As an earlier No. 1 overall picking with a cannon for an arm and 10 seasons under your belt as an NFL -quarterback, free agency can be a funky experience.
How much would you expect to get paid to beat the division-winning Baltimore Ravens and Playoff-Qualifier Pittsburgh Steelers (in a Snow Globe Thursday night) for a stretch of four weeks?
This is where Jameis Winston’s mind goes before Tuesday, when teams can officially use the franchise company and NFL’s seemingly half -day season ends.
Winston is of course not the best free agent or veteran -quarter hill on the market. But while others can make a serious game for Aaron Rodgers, Kirk Cousins, Sam Darnold and Russell Wilson, Winston can be a surprising money creator while shopping for a place to throw his 155th career TD pass?
With career revenue over $ 76 million after signing $ 1.2 million to back up Deshaun Watson with Cleveland Brown’s 2024, Winston is a possible place holder for teams like Tennessee Titans or Las Vegas Raiders while developing a younger alternative.
Backups are cost -effective in terms of their potential significance and overall importance. Carson Wentz was No. 2 Overall draft, Carson Wentz No. 2 for Chief’s 2024 with a guaranteed hold of only $ 2.2 million, a modest figure for one-A-Away circumstances he entered behind Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City.
Winston was able to approach the $ 8 million interval that New England Patriots paid Jacoby Brisset to be the temporary frontman before handing over the keys to Drake Maye 2024. Marcus Mariota, another previous No. 2 Overall election that chose a place behind Winston 2015, paid Out paid $ 6 million to help teach and peer coach Jayden Daniels for the Washington commanders.
What other NFL free agents can get more money than expected in March?
Vikings CB Byron Murphy
Estimated value: $ 16 million per season
November 27, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; A Minnesota Vikings helmet sits free on the pitch before the game between Minnesota Vikings and Chicago Bears at the US Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn images Murphy picked out a team-leading six pass in 2024, and the Vikings are emphasized on wages, including the legendary sidekick Harrison Smith-a free agent with 13 seasons in Minnesota-in security. If Charvarius Ward leaves San Francisco 49ers as expected, he is on his way with Murphy as the best cover man on the market. But teams at the top of the draft can already have their eye on Colorado’s Travis Hunter or Michigan’s Will Johnson, who may have had a fraction of the price of a top -free agent corner.
Murphy is only 27 and can order more than $ 15 million a year after joining the Vikings in 2023 on a two -year agreement at $ 8.75 million per year.
49ERS LB DRE GREENLAW
Value: $ 10 million per season
Feb 8 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Francisco 49ers Linebacker Dre Greenlaw (57) during a press conference before Super Bowl Lviii at Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort and Spa. Credits: Kyle Trada-USA Today Sports He is 27 and did not delete doubt about his ability to return to the junk dog’s style of play that made him a perennial Pro Bowl candidate with Fred Warner. Positive? His age and well -known work ethics.
He also mastered the 3-4 defense and can be used in several ways depending on the schedule. The negatives? Right now during the one -year brand since he broke his left Achilles, Greenlaw lasted 30 snaps in his first game back in December and then tried to play through Achilles and knee problems a week later, just to be turned off after four games. Greenlaw retains a high value due to its rope and the spread of previous 49ers employees throughout the league, namely Demeco Ryans with Houston Texans and former assistant GM Adam Peters, who now calls the shots the commanders.
Cardinals lg comes hernandz
Value: $ 11 million per season
September 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals Guard Will Hernandez (76) against the Washington commanders at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn images With a choice between Hernandez and Chiefs RG Trey Smith, another unlimited free agent, most teams will lean into Smith.
About Chief’s Tag Smith, considering left -wing and part -time left tackling Joe Thuney is also up for a new deal, Hernandez represents a star waste option. He submitted a two -year, $ 9 million contract with Arizona Cardinals but played only five games in 2024 due to a broken ACL. Since the injury occurred in October, he is likely to be ready for training camp but celebrates his 30th birthday on September 2. A team with a hole to fill and a power -driven schedule can easily offer $ 9 million to $ 12 million a year on a three -year agreement.
