Just like that, the NFL season has come to a close. Many NFL players have already packed up their lockers and have moved out for the next few months. Some are resting, some are waiting.
For many coaches, general managers and other personnel however, it is a time to look back and reflect on this past season. Why? The time has come to figure out who’s going to fill that void in their respective team in a big way. When I say big, I mean BIG.
Big money is what I’m talking about, of course. In today’s NFL, it’s a “What have you done lately?” kind of game. If you’re not putting up big numbers, you’re not going to get paid. So, we are going to look at the top 10 players from the 2013 season that are poised to earn a big contract for the upcoming 2014 season and beyond.
10. Ben Tate, Running Back, Houston Texans
Ben Tate is a 4 year vet that has been a very productive back up to running back. Arian Foster for the majority of his career. The 2013 season was a rough one for Tate, having his year shut down in late December after suffering through the pain of having multiple cracked ribs.
Even then, Tate still managed to rush for 771 yards on 181 carries, scoring four touchdowns. Now it is time for Tate to make a name for himself. He tweeted in late December that a return to Houston seemed unlikely, and there are many teams that would line up to give Tate a shot at becoming a primetime back in this league.
9. Eric Decker, Wide Receiver, Denver Broncos
At 6’3” and 214 pounds, in the middle of a very talented 2013 Denver Broncos receiving core is Eric Decker. He has been a consistent and reliable target for Peyton Manning. Decker’s size and quickness have been his strong points throughout his career, and his play has especially benefitted from having Peyton Manning behind center.
Despite having a very quiet Super Bowl, Decker still put up very productive numbers in the 2013 season totaling 87 receptions for 1,288 yards and 11 touchdowns. He has never been a big-play receiver, but that won’t stop teams from paying Decker top dollar for his services.
8. Alex Mack, Center, Cleveland Browns
Alex Mack has been one of the few bright lights on a very dark and gloomy Cleveland Browns roster since his arrival into the NFL. In each of his five seasons as center for the Browns, Mack has never had to miss any of his starts. He is viewed as one of the top centers in the league and has appeared in the Pro Bowl both in 2010 and 2013.
Mack’s five-year rookie deal expired after this season came to a close, and it most certainly looks like he will be making a great deal of money. Recent rumors have been buzzing that suggest Mack will test the open market, but will give the Browns a chance to match any offer that he will receive.
7. Alterraun Verner, Cornerback, Tennessee Titans
Alterraun Verner had a breakout season for Tennessee in 2013 and is quickly becoming one of the top corners in the league. With 23 pass deflections and five picks, Verner has established himself as one of the game’s top cover corners.
The free agent market for defensive backs definitely has the most supply, but could also have the most demand. Entering his prime, a team in need of secondary help could see Verner as the next big shutdown corner, and pay him like one too.
6. Branden Albert, Offensive Tackle, Kansas City Chiefs
When the Kansas City Chiefs selected Eric Fisher with the number one overall selection last year, Branden Albert’s future in Kansas City was quickly put into question. Kansas City ended up using their franchise tag this year, but it looks as though that won’t be the same case this year. Albert is looking for a contract in the range of nine million dollars a year, and reports suggest the Miami Dolphins are going to try very hard to lure him into taking his talents to South Beach.
5. Jairus Byrd, Safety, Buffalo Bills
Jairus Byrd is one of two top notch safeties on the free agent market this year and played 2013 under the franchise tag. Despite missing five games, Byrd still managed to record 48 tackles, four interceptions, one sack and one forced fumble en route to the third Pro Bowl appearance of his career.
The Bills have publicly stated their intent to re-sign Byrd, but many other teams have the same aspirations to sign the hard hitting safety as well.
4. T.J. Ward, Safety, Cleveland Browns
T.J. Ward is the other safety on this list that is ready to start earning the big bucks. After an admirable 2012 season, Ward absolutely lit up opposing offenses. Finishing the season with 123 tackles, 1.5 sacks, two interceptions, one forced fumble, and 10 passes defended, Ward earned his first career Pro Bowl nod and put his name up there with the best in the league. While Ward has expressed desire to stay in Cleveland, the Browns have a tough decision in using their franchise tag on him or Alex Mack.
3. Brian Orakpo, Outside Linebacker, Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins saw just how much Brian Orakpo means to their defense in 2013. After missing most of the 2012 season with a torn pectoral muscle, Orakpo returned with a vengeance in 2013, recording 60 tackles, nine tackles for a loss, 10 sacks, and one interception he returned for a touchdown. Washington has a history of paying a lot of money for players that they love, and there won’t be an exception for Orakpo.
2. Greg Hardy, Defensive End, Carolina Panthers
Greg Hardy is arguably the most coveted defensive player on the market this year. He has established himself as one of the best pass rushers in the game, recording 26 sacks in the past two seasons, with 15 last season alone.
Along with those 15 sacks, Hardy also posted 59 tackles and forced a fumble, leading a very strong Carolina defense.
The Panthers don’t have much cap room to work with, so it will be interesting to see what the Panthers do to accommodate for a potential Greg Hardy contract.
1. Jimmy Graham, Tight End, New Orleans Saints
Finishing off the list at number one is Drew Bree’s favorite target: Jimmy Graham. The 6’7” tight end was battling injuries throughout the year, but that didn’t stop him from being an impact player in the Saints offense, tallying 86 receptions for 1,215 yards and catching a whopping 16 touchdowns. The current speculation is that the Saints will want to use the franchise tag on the receiving tight end. If they do however, Graham may be able to make the case that he should receive the tag as a wide receiver and not as a tight end, which would cost the Saints a significantly large amount of money.