Comparing Pre- and Post-Contract Numbers for Top WRs

I’ve decided to go through some of the highly compensated players in the league and see how their performance has been since signing their deal, compared to before it.

I considered any player that is currently on a significant deal (above or around early 1st round pick range), and has played at least two seasons since signing. Today I’m taking a look at the wide receivers.. I’ve taken some baseline numbers to use for comparison, but also have to consider other factors such as age, injury and whether they changed team or system. Pro Football Reference has been a valuable tool for finding sortable stats across season ranges. Continue reading Comparing Pre- and Post-Contract Numbers for Top WRs »

A Closer Look at Julio Jones $71.25 Million Contract

The other day Julio Jones signed a massive $71.25 million contract that will make him the 2nd highest paid receiver in the NFL. It is a very strong contract for Jones who will have $47 million guaranteed early in 2016, $2 million more than Dez Bryant’s recent extension. Normally when we value contracts that are extended we look at “new money” which is the additional money added to the existing value of the contract. That provides us the best way to compare pure free agent style contracts with those of players who have years remaining. But Jones’ contract situation was unique which led to a “win-win” negotiation where the two sides probably have somewhat different valuations on the contract. Continue reading A Closer Look at Julio Jones $71.25 Million Contract »

Expected Contract Value and Commitment Index: Dez & Demaryius

On Wednesday, Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas each signed 5-year contracts just before the Franchise Tag deadline to reach multiyear agreements. The teams and players involved were kind enough to agree to contracts of identical length and face value, thereby setting up a perfect situation for Expected Contract Value comparison.

Continue reading Expected Contract Value and Commitment Index: Dez & Demaryius »

Contract Showdown: The $14 Million Players

With Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas joining the $14 million club today, I thought it would be interesting to see how their money breaks down compared to some other players. I think that helps us draw some perspective on the negotiating process and the way various contracts can be used to help constuct a deal acceptable to both sides. So let’s see how things break down for the players/

Continue reading Contract Showdown: The $14 Million Players »

NFL Stock Up: Week 7

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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

Russell Wilson– It makes no difference to me that Seattle lost the game. Seattle fans are watching Wilson enter another dimension with his play this season. Wilson was already set to make a killing on an extension, but he’s very quickly putting himself in a different statistical class. The more they entrust him with the ball the better and better he is going to look.

Dez Bryant– Bryant is a physical marvel and took over the game in the second half. He faced some tight coverage against the Giants but nothing seemed to diminish his game. There are few receivers that would have consistently pulled down the passes he was pulling down. I think a strong argument can be made that he is the best receiver in the NFL.

Demaryius Thomas– Thomas had another exceptional game in his walk year, this time catching Peyton Manning’s record breaking touchdown and adding another 171 yards to his stat line. Thomas has been unstoppable the last three week and unlike former running mate Eric Decker will not get the label of being a Manning creation. Thomas will be one of the top 5 paid receivers by next season.

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New Contract Player Of The Week

Golden Tate– There have been a few games this year where Tate was someone I considered for this, but there was no denying him this week. He finished the day with 10 receptions for 154 yards including a ridiculous touchdown where he outran the whole Saints defense.  He would be the best receiver in Seattle had they kept him.

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NFL Stock Up: Week 5

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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

Demaryius Thomas– Thomas has had a relatively quiet start to his season and seemed to be falling a distant second to Dez Bryant in the race for biggest wide receiver contract expectation. Thomas came back in a huge way on Sunday, dismantling the Cardinals secondary and abusing Antonio Cromartie to the tune of 226 yards and two touchdowns. Thomas is now back on pace for a dominant statistical season.

Brian Hoyer– Sure it was against the Titans, but Hoyer led one of those crazy comebacks that go down in history on the NFL Top 10 comebacks of all time type of shows. Hoyer is going to give the Browns a difficult decision about his future in the coming weeks if the team continues to respond to him. Hoyer may not have the greatest physical tools but the way the team plays around him is going to get him a nice little contract next season.

Jerry Hughes– The trade for Hughes proved to be one of the great steals of all time and he continued his contributions this week with two sacks and 4 tackles (1 helmetless) as he helped the Bills defense stifle the Lions offense. A few more games like this and he should reach his double digit sack number this year.

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New Contract Player Of The Week

Alterraun Verner– Though his performance was wasted in a losing effort, Verner came up big in the game with the Saints to certainly live up to and exceed the contract he signed this offseason. Verner was targeted 10 times and gave up just 4 receptions while intercepting a pass and breaking up two others.

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