B): $5.4M/$4.65M
• Diego Castillo (SEA, RP): $3.225M/$2.95M
• Dylan Moore (SEA, 2B): $2.25M/$1.9M
• Teoscar Hernandez (SEA, OF): $16M/$14M
• Genesis Cabrera (STL, RP): $1.15M/$950k
• Ryan Helsley (STL, RP): $3M/$2.15M
• Colin Poche (TB, RP): $1.3M/$1.175M
• Yandy Diaz (TB, 3B): $6.3M/$5.55M
• Jason Adam (TB, RP): $1.775M/$1.55M
• Jeffrey Springs (TB, SP): $3.55M/$2.7M
• Harold Ramirez (TB, OF): $2.2M/$1.9M
• Ryan Thompson (TB, RP): $1.2M/$1M
• Pete Fairbanks (TB, RP): $1.9M/$1.5M
• Bo Bichette (TOR, SS): $7.5M/$5M
• Victor Robles (WAS, OF) $2.6M/$2.3M

Our NFL Offseason Series continues with analysis for each team’s notable free agents, projected financials, & a few extension or roster bubble candidates heading toward the offseason.



SPOTRAC'S OFFSEASON SERIES
AFC: NORTH | SOUTH | EAST | WEST
NFC: NORTH | SOUTH | EAST | WEST
POSITIONAL: QB | RB | WR

Denver Broncos

2023 Cap Space: $12M
Rostered Players: 59
Draft Pick: #5 (traded to SEA), TBD (from SF)

Sources close to me confirm that Year 1 of the Russell Wilson experiment has failed. Out goes the coaching staff, out go a few current players, but this will be a systematic change much more than a roster construction change for the next few seasons.

Notable Free Agents

• Dalton Risner (G, 27)
• Latavius Murray (RB, 32)
• Kareem Jackson (S, 34)
• MORE

Extension Candidate

Jerry Jeudy (WR, 23)
Jeudy put together his best statistical season (67 catches, 972 yards, 6 TDs) just in time to become extension eligible for the first time in his career. His rookie deal contains 1 year, $2.6M (guaranteed) plus an option for 2024. He projects to a 4 year, $80M deal in our system right now.

Bubble Candidate

Ronald Darby (CB, 29)
Enters a contract year in 2023, set to carry a $13M cap hit. The Broncos can free up $10M by moving on at any point of the offseason.

Graham Glasgow (OL, 30)
He’s a serviceable and versatile offensive lineman, but with $11M of his $14M cap hit available to be cleared, he’ll sit on the bubble until further notice.

K.J. Hamler (WR, 23)
He’s hit the IR each of this first three seasons, and the Broncos can free up $1.5M of his $2.2M cap hit this offseason.

Kansas City Chiefs

2023 Cap Space: $14M
Rostered Players: 35
Draft Pick: TBD

The Chiefs sit atop the AFC yet again, but that doesn’t exclude them from some serious offseason questions around the corner at the left tackle, wide receiver, and cornerback positions to name a few.

Notable Free Agents

• Orlando Brown Jr. (LT, 26)
• JuJu Smith-Schuster (WR, 26)
• Mecole Hardman (WR, 24)
• Jerick McKinnon (RB, 30)
• MORE

Extension Candidate

Chris Jones (DT, 29)
Jones enters a contract year, having done Jones things once again in 2022, set to carry a $28.2M cap hit for the 2023 season. The Chiefs want to lower that hit (and presumably keep him for a few more seasons). Just based on math, Jones projects to a 4 year, $120M extension in our system.

L'Jarius Sneed (CB, 25)
The 2020 4th rounder really established himself in 2022, and enters a contract year for 2023, set to earn a non-guaranteed $1M. He values toward a 4 year, $32M contract in our system right now.

Bubble Candidate

Frank Clark (DE, 29)
Clark restructured before the 2022 year to stick around, and he played well enough to at least consider doing that again. But with a $31M cap hit versus $9M of dead cap to boot, we’ll error on the side of $22M in savings for now.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB, 23)
CEH carries a fully guaranteed $2M in 2023 (his 5th year option is certain to be declined this May), which should be plenty tradable to a team in need. KC can free up $1.5M by trading him at any point in time this offseason.

Las Vegas Raiders

2023 Cap Space: $20M
Rostered Players: 45
Draft Pick: #7

The Derek Carr era is over, despite a core group of contracts signed in the past 18 months (including his). This team is too pot invested to wait for a young QB to grow into it, do they have bigger (older) plans?

