NFL Analysis
6/4/24
4 min read
Predicting NFL's Next Big Contracts Entering 2024 Season
This has been a wild offseason in terms of players earning new deals. Across the NFL, we have seen record-setting deals and the entire market reshaped at a few positions. Just yesterday, the Vikings signed Justin Jefferson to a massive four-year, $110 million deal.
However, a handful of big-name players are still waiting on deals that will reset the market at their respective positions. Here are five players who are set to earn massive contract extensions ahead of the 2024 NFL season.
Predicting NFL's Next Big Contract
Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys
There isn't a player in the NFL who has had their contract discussed more than Dak Prescott. By signing short deals and betting on himself, Prescott put himself in a position to be the NFL's highest-paid quarterback.
It's truly a matter of when and not if that will happen.
The Dallas Cowboys would love to sign Prescott to a long-term contract extension, but it seems Prescott wants to wait. He holds all the leverage going into the final year of his contract, and with the Cowboys unable to place the franchise tag on him next offseason, Prescott is set to become an unrestricted free agent for the first time.
Prescott might decide to take a deal this offseason, but the expectation is he could wait it out and allow other quarterbacks, like Trevor Lawrence and Tua Tagovailoa, to continue to increase the market. But make no mistake about it: Prescott will soon be the NFL's highest-paid quarterback.
Contract Prediction: 4 years, $235 million
>> READ: Cowboys Shouldn't Play Games With Dak
Micah Parsons, EDGE, Dallas Cowboys
Nick Bosa signed a five-year deal worth $170 million ($34 million/year) with more than $122 million guaranteed money just days ahead of the 2023 season.
He's the NFL's highest-paid pass rusher by a significant margin, but that will change soon with Micah Parsons now eligible for a deal. Parsons has made three Pro Bowls and has two first-team All-Pro selections. He's recorded 40.5 sacks and is always near the top of the league in pressures and pass-rush win rate.
The only real question is whether Parsons will get a deal done now or after the 2024 season.
It probably makes the most sense for him to wait. However, because he is the next in line for a big deal, he might decide to do it now and try to hit the market again before age 30. Parsons' upcoming deal should pay him upwards of $35 million a year, or more than that, given his production and age (25).
Contract Prediction: 4 years, $136 million
Patrick Surtain II, CB, Denver Broncos
The cornerback market hasn't seen much movement during the last several years. Jaire Alexander has been the NFL's highest-paid cornerback since 2022, but he is making just $21 million a year. However, that will change as Patrick Surtain II is now eligible for a contract extension.
The Denver Broncos should complete this deal this offseason, as Sauce Gardner is eligible to be paid next year. While Surtain has played well during the last three years, Gardner is better and has more accolades.
The good news is that Surtain's deal should help stabilize the cornerback market, which has been fairly stale since 2022.
Contract Prediction: 5 years, $125 million
Creed Humphrey, IOL, Kansas City Chiefs
Jason Kelce was the NFL's highest-paid center last season, earning just more than $14 million per season from his last deal. However, the center market is far behind the other offensive line positions, with four guards earning more than $20 million a season.
The player who will reset the center market is Creed Humphrey, a 2021 second-round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs. Humphrey has made the Pro Bowl in the past two seasons and has started 61 combined games (including the postseason).
Humphrey is widely viewed as the league's top center and will enter the final year of his contract in 2024. The Chiefs do a good job of taking care of their own, so expect Humphrey to earn a record-setting deal at this offseason.
Contract Prediction: 4 years, $75 million
