Every year, NFL teams spend a lot of money on players to maintain their teams, stay ahead in the game, and make improvements. Most of the time, we don’t question the large contracts given to superstar players. However, there are always contracts that make us stop and think, whether it’s due to a player’s past performance, lack of experience, injury history, or off-the-field issues.
Here are seven of the “riskiest” NFL contracts signed this offseason according to FOX Sports:
1. Green Bay Packers QB Jordan Love
– Contract: four years for $220 million, with $160.3 million guaranteed
– Why it’s a risk: Love has only started one full season, so it’s a big gamble to pay him based on that. The Packers are hoping he can maintain his success like Aaron Rodgers and Brett Favre did in the past, but it’s a risky move.
2. Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins
– Contract: four years for $180 million, with $100 million guaranteed
– Why it’s a risk: Cousins is coming off an Achilles tear at age 35, and giving him such a large contract is a big bet. The Falcons drafting Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 overall raises even more questions about this contract.
3. Philadelphia Eagles RB Saquon Barkley
– Contract: three years for $37.75 million, with $26 million guaranteed
– Why it’s a risk: Barkley, a 27-year-old running back with a history of injuries, may be a key addition to the Eagles offense. However, paying that much to a player with his injury record is a risky move.
4. Tennessee Titans WR Calvin Ridley
– Contract: four years for $92 million, with $50 million guaranteed
– Why it’s a risk: Ridley will be 30 by the end of the 2024 season, and his production will need to justify the large contract. With a crowded receivers room and a high drop rate, Ridley has a lot to prove.
5. Green Bay Packers RB Josh Jacobs
– Contract: four years for $48 million, with $12.5 million guaranteed
– Why it’s a risk: Jacobs received a big contract despite missing games due to injury and having a career-low season in terms of efficiency. The Packers are taking a chance on his potential.
6. Jacksonville Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence
– Contract: five years for $275 million, with $200 million guaranteed
– Why it’s a risk: Lawrence has had turnover issues since entering the league, leading to questions about his consistency and elite status. The Jaguars are counting on him to elevate his play to justify the contract.
7. Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa
– Contract: four years for $212.4 million, with $167.17 million guaranteed
– Why it’s a risk: Tagovailoa has shown promise but his success may be dependent on the team’s scheme and surrounding talent. His injury history and performance in cold-weather games are concerns that the Dolphins will need to address.
In conclusion, these contracts come with their own set of risks and uncertainties, and only time will tell if they pay off for the teams involved. Keep an eye on these players as they navigate their new deals in the upcoming NFL seasons.