By Jack McNicholas

July, 16 ,2020

Every offseason the NFL has players finding themselves in new situations. For some it is the end of their rookie deal, where they must take the leap to prove they are worth the extension. For others it’s the franchise and transition tags in which they must earn a long term deal while on a fixed price for the season. These players find themselves in different prove-it situations in 2020. The talent is there and must remain on display for these players. Who will prove it in 2020 and get their next big contract? 

Shaquil Barrett, Tampa Bay Buccaneers:

Nothing says prove it like a good old franchise tag; the ultimate test of the flash in a pan season. Before a team truly commits long term to a player. If Shaquil Barrett produces like he did last year in his first season with the Buccaneers. Then he will earn himself a long term deal. After last season it is hard to say he did not earn it. While developing in his first three seasons in Denver after being an undrafted free agent in 2014. 2019 was Barrett’s year in Tampa and he took the league by storm and had career highs in all major stats. Tackles (58), Forced Fumbles (6), and led the league in sacks with 19.5. Now with Tom Brady in Tampa the defense won’t have to be on the field as much. Barrett should take this opportunity and show his best play off in 2020. 

A season similar to 2019 will do wonders for the contract that Barrett will be looking for come next spring. The Buccaneers played it safe and will have this year to evaluate. Barrett will be in a very strong linebacker core with Devin White and Lavonte David. This will be a defense to watch next season and Barrett must do all he can to make himself look special. An undrafted free agent is not shy of competition, many believe Barrett will have the tools to be successful this season and hopefully be a with the Buccaneers for years to come. 

Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns:

Baker is going into his third season as the Cleveland Browns Quarterback. For many first overall quarterbacks with a losing record, the third season is one that greatly impacts the status of your fifth year option and eventual long term contract. In 2020 the former Heisman winner will have a chip on his shoulder after starting all 16 games Baker did not show the same flashes as his rookie season. With a 49-35 TD ratio you must look at the good and the bad. Next year no one is hoping for more good than Baker. In 2019 the team had a new look and added plenty of talent to surround Mayfield, but posted a 6-10 record.  Most known addition being Odell Beckham Jr. With a solid receiving core including Jarvis Landry and newly added tight end Austin Hooper this offseason.

 Baker must prove that with these weapons he can be a productive quarterback in the tough AFC North Division. It’s hard to believe the Browns would load this offense up around Mayfield just to let him go after his rookie deal. However he must prove that he is worthy of his number one overall pick status. With a successful season Baker could find his way to a fifth year option. Giving the Browns organization one extra year to negotiate this contract. Baker has the weapons and a new coach in Kevin Stefanski. This system will take a lot of pressure off of Baker as the team will heavily utilize the run game. As well as a high accuracy passing attack. Taking weight off Baker Mayfields shoulders. This is the year for Mayfeild to solidify his place in Cleveland. 

Curtis Samuel, Carolina Panthers:

Samuel is going into a contract year. With the Panthers addition of Robbie Anderson and the new Head Coach in town Matt Rhule. Every receiver  in Carolina is competing for targets. As peer DJ Moore truly came into his own and solidified himself as the top wide receiver on the team. Samuel has yet to eclipse 630 receiving yards in his three years as a starter. Last season he played all 16 games for the first time. If Samuel wants to prove himself as a future slot receiver in this league in 2020 he must find his stride this season. 

It would be wise of new quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to spread the ball out in his first season with the team. Samuel must prove to the Panthers franchise he is worthy of an extension. In his first two seasons he did not get his opportunity. It’s time for Samuel to be utilized properly in the Panthers offense. Watching Samuel on tape; he shows flashes of a speedy receiver who can create big play opportunities for an offense. Only owed $3.3  million in 2020, it would not take breaking the bank to create a reason for the Panthers to sign Samuel. If used correctly he could stay put. If a down season comes his way; it may be time for a change of scenery for the receiver who has yet to be utilized to his full potential. If Matt Rhule can use Samuel to his strengths it could be his prove it season and earn a pay day as Carolina wants to have as many weapons for Teddy Bridgewater.

Todd Gurley, Atlanta Falcons: 

As the NFC South got stronger this offseason, the Falcons added former LA Rams Running Back Todd Gurley and the division only got stronger. Gurley, who was released two seasons after signing the richest running back contract at the time only in April of 2018. Two seasons after a Superbowl Berth, and offensive player of the year award and three pro bowls with the team. Now Gurley is back in the state of Georgia, this time with a vengeance. The one year prove-it deal for $5.5 million dollars in 2020 is beneficial for the Falcons cap space. Gurley will have less pressure and prove his worth next offseason or re-sign with the team. The Falcons have always had a consistent passing attack, and this season the work horse back in Gurley hopes to return to his Offensive player of the year form. Many speculate that Gurley will not be as productive as he once was. Do not be shocked if Gurley is at full health in the Fall. The Falcons will make sure to give him the opportunity to succeed. 

