Every dollar counts—so when a player enters the final year of his contract and is just months away from the opportunity to cash in, of course they are going to put it all on the line. That’s not to say the player wasn’t giving it his all to begin with but there are few stronger motivators than wealth and happiness.
Contract years are make or break, they can decide just what the future of your NFL career will be. A disappointing final season and you could be looking at a thin market and sitting patiently until someone offers you a “prove it” contract. If you have a breakout season in the final year of your contract, then you are bound to see some big money coming your way in the offseason.
Now let’s take a look at five players who have the opportunity to hit it big and make all of the hard work they have put in pay off. These are all players who don’t have long-term security and must prove to their current team or future team that they are worth making a major investment in. Everyone has something to prove and only a few will hit the jackpot.
Jake Locker, Quarterback, Tennessee Titans
When the Titans drafted Locker with the eighth overall pick in 2011, there was optimism the former Washington Huskies’ quarterback would develop to pair with running back Chris Johnson and Kenny Britt to be the cornerstones of a dynamic offense.
Now entering his fourth season, Locker’s three-year career has been filled with flashes of brilliance, disappointments and injuries. Britt is long gone and has been replaced by better wide receivers like Kendall Wright and Justin Hunter. Locker will now be handing the ball off to a new former Husky, rookie Bishop Sankey.
Last year really wasn’t a bad season for the 26-year-old, in fact it appeared as if Locker figured everything out and the Titans had their long-term quarterback. Tennessee started the year 3-1 with the lone loss coming in overtime versus the Houston Texans. During the first four games, Locker threw six touchdowns and zero interceptions with another touchdown coming on the ground.
Unfortunately, the injury bug came back and Locker went down with a hip injury versus the Jets. While he would return to the field a month later, he only lasted three weeks before being lost for the season with a Lisfranc injury.
The Titans already made the decision not to pick up Locker’s option for the 2015 season, so this is the big time for Locker. The offensive line has improved; the Titans’ wide receivers should be ready to take the next step forward as well. Fans shouldn’t expect Locker to help lead this team to the playoffs but if he can start all 16 games and show real progress, the Titans should extend him.
Andy Dalton, Quarterback, Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are a quarterback away from being Super Bowl contenders. It’s been the line for two seasons now and while the team has made some changes, this is still a roster that can contend for a trip to the Super Bowl. Now the question is, can Dalton step up when his team needs him the most?
In the final year of his contract, Dalton will be facing immense pressure this season. While he may have had a career-year during the regular season with 33 touchdown passes and nearly 4,300 yards, he disappeared once again in the playoffs with two interceptions. Fantasy wise his numbers are great but with A.J. Green and Giovani Bernard leading his supporting cast, they are the players doing the heavy lifting.
Dalton has once again (as he does every year) earned praise from teammates for his increased arm strength. What really will matter next season for him is if his deep accuracy and ball placement improved. Even when he completed deep balls last season, many of them were acrobatic catches by his wide receivers. Better ball placement and decision-making are what will make a difference for Dalton in the playoffs. If he can step up then Cincinnati should extend him, if not he should be escorted out of the facility when his contract ends.
Stevan Ridley, Running Back, New England Patriots
Fumbles—this is what has kept Ridley from truly establishing himself as the lead back in the Patriots’ offense. But nine fumbles over the past two seasons can’t be ignored, especially when some of them have come during the playoffs. Time after time he has coughed up the opportunity for a payday.
The Patriots let LeGarrette Blount head for greener pastures in free agency, deciding to give Ridley another shot as their “power back”, while Shane Vereen moves around the field, though a majority of his snaps will still come at running back. Ridley now has an opportunity to prove himself once again in training camp and hopefully stay out of Bill Belichick’s doghouse.
He just turned 25 and has a bright future ahead of him but turnovers are the quickest way to go from starter to talent who spends most of the year on the bench. The time has arrived in Ridley’s career when he can determine his fate. He can either secure the football and a new contract or lose the opportunity at a nice paycheck.
Jason Pierre-Paul, Defensive End, New York Giants
Just two seasons ago, Pierre-Paul lit the world on fire with 16.5 sacks, as he appeared to prove himself as one of the best pass rushers in the game. It earned him a trip to the Pro Bowl and at the age of 23, even more greatness seemed to be ahead of him.
Unfortunately, JPP has combined for just 8.5 sacks over the last two seasons and he has only missed five games during that time, with all five coming last season. Pierre-Paul was an explosive, raw athlete coming into the 2010 NFL Draft but has seemed to take a step back since his excellent 2011 season. He did play through nagging back problems, but the decline also was due to an increase in weight and offensive tackles beating him more with power.
Now JPP enters the final year of his rookie contract and things are relatively off to a good start. He reported to minicamp 10 pounds lighter, but still admits to feeling some back pain. Hopefully it isn’t an issue long-term because Pierre-Paul still has the ability to record 10-plus sacks every season. If he can stay healthy and find his way back to the great 2011 season he will cash in. If the back injury remains and over time gets worse, you won’t find a team willing to invest in him long-term.
Brandon Flowers, Cornerback, San Diego Chargers
Just a few seasons ago, Flowers was considered to be one of the better cornerbacks in the AFC. He was in his early 20’s and football fans were excited to see how much improvement was in store as he entered his prime years. Now just two years later, he was cut by the Kansas City Chiefs and had to sign a “prove it” deal with the Chargers.
This is a great situation for both sides—the Chargers were desperate for help in the secondary after finishing 29th against the pass last season, while Flowers really need a change of scenery and a scheme that fit his skill-set better. Don’t forget he is just 28 and can have a long career ahead of him, especially if he can turn around this San Diego’ secondary.
He should start immediately and with the help Eric Weddle at free safety and first-round pick Jason Verrett, this has all the makings of a turnaround group. San Diego gave Flowers a one-year deal and would likely extend him if he comes through this year. If he doesn’t, the market for a cornerback who has disappointed with two teams, will be thin next offseason.