After Justin Jefferson got the largest contract for a non-QB in NFL history, the next discussion went to who would be next. Jefferson got $140 million over four years, plus another $110 million guaranteed, ensuring that he would be the face of the Minnesota Vikings for a very long time.
In recent years, we’ve seen players reset the NFL contract market at astounding rates. Last summer, QBs Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert and Joe Burrow traded the spot of richest contract in NFL history, with Burrow coming out on top. Before Jefferson, Nick Bosa had the largest contract ever given to a non-QB with the 49ers giving the DE $170 million last September.
With all that being known, here are some players who are next to reset the market at their respective positions, including QB.
Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Lawrence and the Jaguars have already been in extensive communication on an extension, with both sides hoping to get a deal done before the season. With the Cowboys and QB Dak Prescott’s deal coming along really slow, and QB Tua Tagovailoa’s deal with Miami still not being in place, Lawrence and the Jaguars have the opportunity to get as close to or exceed Joe Burrow’s deal before the deals explode again.
The stats might not reflect it as much, but Lawrence is one of the best QBs in the entire league, and could be considered the best QB in Jaguars history after one more good year in Duval. Paying him is a top priority, and at QB he could be next to get the big deal.
Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals have two receiver contracts to eventually address, with Chase and teammate Tee Higgins both wanting big new deals. I think Chase is more likely to get a deal in the Jefferson range than Higgins, and for good reason. Since entering the league, he’s been one of the best receivers in football and his play has helped elevate QB Joe Burrow and the other skill position players on the team.
Chase also is very young, and keeping him around in Cincinnati through his prime is truly the biggest part of all of this. You pay elite players, and Chase is an elite one.
Patrick Surtain II, CB, Denver Broncos
Lost among the general chaos of the Denver Broncos, is the fact that they employ the best corner in football, Patrick Surtain II. While the offense has found itself, lost itself, and done everything in between, he has tried to hold the defense together, and been fairly successful at it. Surtain shadows the best receivers on the opposing team, and allows for defensive coordinators to go worry about the other 10 players on that side of the ball.
Currently, the Packers’ Jaire Alexander has the highest CB contract in the NFL in terms of Average Per Year (APY) at $21 million. Surtain should easily pass that, especially with an ownership group who is willing to spend big.
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Tristan Wirfs, OT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It’s time we get the big boys on this list! Wirfs is one of the most valuable players in football, regardless of position, and his ability to go from right tackle to left tackle without missing a beat helped the Buccaneers live life post-Tom Brady. Currently, he’s had his fifth-year option picked up, but should reset the market as the highest paid tackle in the game.
Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell just set the market with his recent deal, and Wirfs should easily get close to or surpass that deal, because that’s just how valuable he is to the Bucs.
Micah Parsons, EDGE, Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have a lot of people to pay soon, and Parsons should be one of the first in line. The dynamic pass rusher has been one of the best defenders in the game since entering the league and consistently been a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year. Now, how the Cowboys go about paying him will be interesting to watch. Dallas obviously picked up his fifth year option, but since then, it’s largely been crickets from both sides.
With Josh Allen and Brian Burns’ contracts both setting the stage (and potentially another Myles Garrett extension on the way), Parsons’ price keeps going up—as it should be.
Sauce Gardner, CB, New York Jets
Having two players who play the same position on here set to reset their respective markets is fun! Gardner quickly solidified himself as one of the best corners in football, and while his deal truly runs out after the 2025 season, the Jets would be wise to get out ahead on a deal with Gardner before the price balloons again. He sets the tone for the Jets’ defense, bringing physical play to the outside CB position. New York has got some young guys to pay, namely WR Garrett Wilson, but Gardner should be at the top of the list.
