Each season is pivotal for NFL players as they look toward their next contract. These 25 players stand out heading into 2025, as they look to make even more money down the road.
Dale Zanine / USA Today Sports Images
Allgeier rushed for more than 1,000 yards in his rookie season and has since created a great one-two punch with Bijan Robinson. It could be difficult for the Falcons to retain and pay two running backs, so Allgeier could be looking at a big contract elsewhere next offseason.
Tommy Gilligan / USA Today Sports Images
Andrews has shown some inconsistency in recent seasons as he's battled injuries, but he remains one of the top red-zone targets at tight end. He could be rewarded with a big contract if he has a strong age-30 season.
3 of 25
DaRon Bland, CB, Cowboys
Tim Heitman / USA Today Sports Images
Bland was an All-Pro in 2023, but missed most of last season due to injury. The final year of his rookie deal will be pivotal, though he has the potential to be the top cornerback on the market next offseason.
Kim Klement Neitzel / USA Today Sports Images
The recent strides of Denver's defense have been in large part due to Bonitto's ascent. He had eight sacks in 2023 and made the Pro Bowl with 13.5 sacks last season. It's only a matter of time before he's given a huge contract.
Bill Streicher / USA Today Sports Images
Dean's breakout 2024 season helped the Eagles win a ring, and he could be rewarded if he's able to repeat. He finished last season with 128 tackles and three sacks in 15 regular-season games.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea / USA Today Sports Images
Chenal has played a key role on the Chiefs' defense, proving stout against the run and as a blitzer. He enters the final year of his rookie deal, and it remains to be seen if the Chiefs can afford to keep him.
Nathan Ray Seebeck / USA Today Sports Images
After averaging more than five yards per carry as a rookie, Etienne's average has declined over the last two seasons. He has a huge year ahead in a new offense, and the Jaguars have added insurance behind him after drafting two running backs.
Eric Hartline / USA Today Sports Images
Injuries have hindered Goedert recently, so he enters 2025 on a one-year deal. He's a key piece of Philly's offense when healthy, and could earn a long-term deal if he can stay on the field this season.
Kevin R. Wexler / USA Today Sports Images
After fighting injuries in his rookie season, Hall has had back-to-back strong years with over 1,300 yards from scrimmage. The Jets will likely have cap space to reward him if he has a strong year in 2025 with their new coaching staff.
10 of 25
Trey Hendrickson, DE, Bengals
Kareem Elgazzar / USA Today Sports Images
Hendrickson is in the midst of a contract dispute with the defense-needy Bengals during training camp. He's deserving of a huge payday, with four consecutive Pro Bowl appearances and back-to-back 17.5 sack seasons.
Denny Medley / USA Today Sports Images
Strong offensive line play has been key to Baltimore's consistency, and Linderbaum has been arguably their best offensive lineman. He's coming off back-to-back Pro Bowls and is sure to get paid after this season.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea / USA Today Sports Images
Mack has a Hall of Fame resume over 11 seasons, including nine Pro Bowls. His numbers dropped last season, but he's out to prove he's still worthy of a big contract at age 34.
Brian Fluharty / USA Today Sports Images
Mafe's overall production has been mixed since the Seahawks drafted him in 2022, though he's highly capable of a big year in his second season under Mike Macdonald. He has 18 sacks in his first three years.
Stephen Lew / USA Today Sports Images
Meyers enters the final season of his three-year deal with the Raiders. He's now on his third head coach since arriving, and could be rewarded for his consistency with another strong year.
Ken Blaze / USA Today Sports Images
Njoku is arguably the most recognizable player on the enigmatic Browns offense as he enters his walk year. His numbers declined last season after missing time, but the former Pro Bowler should get another big contract if he rebounds.
Tommy Gilligan / USA Today Sports Images
Baltimore has been a factory for pass rushers over the years, and Oweh is its newest example. He had 10 sacks last season and could be in line for a huge contract if he continues to improve.
Denny Medley / USA Today Sports Images
Pacheco was a revelation for the Chiefs in his first two seasons as a seventh-round pick, but struggled through injury last year. He faces a big year as he hopes to get back on track in 2025 before free agency.
Andrew Dieb / USA Today Sports Images
Arguably the top defensive player in football, Parsons has demanded a trade out of Dallas as his contract negotiations have been fruitless. It remains to be seen if he will play in 2025 without a new deal, but the four-time Pro Bowler should receive a massive deal soon.
Christopher Hanewinckel / USA Today Sports Images
Paye has been a solid pass rusher for the Colts over four seasons despite failing to make a Pro Bowl. He has 16.5 sacks over the last two seasons and should find a big contract with a similar season in 2025.
Tommy Gilligan / USA Today Sports Images
Pittsburgh traded the enigmatic Pickens to Dallas heading into his walk year. He has a chance to make the Cowboys offense even more explosive as a deep threat, and could be paid handsomely next offseason.
Eric Hartline / USA Today Sports Images
Robinson has more than 700 yards rushing in each of his first three seasons. It feels like he has more upside in him and could earn a nice contract if he improves in 2025.
Geoff Burke / USA Today Sports Images
Coming off a down year, Samuel was traded by San Francisco to Washington. He could emerge as the team's top target given Terry McLaurin's trade demand, giving him more upside and leverage in a walk year.
Troy Taormina / USA Today Sports Images
Stroud is only entering the third year of his four-year rookie deal, but this season could be a major determining factor in his first big contract. After winning Offensive Rookie of the Year, Stroud struggled last season. After major offseason changes in Houston, Stroud needs to prove he's an elite-caliber quarterback again to earn upper-echelon money.
Joe Nicholson / USA Today Sports Images
Walker struggled to stay on the field in 2024 after producing in his first two seasons. The Seahawks offense is set to transform this season with Sam Darnold under center, and Walker has a chance to make himself some money if he helps improve the unit.
Jayne Kamin-Oncea / USA Today Sports Images
Woolen made the Pro Bowl in his rookie season and has continued to play at a high level the last two years. He has a chance to net a big contract next offseason if his strong play continues.