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Every Monday during the season we will take a look back at three players who are entering important stages of their contract that may have helped their stock in upcoming negotiations with their play on Sunday. In addition we will also look at one player signed in the offseason to a new contract that exceeded all expectations and provided exceptional value to his team.

Stock Up

Frank Gore– Without Frank Gore the 49ers would have lost to the Seahawks and their playoff chances would have taken a big hit. Gore rumbled for 110 yards including the 51 yard backbreaker that set up the winning field goal. It was a great run by Gore made even better when he realized he was going to get tackled from behind so rather than risk going out of bounds or getting the ball poked out he dropped to the ground and gave himself up to keep the clock moving. With the 49ers salary cap getting tight next season and Colin Kaepernick needing that running game Gore will likely get a contract extension as the Niners look to lower his $6.45 million cap charge.

Karlos Dansby– All Dansby did on Sunday was register 8 tackles, get a sack, and intercept a pass for a touchdown. I’d say that is pretty good. Dansby who now has two touchdowns on the season is just 1 touchdown behind WR Mike Wallace of Dansby’s former team. Think about that for a second. An inside linebacker playing for $2.25 million has almost as many scores as an offensive player earning $12 million. Its been an amazing turnaround for Dansby who was one of the most overpaid players in Miami who is now one of the most underpaid in Arizona. He’s in line again for a longer term contract next season and with the way he is playing it will likely be a big raise from his current one year deal.

Roddy White– I have touched on White’s contract situation before and how he will either be extended or released, but he’s making a hard push for a nice extension with his last two games. With the Falcons battling the elements and lack of weapons White was the main target and caught 8 passes for 74 yards. This brings his two week total to 18 receptions for 217 yards, which are vintage numbers for White. He has battled injuries this year but can use the final three weeks of the season to state his case that he is still a perfect complement to Julio Jones.

New Contract Player Of The Week

John Abraham– Abraham was released by the Atlanta Falcons over the cost of his contract and probably his age as well. They wanted to get younger along their line and cut the 35 year old loose. After garnering little interest around the league the Cardinals offered him $1 million guaranteed and $2.1 million total for the year to try out for Arizona. He’s been one of the best bargains in the NFL this season and notched 3 sacks this week against the Rams to bring  his season total to 11. With 3 games to go he should end up with the second highest total of his career. Arizona has him under contract for $2.5 million plus bonus clauses next season if he continues to play in the NFL.

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