Every week during the season I’ll take a look back at the games and select three players who are entering important stages of their contract that could have hurt their upcoming negotiations with their play on gameday. In addition we will also look at one player signed in the offseason to a new contract that did not live up to his new contract.
Stock Down
Russell Okung– Okung is in his contract season and given some of the recent contracts doled out these last two weeks, likely playing for some big money. The Seahawks line looked overwhelmed by the Rams defensive front this week and Okung was credited with allowing two sacks and 5 hurries by Pro Football Focus. That isn’t the kind of performance needed to earn $10+ million on his new deal.
Adrian Peterson– All the talk about Peterson going into his game was how he was in great shape and focused on redemption from being unable to participate last year. Instead Peterson looked just like someone who hadn’t played football in a year, rushing for 31 yards and being a complete non-factor in the loss. Peterson griped about his contract all offseason and needs to play well to earn $11 million in 2016. If last night was a sign of things to come he won’t see that total.
Tashaun Gipson– Things started out fine for the Pro Bowl safety and an interception of Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick made it look like Gipson would be on the other side of the list. But he had the ball simply taken out of his hands by Brandon Marshall while returning the interception which changed the dynamic of the game. Even Gipson admitted he couldn’t shake it off and gave up a touchdown later on.
New Contract Disappointment Of The Week
DeMarco Murray– There were a few Eagles that could land in this spot, but Murray was one of the most debated signings of the offseason and for one week he was a disaster. Murray received a contract worth $8 million a season and ran for a grand total of 9 yards on 8 carries. By games end he found himself on the bench watching Ryan Mathews and Darren Sproles be far more productive. Murray needs a big bounce back in week 2.