Notable Free Agents

• Josh Jacobs (RB, 24)
• Jermaine Eluemunor (RT, 28)
• Foster Moreau (TE, 25)
• MORE

Extension Candidate

Foster Moreau (TE, 25)
Moreau has been a stable TE2 for this Raiders team, but with Darren Waller’s inconsistency and health issues, LV should be ready to treat him as more than that (and Waller’s replacement for 2024).

Bubble Candidate

Derek Carr (QB, 31)
Carr has already said his goodbyes, so now it’s a matter of trade or release. If it’s release, LV will do so prior to $40.4M more locking in on February 15th ($5.626M of dead cap, $29.25M saved). If they find a trade partner (that Carr agrees to), the numbers will look the same, but the trade won’t process until at least March 15th.

Chandler Jones (DE, 32)
Jones holds a fully guaranteed $17M through 2023, so this is a trade situation only - but it’s not inconceivable. A Pre March 17th trade leaves behind $9.6M of dead cap, freeing up $9.8M of space. It’s possible there’s a team looking to take a 1 year, $17M flier on him.

Los Angeles Chargers

2023 Cap Space: -$10M
Rostered Players: 41
Draft Pick: TBD

Before we get to adjustments on the roster, are we positive the coaching staff is safe for 2023? Once that question is answered, Justin Herbert will need $150M guaranteed.

Notable Free Agents

• Drue Tranquill (LB, 27)
• Kyle Van Noy (LB, 31)
• Bryce Callahan (CB, 31)
• MORE

Extension Candidate

Justin Herbert (QB, 24)
A big playoff run could sweeten this pot even more, but Herbert is now extension eligible for the first time, and seems a slam dunk to lock in a $40M + deal this spring. He projects to a 6 year, $255M extension in our system.

Khalil Mack (OLB, 31)
Mack holds a 2 year, $46.15M non-guaranteed contract right now (which is pretty good coin for him at this stage), but the cap hits ($27.4M, $27.75M) scream restructure. The two sides can turn this into a 4-5 year deal with more flexibility for all.

Bubble Candidate

Gerald Everett (TE, 28)
Everett is a nice fit for this offense, and his $8M cap hit for 2023 isn’t too daunting, but with $4M to be freed up, the Chargers might take a chance on bringing him back cheaper.

Our NFL Offseason Series continues with analysis for each team’s notable free agents, projected financials, & a few extension or roster bubble candidates heading toward the offseason.

SPOTRAC'S OFFSEASON SERIES
AFC: NORTH | SOUTH | EAST | WEST
NFC: NORTH | SOUTH | EAST | WEST
POSITIONAL: QB | RB | WR

Arizona Cardinals

2023 Cap Space: $16M
Rostered Players: 46
Draft Pick: #3

It appears C Rodney Hudson is retiring, and WR DeAndre Hopkins is on the trade block. With a new coaching staff and GM on the way, it appears Arizona is set on loading up draft capital and trying to rebuild this thing on the fly as quickly as possible (while paying their QB1 $48M per year).

Notable Free Agents

• Zach Allen (DE, 25)
• Kelvin Beachum (RT, 33)
• Byron Murphy (CB, 24)
• Will Hernandez (G, 27)
• MORE

Extension Candidate

Marquise Brown (WR, 25)
Holds a fully guaranteed $13.4M 5th-year option in 2023, could be eyeing the 3 year, $60M extensions Mike Williams & Chris Godwin bagged last year.

Bubble Candidate

J.J. Watt (DE, 34) & Rodney Hudson (C, 34)
The Cardinals have already restructured these contracts to set them up for Post 6/1 retirements/releases. Watt will carry a $3.48M cap hit until 6/1 after which the Cardinals will take on dead hits of $2.4M for 2023, $4.8M for 2024. Hudson will carry a $3.8M cap hit until 6/1, after which the Cardinals will take on dead hits of $1.76M for 2023, $3.52M for 2024.

Robbie Anderson (WR, 30)
Hopkins on the trade block might make the Cardinals think twice here, but with $12M to be saved, it seems very likely they get out of this contract regardless.

Los Angeles Rams

2023 Cap Space: -$11M
Rostered Players: 50
Draft Pick: #6, traded to DET

The most important question for the Rams this offseason pertains to the coach: Will he be back? If the answer is no, look for a domino effect of change. If yes, 2023 might simply be about getting healthy, and spending $100M on a new offensive line.

Notable Free Agents

• Matt Gay (K, 28)
• Ty Nsekhe (OT, 37)
• Taylor Rapp (S, 25)
• Troy Hill (CB, 31)
• A'Shawn Robinson (DE, 27)
• Baker Mayfield (QB, 27)
• MORE

Extension Candidate

Matt Gay (K, 28)
Yep, we’re talking kickers here. The offense sputtered this season, and with Stafford’s health still in question, the Rams might as well keep a reliable kicker around for scoring purposes. Top 10 kicker pay ranges from $4.1M - $6M per year.

