http://youtube.com/watch?v=ZTFJocQBLyE?wmode=Opaque
“Show me the money!”
It’s corny and it’s over done but it’s always so true! NFL players always want to be shown the money. There comes a time in a players career when then contracts are soon expired and they start thinking about cashing in on a new contract. Historically players in contract years have shown just a little more effort to ensure they make a few extra dollars when their pay days come around. Players often have taken caution to make sure to avoid injury in a contract year.
That being said I wanted to take a look at which players have improved and hurt their stock in their contract years.
Players who will be rolling in the cash next year:
Drew Brees: While contract negotiations probably haven’t gone as well as the two sides have hoped, there is not much at this point that can stop Drew Brees from becoming paid with the top 5 QB in the NFL.
Matt Forte: Matt Forte, or maybe better known as PAY THE MAN, is basically 99.9 % of the Bears offense. He is the car, the keys and the ignition that gets this team going. Forte chose a good time to have his best year as next year surely Matt Forte’s wallet will be much fatter.
Arian Foster: While Foster has been the best back statistically in the NFL the past 2 years, this situation is a little bit tricky because the Texans also have Ben Tate. While I think Foster will get paid big I wouldn’t be shocked if Forte cashes in a little more at the bank.
Mike Wallace: One of the fastest players in the NFL will waste no time to cash his huge pay check that he will be receiving from the Steelers. The past 2 season Wallace has transformed from a speed demon to an elite receiver. The quick deep strike has become the Steelers speciality and they will pay their top guy accordingly.
Making those dolla dolla bills but might be franchised:
Vincent Jackson: It seems he just can’t escape the franchise tag as it would appear likely that the Chargers will slap it on him again.
Money Makers (These players will still make the big bucks but probably have hurt their stocks a bit):
Desean Jackson: I would not be shocked if the Eagles pass on Desean due to his inconsistent play this season and seven year old behaviour. DeSean’s character issues remain a probably and will probably cost him a bit this off season. At this point it would be surprising if DeSean got the huge contract he will most likely command.
Reggie Wayne: Let’s face it, Reggie is getting old. While I still think Wayne can obviously contribute his stock has definitely taken a hit due to no Peyton this season. It will be interesting to see if the Colts still deem him as a priority.
Sneaky Cash (Players that might have earned themselves a few extra dollars next year):
Michael Bush: Filling in for DMac, Bush has been nothing short of awesome. It is pretty clear Bush can be a feature back this year and I wouldn’t be surprised if a team took a shot at giving him that opportunity next year.
Brandon Lloyd: While it looked like in Denver his talents were being wasted but since being traded to St Louis he has been the best and only option in the passing game. St Louis might spend a little extra cash to sign him this off-season.
Struggling Season, Struggling to get those dollars!
Peyton Hillis: Hillis’s contract year has come one year late for him. While it seemed he would get a big pay day last year, now after issues on and off the field including injuries, it doesn’t seem likely Hillis will have a huge pay day. The Browns have even made it public they don’t plan on bringing him back. Hillis might not even see feature back money next year.
Plaxico Burress: Plax has not been able to find his form pre-jail time. Plax has struggled to shake off coverage and has really just looked old. Plax’s days of making big money are over. His touchdown numbers look good. But everything else? Not so much.
Braylon Edwards: Same story as Plax and has even had his own injury issues. Braylon will find a spot somewhere next year but hasn’t earned respect to make big cash.
Ryan Grant: Grant has become at best a role player in Green Bay and will probably only find a spot on a team as a backup. He might be in a similar situation to Marion Barber last year.
Injuries costing players money:
Chad Henne: Will most likely not be resigned by Miami and will have to find his way as a backup on another roster
Jason Campbell: Was on his way to perhaps earning himself the starting job in Oakland and now will have to try and restart again to compete for another team.
Danny Amendola: After being Sam Bradford’s number 1 option last year, this year due to injury he has taken a back seat on the priority list to Brandon Lloyd.