A productive season for Gurley could be the turning point he has been waiting for. There is a bright horizon for Gurley but he must prove he is worth the long term extension. 2020 could be the year he becomes a star in Atlanta and be Matt Ryan’s power running back for years to come. Do not doubt his ability to be effective in both the running and passing game. When Gurley is full go, this offense will be fun to watch. This season Todd Gurley will have to prove himself worthy of a top paid running back once again. 

Marlon Mack, Indianapolis Colts: 

Marlon Mack has taken this Colts offense to new levels at times in his three years of playing. In the past two seasons he was the premier back on this offense. While the Colts claim they run a committee between running backs Marlon Mack, Jordan Wilkins and Nyheim Hines. That committee is going to have a lot less carries per player with new rookie running back Johnathan Taylor. The Colts understand how to use their cap room, general Manager Chris Ballard and head coach Franch Reich love the play style of Johnathan Taylor and they have the offensive line to create plenty of space for Taylor to run free. 

Mack is going into a prove it season simply due to being in a contract year and a crowded backfield. While his talents will be productive in almost any scheme, Mack needs to have a lot of opportunity in order to be successful. In 2019 when Mack had more than a thousand yards for the first time in his career it was due to him having the most touches out of that committee. The addition of Taylor does not bode well for Mack, who will be looking for a large pay day as the running back contract market will include names such as Saquon Barkely, Nick Chubb and Leonard Fournette. The Colts would not have spent a second round selection on Taylor if they wanted to pay mack a top 10 contract. Marlon Mack would have to beat out this whole committee to prove he is a long term running back solution for Inndianapolis or any other franchise. After a 908 yard season in 2018 and 1091 rushing yards this past season no one can deny that Mack is on the rise. No matter what happens after this season. 

Jadeveon Clowney, Free Agent:

Former First overall Pick Jadeveon Clowney has been a free agent for what seems like forever.  Last season Clowney was traded to Seattle due to not wanting to play under the one year franchise tender. His 2019 campaign was quiet, and he has remained unsigned. Now he must wait for facilities to open and pass physicals for teams before they take a chance on him. Clowney had a career low three sacks in 2019. While he may be the only free agent on this list; he has the most to prove. Signing Clowney has two situations that can occur.  One where he has to go on the one year deal, get his quote he’s been asking for financially and if he produces then he will be rewarded with an extension. The other being a team takes a risk signing him to a long term deal and if his injury history continues it could cause a disaster for a teams cap situation as his asking price is around $17-20 per year. 

This poses the question, does Jadeveon Clowney deserve more per year than Cameron Jordan ($17.5M) or Von Miller($19M). Not a chance. Teams must continue to tread lightly, as Clowney can be the most dominant player on the field but does come with risks. When camps start to pick up NFL fans, it remains to be uncertain which team will take this chance. Many franchises have been vocal of their desire to sign Clowney, but they must do all their homework before deciding to pay a pass rusher that amount of money without the consistency to back it up. No doubt if healthy Jadeveon Clowney will dominate, but he will have a chip on his shoulder next season. 

Patrick Peterson, Arizona Cardinals:

Patrick Peterson must prove himself worthy of another long term deal to stay in Arizona for life. Since 2011 Peterson has consistently been one of the top cornerbacks in the league. His athleticism is unmatched and has the ability week in and week out to shut down the opposing team’s top passing option. Now with one year left on his contract going into his tenth season. Peterson faces his first year without a secure deal the following season. 

Last season Peterson missed the first six games due to a violation of the league’s PED policy. Costing him his first Pro Bowl after eight straight appearances. With negotiations looming in Arizona the 30 year old Peterson must get back to his pro bowl level of play and show he is still an impactful franchise player on the Cardinals defense. While it won’t be expected that Peterson will be getting more than his current $12 million a year deal. He can only benefit financially from a good season, whether he is back in Arizona or changes teams. It would be wise for him to stay where he is for now and stay with this Cardinals team expected to take a leap in 2020. This is Petersons prove-it year and he has never backed down from a challenge before, why expect him to start now?

Vic Beasley, Tennessee Titans:

Vic Beasley has led the league in sacks, made the pro bowl and selected to the All-Pro team. That was 2016, and now four years later Beasley finds himself aching to regain those statuses once again. This time it will be in Tennessee; unlike the past five seasons in Atlanta. This offseason the former first round pick signed a one year deal. With a six million dollar signing bonus. Beasley took a 3.5 million dollar salary. These numbers are low due to him joining a team in the Titans which already has a hefty payroll. This deal puts a chip on Beasley’s shoulder. Entering this season healthy is key for Beasley as he has been healthy for the majority of his career. Another productive season would earn him a solid paycheck. This is an investment with a great return. 

Beasley has accumulated 37.5 sacks in his five seasons and adds to a pass rush which ranked middle of the league last season. With double digit sacks in a division with Deshaun Watson, Phillip Rivers and Gardner Minshew. His pass rush ability can attack all three of those quarterback game plans. Along with him on the defense are pass rushers Harold Landry and Jeffery Simmons. This helps as he will see less double teams on the gridiron. The Titans shocked the world last season and Vic Beasley is ready to ride the wave to the AFC South crown.