Unlocking Potential: Top 10 Offensive Players with Expiring Contracts – Target Prices You Won’t Want to Miss, Featuring Sam Darnold

In sports management, a player’s agent plays a vital role in negotiating contracts. They must actively seek out offers, especially when multiple NFL teams are interested. When the interest isn’t as strong, adjusting the asking price may be necessary.

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As agents prepare for the 2025 free agency period, they have a good sense of the market, especially after discussions at the NFL Scouting Combine. Although technically not allowed, teams and agents often meet to discuss potential deals for upcoming free agents. This informal chatting rarely leads to penalties, as tampering violations often go unpunished.

The window for exclusive negotiations between teams and their soon-to-be free agents closes on March 10. After that, teams can talk to unrestricted free agents’ agents for two days, starting at noon ET on March 10 and ending on March 12. Players without agents can also negotiate directly with team executives during this period. Actual contract signings don’t happen until the new league year begins on March 12 at 4 p.m. ET, but players can still re-sign with their current teams during this time.

During my time working with agents, it was crucial to set target prices for our clients heading into free agency, even if I wasn’t the lead agent. I worked on contract estimates for several key offensive players predicted to become unrestricted free agents or already tagged as franchise players.

It’s important to note that target prices might be optimistic. Free agency is unpredictable. Some players find themselves disappointed when their expected market value doesn’t materialize for reasons like age, unrealistic demands, or position competition.

Sam Darnold:

Contract package: $127.5 million for 3 years
Overall guarantees: $90 million
Fully guaranteed at signing: $90 million

In 2024, Darnold stepped up when the Vikings’ starting quarterback was injured. He had an impressive year, throwing for over 4,300 yards with 35 touchdowns and earned a Pro Bowl selection. However, he struggled during critical playoff games, leaving questions about his future contract negotiations. Even so, he’s expected to command a deal similar to Baker Mayfield’s recent $100 million agreement.

Tee Higgins:

Contract package: $125 million for 4 years
Overall guarantees: $85 million
Fully guaranteed at signing: $65 million

Higgins was tagged by the Bengals again, making him a key player to watch. Despite battling injuries last season, he managed to catch 73 passes and score 10 touchdowns. If he reached free agency, he would likely demand a salary that reflects his status as one of the top receivers in the league.

Creed Humphrey:

Contract package: $50 million for 4 years
Overall guarantees: $30 million
Fully guaranteed at signing: $26 million

Humphrey has excelled as one of the top centers and has set a high standard in the league. His performance will significantly influence the center market as teams look for reliable and skilled players in the upcoming contract negotiations.

As we prepare for the free agency frenzy, understanding the dynamics between player performance, team needs, and the financial landscape is essential for both players and agents. These ongoing negotiations will shape the future of many teams as they try to improve their rosters with talented free agents.

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