Bubble Candidate

Sean McVay (HC, 36)
Until we know, we know nothing about this team’s offseason.

Jalen Ramsey (CB, 28)
Ramsey has started to hint that his time in LA could be closing. $12.5M of his $17M salary for 2023 is already fully guaranteed, but none of the 2 years, $38M thereafter is. The Rams could be pining for a 2023 1st round pick here, so an early trade would leave $19.6M of dead cap on their table, freeing up $5.6M of space.

San Francisco 49ers

2023 Cap Space: $14M
Rostered Players: 33
Draft Pick: TBD, traded to DEN

This is a loaded, dynamic roster that has proven for back to back to back years now that it can plug and play an able bodied QB into it and be successful. And yet, the QB1 position is still the biggest question mark heading into 2023.

Notable Free Agents

• Jimmy Garoppolo (QB, 31)
• Mike McGlinchey (RT, 28)
• Jimmie Ward (S, 31)
• Robbie Gould (K, 40)
• MORE

Extension Candidate

Nick Bosa (DE, 25)
Bosa is set to play out a fully guaranteed $17.8M 5th-year option in 2023, but that’s certain to be ripped up in favor of a massive extension. He projects to a 4 year, $106M contract in our system, but T.J. Watt’s $112M deal is a realistic floor here.

Bubble Candidate

Arik Armstead (DE, 30)
Still a fine player, and the dead cap doesn’t offer a ton of wiggle room, but his $24.3M cap hit is a lot to ask for a top contending team. A Post 6/1 release designation offers $16.7M of cap savings to SF next season.

Seattle Seahawks

2023 Cap Space: $47M
Rostered Players: 34
Draft Pick: #5 (from DEN), #20

Life without Russ ain’t half bad. Don’t let the cap space fool you, as the Seahawks don’t have a QB1 under contract for 2023 as of yet, and a franchise tag for Geno Smith would eat up about 75% of that $47M figure. This will be an attractive landing spot for free agents this spring, and Seattle will be hunting (and drafting) for pass rushers.

Notable Free Agents

• Geno Smith (QB, 32)
• Ryan Neal (S, 27)
• Rashaad Penny (RB, 26)
• Tanner Muse (LB, 26)
• Poona Ford (DE, 27)
• MORE

Extension Candidate

Uchenna Nwosu (LB, 27)
Posted a career year across the board and has the makings for a long career in Seattle. His cap hit jumps from $6.3M to $12.7M next season, so a multi-year extension can work for both parties here.

Geno Smith (QB, 32)
This Cinderella story will continue for at least 1 more season. Will it be a $30M+ franchise tag, or a short term extension? If it’s the latter, mathematically speaking, Geno Smith just played himself a $40M season. Will he garner that on the open market? Not likely. But, like Daniel Jones, something at or above $30M wouldn’t surprise us.

Bubble Candidate

Noah Fant (TE, 26)
Acquired in the Russell Wilson trade, Fant slipped down the depth chart as the year went along. His $6.85M 5th-year option salary for 2023 is already fully guaranteed, so this is a trade scenario only.

The NWSL Draft took place on Jan 12, 2023. NWSL teams selected 48 players across 12 teams.

The full draft results can be viewed here: 2023 NWSL Draft

Take Aways

• Alyssa Thompson was taken with the #1 overall pick by Angel City FC. She is the first high school player to be drafted in the NWSL. Angel City FC has acquired the #1 overall pick this week by sending Yazmeen Ryan and $250,000 Allocation Money to Gotham FC
• Kansas City Current were very active with 8 selections, including a draft day trade sending Lynn Williams to Gotham FC for the #2 overall selection.
• The most goalkeepers (6) ever were drafted in an NWSL Draft since its existence in 2013.
• 3 players were drafted from the two teams, UCLA and North Carolina, in the 2022 NCAA DI Women's College Cup championship.
• Duke, Florida State and Alabama each had 3 players selected leading all college representations.

Players Selected By Team

• Angel City: 2
• Chicago Red Stars: 4
• Houston Dash: 4
• Kansas City Current: 8
• Gotham FC: 2
• NC Courage: 4
• Racing Louisville: 4
• OL Reign: 2
• Orlando Pride: 5
• Portland Thorns: 4
• San Diego Wave: 3
• Washington Spirit: 6

Players Selected By Position

• Forward: 17
• Midfielder: 12
• Defender: 13
• Goalkeeper: 6