NFL players who have been the best bargains this season

Barrett leads the NFL with 14.5 sacks, and he's doing it at a bargain-basement price for the Bucs. He signed a one-year, $4 million contract with Tampa Bay in the offseason after coming over from Denver.

Bridgewater reupped with the Saints on a one-year, $7.25 million contract in the offseason. He's been a savior for New Orleans, going 5-0 as a starter while Drew Brees missed time with a thumb injury. The success could lead to a huge reward for Bridgewater in the upcoming offseason.

A former Pro Bowler in Green Bay, Clinton-Dix settled for a one-year, $3 million contract with the Bears in the offseason after a subpar 2018 campaign. The safety has likely revitalized his value in Chicago this year, recording 60 tackles and two picks through 12 games.

Collins was a star early in his career with the Patriots, but the team traded him when it became clear that he would command big money. After struggling for two-plus seasons in Cleveland, he returned to the Pats on a one-year, $2 million contract this offseason and has played up to his old form with six sacks, three interceptions, and 61 tackles in 12 games for the league's top defense.

Crosby likely fell to the fourth round of the draft because he played at Eastern Michigan, but he's made the Raiders look smart in his rookie season. He's a dark horse candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year, recording 7.5 sacks and 35 tackles through 12 games.

Thomas finally left the Panthers this offseason at age 36 following 13 seasons. He's been a major bargain for the Chargers on a two-year, $10.5 million contract, ranking among the league leaders with 96 tackles in 12 games.

Fitzpatrick signed with Miami to compete with Josh Rosen for the starting quarterback job. As usual, the veteran has been a quality contributor with an impressive 60.0 QBR despite little talent around him. "FitzMagic" has been under center for all three of the Dolphins wins this season, yet he's taking home only $5.5 million.

Golden was a solid contributor early in his career with Arizona, but injuries derailed him recently. He's back as a major player after signing a one-year, $3.75 million contract with New York in the offseason, as Golden has recorded 7.5 sacks and 55 tackles through 12 games.

An undrafted rookie out of Samford, Hodges has emerged as Pittsburgh's starting quarterback due to Mason Rudolph's struggles in place of the injured Ben Roethlisberger. Hodges is 2-0 in his first two career starts, showing some efficiency in the process with a 97.0 quarterback rating.

Hyde signed a one-year, $2.8 million contract with the Chiefs in the offseason, only to be traded following the preseason when it became clear that he wouldn't make the team. The Texans have been the beneficiaries, employing Hyde as their primary ball carrier. He has 853 yards rushing and 4.6 yards per carry through 12 games.

Ingram moved on from New Orleans after eight seasons, signing a three-year, $15 million contract with Baltimore in the offseason. He's been the primary runner for a run-heavy offense, with 837 rushing yards and nine touchdowns through 12 games. Ingram is also averaging 5.0 yards per carry.

Jackson lasted until the 32nd pick in the 2018 NFL draft, when the Ravens traded up to acquire his services. The former Heisman Trophy winner is now the favorite to win league MVP in only his second season, responsible for 3,500 yards of offense and 32 touchdowns through 12 games.

Lindsay was last year's biggest rookie bargain, making the Pro Bowl despite going undrafted. His strong play has continued this year, as Lindsay has 949 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns for a floundering Broncos offense through 12 games.

Oakland desperately needed help with its pass rush in the offseason and got it from a journeyman in Mayowa. Now playing for his fourth team, Mayowa has a career-high seven sacks through 11 games. The Idaho alum signed a one-year, $1.7 million contract in the offseason.

"Minshew Mania" is back in Jacksonville, with the sixth-round rookie set to get his second stint as the starter after Nick Foles was benched. Despite his draft status, Minshew has arguably been the best rookie quarterback in the 2019 class so far, drawing a 4-4 record in eight starts. If he finishes the season well, Minshew could enter 2020 as the Jaguars starter.

Matthews had a subpar 2018 season with the Packers but went to L.A. to prove he had something left. The USC alum has missed three games to injury, but he has eight sacks in only nine games played. Matthews signed a two-year, $9.25 million contract in the offseason.

Metcalf was the most hyped wide receiver in the 2019 rookie class, yet he fell to the 64th pick overall likely due to injury concerns.He's helped fill the void in Seattle left by Doug Baldwin's retirement, with 44 receptions for 705 yards and five touchdowns through 12 games.

McLaurin lasted until the third round of the 2019 draft when Washington selected him. The Ohio State alum has been one of the few bright spots for the team, with 42 receptions for 646 yards and five touchdowns in 11 games. He looks like a building block alongside college teammate Dwayne Haskins.

Formerly one of the highest paid defensive players in the NFL, Quinn signed a one-year, $8 million contract in Dallas after a disappointing year in Miami. He's revitalized his career with 9.5 sacks in 10 games.

Considered a bust early in his career after the Rams selected him second overall in the 2014 draft, Robinson has started to prove the doubters wrong in Cleveland, of all places. The left tackle was retained on a one-year, $6.4 million contract in the offseason and could be set for a huge payday with a strong 2019 season.

Tannehill moved on from Miami and signed a one-year, $2 million contract with Tennessee in the offseason to back up Marcus Mariota. He's emerged to effectively save the Titans season after Mariota's struggles, going 5-1 as a starter with a league-best 9.1 yards per attempt. There's no doubt Tannehill will get a huge contract if his strong play continues.

The Raiders signed Waller off the Ravens practice squad last year, as the tight end was getting past addiction issues. He's turned his life and career around, earning a four-year, $29.8 million extension that will start following the 2019 season. For this year, Waller is earning only $3.3 million, but he's been one of the most productive tight ends in the NFL with 66 receptions for 807 yards and three scores.

Weddle was a productive player in Baltimore, but he took less money to return to Southern California this year, signing a two-year, $10.5 million contract with the Rams. The 34-year-old has yet to record an interception this year, but he has 82 tackles in 12 games.

A former second-round bust in Baltimore, Williams has made himself into a strong contributor for the Cardinals as both a blocker and occasional receiver. He's making just over $800,000 this year but was rewarded with a two-year, $7 million extension.

The 6-foot-5 Williams went undrafted this year due to off-field concerns but found the best opportunity he could by signing with Miami. He had 32 receptions for 428 yards and three touchdowns in only eight games before his season ended due to a torn ACL.