Best bargains per position in NFL heading into the 2026 season

The price for top NFL stars keeps going up.

On Thursday, Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor became the latest star to earn a lucrative extension this week, joining Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson and Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers.

With that in mind, who are the biggest bargains as the preseason opens with Thursday's Hall of Fame Game? Below is our attempt to find out. For this exercise, we excluded players on rookie contracts and instead focused on those on an extension or free-agent contract.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold

Contract: Three years, $100.5M ($33.5M per year)

Darnold, coming off a Super Bowl LX victory, has won 31 games (including playoffs) since 2024, completing 66.9 percent of his passes in 34 regular-season games during the span while averaging 4,183.5 yards, 30 touchdowns and 13 interceptions per season. Per Spotrac, he ranks No. 15 among quarterbacks in average annual value (AAV), giving Seattle a massive discount at the sport's most important position.

Los Angeles Rams running back Kyren Williams

Contract: Three years, $33M ($11M per year)

Since 2023, Williams ranks sixth among backs in rushing yards (3,695) and is one of four with at least 1,000 yards each season, per Stathead. With three running backs earning over $20M per year after Robinson and Taylor's signings — Detroit Lions back Jahmyr Gibbs should soon make it four — Williams at slightly above $10M is a steal.

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith

Contract: Three years, $75M ($25M per year)

Spotrac data shows 19 wideouts have a higher AAV than Smith, but there certainly aren't that many receivers more important to their offense. The 2020 Heisman winner became Philadelphia's undisputed WR1 following A.J. Brown's offseason trade, and after recording 77 receptions for 1,008 yards and four touchdowns last year, he may be able to produce numbers similar to those of the position's top earners.

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson

Contract: There years, $30.75M ($10.25M per year)

Johnson, who ranks No. 15 among tight ends in AAV, finished 2025 in the top five at his position in receptions (77) and receiving yards (889). He particularly impressed once Tyler Shough took over at quarterback, increasing the hopes of a repeat — if not better — performance this season.

New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas

Contract: Five years, $117.5M ($23.5M per year)

Per Pro Football Focus data, Thomas was one of four tackles last season to play at least 800 snaps and allow one or fewer sacks. The 2020 fourth overall pick has blossomed into one of the league's best tackles, and with the highest-paid left tackle (Laremy Tunsil) earning $30.1M per year, he also provides the most bang for the buck.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Vita Vea

Contract: Four years, $71M ($17.75M per year)

One look at the league's highest-paid interior defensive lineman makes clear why Vea requested a trade; Jalen Carter (four years, $152M) and Jeffery Simmons (three years, $105.8M) signed deals this offseason with AAVs double what Vea makes annually. The two-time Pro Bowler has been among the league's best defensive tackles for years, and it's entirely reasonable he's through doing Tampa Bay favors.

Denver Broncos edge-rusher Nik Bonitto

Contract: Four years, $106M ($26.5M per year)

Timing is everything. The Broncos extended Bonitto ahead of the 2025 season, when he had a career-high 14 sacks and finished fourth in Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year voting. In April, Houston Texans edge Will Anderson Jr. signed a market-resetting three-year, $150M extension. Less productive edge-rushers Travon Walker and Jaelan Phillips also signed richer contracts than Bonitto's this offseason, further making his contract among the league's best.

Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Quay Walker

Contract: Three years, $40.5M ($13.5M per year)

Walker has been a tackling machine since entering the league, tallying 469 over the past four seasons. The Raiders landed him in free agency on a cap-friendly deal well below what the highest-paid inside linebackers, including Fred Warner ($21M per year), Jack Campbell ($20.25M) and Roquan Smith ($20M) receive. 

San Francisco 49ers cornerback Deommodore Lenoir

Contract: Five years, $88.9M ($17.8M per year)

Corners continue to get paid, with Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward recently becoming the fourth to earn at least $30M per year. Lenoir, San Francisco's CB1, inked a longterm deal in November 2024 keeping him under contract through 2029. As good as his extension looks in 2026, it may look even better next year.

Houston Texans safety Jalen Pitre

Contract: Three years, $39M ($13M per year)

Pitre is a key part of Houston's outstanding defense, but the hard-hitting safety's most value may come from a contract that ranks No. 16 among safeties in total cost.

A standout game last December at the Kansas City Chiefs showed he's worth so much more, Pitre finishing with an interception, two passes defended and one of the year's best clean hits.