By Jack McNicholas

February 19, 2020

Jadeveon Clowney, Defensive End (Seattle Seahawks)

Former number one pick in the draft Jadeveon Clowney went into the offseason last year on the Franchise Tag. Clowney wanted a change of scenery to prove himself for a long term extension as he is coming off of his rookie contract. On the one year deal he was able to make $16 Million. When the season started he found himself in a Seattle Seahawks uniform. Although he only had three sacks last season he was truly a force off the edge. I believe whether it is Seattle or another NFL franchise  He will get top five defensive end money. I believe he will get a salary of about $18 Million a year for five years for a total contract of $90 Million. Just eclipsing Jaguars Calais Campbell’s contract from a few seasons ago.

Projected Contract Value if Signed:5/18M/90M

Age: 27

2019 salary: $16 million

Justin Simmons, Safety (Denver Broncos)

Age: 26

2019 salary: $2 million

Projected Contract Value if Signed:

Justin Simmons came onto the scene in a contract year. Four interceptions, 15 passes defensed, 94 tackles, he will have the option to stay with the Broncos or he can leave and get paid elsewhere. His last two seasons have been his most productive. I believe he will stay as Denver is trying to rebuild around their defensive veterans such as Chris Harris (30) and Von Miller (30). Simmons is going to be a strong force at the safety position for years to come. I believe after being a third round pick he has come a long way and deserves a contract extension. I project the Broncos will offer him a Four year $56 Million. His fellow saftey Kareem Jackson has the same amount per year and it will not hurt the Broncos cap space this year. He is a ballhawk safety with plenty of years to get even better. I project he will stay with the Broncos. 

Joe Thuney, Offensive Lineman

Projected Contract Value if Signed: 

Thuney is one of the best and most versatile offensive linemen on the open market this offseason. He has been superb as a pass blocker, can play any position on the offensive line as needed, and has been a true iron-man, playing at least 99.2 percent of the Patriots snaps in each of his four seasons as a starter. 

Offensive line is not the most attractive position, although they can be a make or break signing for teams. Thuney played all 16 games for New England and was more consistent then almost all other Guard and Tackles this season. With only one sack allowed and committing no penalties throughout the whole season. This year the Patriots struggled with their offense as a whole but the Patriots have a plan to resign their long time franchise quarterback Tom Brady. If that happens it is crucial that Joe will sign with a new team, although after Two Super Bowls, he could be in for a large pay day. New England is still my front runner to sign Thuney and retain him. I believe they will give  him a 4 year deal. I believe with the market this year he will get the same as Cowboys star Zach Martin with $15 Million a year salary.

Age: 27

2019 salary: $2 million

Derrick Henry, Running Back (Tennessee Titans) 

Projected Contract Value if Signed: 5/ 22.5M/40

King Henry truly lived up to his nickname as he added a rushing crown to his resume this season and ran the Titans to the AFC Championship. With his stock higher than ever Henry said he will be looking for the same amount of garunteed money in his contract as Cowboys Running Back Ezekiel Elliot. While I believe he will stay with the Titans I would not be shocked if Henry holds out till he gets to be at least where Todd Gurley ($14M) is. I believe he will also wait for Chargers Running back Melvin Gordon and see what the market is. I do believe he will stay in Tennessee and continue in their ground and pound system. I would say he make 13M a year on average this offseason.

Age: 26

2019 salary: $1.2 million

Yannick Ngakoue, Edge Rusher (Jacksonville Jaguars) 

Projected Contract Value if Signed: 5/ 18MYR/90M 

Yannick Ngakoue is a free agent that could be a huge benefit to another team. As Jacksonville will have some salary cap issues down the road and Ngakoue will be asking for top dollar. His season this year was one for the books 41 tackles (13 for loss), eight sacks, one interception (returned for touchdown), four forced fumbles (one fumble recovered). I believe he will get a 5 year $90 Million dollar range deal. At only 24 years only he will be one of the most sought after pass rusher this offseason. A former third round pick he has earned his spot as a premier pass rusher on a defense with a large amount of depth at his position. Ngakoue will be a force for year to come on a team. 

Age: 24

2019 salary: $2 million

 Dak Prescott, Quarterback (Dallas Cowboys)

Dak Prescott has been a very efficient quarterback, the Cowboys know this better than anyone. While reports say that Dak will be looking for 40 Million a year. 4,902 yards, 30 touchdowns, 11 interceptions was the impressive stat line that Prescott put up. I do not believe he will get a salary in this range despite having a great season in his contract year the team has to pay many other players and just signed Running back Ezekiel Elliot to a record deal. Dallas wants to get the deal done before the March deadline. I believe he will get a deal somewhere in the 25 million dollar a year range with plenty of bonus and guaranteed money. I believe that he does have the potential to get top 10 quarterback money due to his record of winning and bringing Dallas multiple division titles. As many other top ten quarterbacks don’t even have playoff wins. I project he will get a five year deal as well.

Age: 26

2019 stats: 4,902 yards, 30 touchdowns, 11 interceptions

2019 salary: $2 million

Melvin Gordon, Running Back (LA Chargers)

Melvin Gordon sat out the first four weeks of the season as he was negotiating with the Los Angeles Chargers He eventually came back and looked good but the team had a season that did not go the way they expected. I believe that with the chargers moving on from Philip Rivers. While his counter part Austin Ekeler is also a free agent. The Chargers will, in my opinion want to lock Melvin Gordon up so that their new quarterbacks have a better workhorse back. I believe Ekeler earned himself a payday but not with the Chargers. Melvin Gordon will get at least 14.5 million to stay with the Chargers as they go into a new season without a heavy quarterback salary on their budget.

Age: 26

2019 stats: 12 games played, 162 carries, 612 rushing yards, 42 catches, 296 receiving yards, nine total TDs

2019 salary: $5.6 million