6 NFL players who will sign the next massive contracts, set on the market

After Justin Jefferson received the largest contract for a non-QB in NFL history, the next discussion turned to who would be next. Jefferson received $140 million over four years, plus another $110 million guaranteed, ensuring he would be the face of the Minnesota Vikings for a very long time.

In recent years, we’ve seen players reset the NFL contract market at an astounding rate. Last summer, QBs Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert and Joe Burrow traded the richest contract spot in NFL history, with Burrow coming out on top. Before Jefferson, Nick Bosa had the largest contract ever given to a non-QB with the 49ers giving the DE $170 million last September.

With all that being known, here are some players who will reset the market at their respective positions, including QB.

Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Lawrence and the Jaguars have already been in extensive communication about an extension, with both sides hoping to reach an agreement before the season. With the Cowboys’ QB Dak Prescott deal coming along very slowly, and QB Tua Tagovailoa’s deal with Miami not yet in effect, Lawrence and the Jaguars have the opportunity to approach or exceed Joe Burrow’s deal before deals blow up again.

The stats may not reflect it as much, but Lawrence is one of the best QBs in the entire league and could be considered the best QB in Jaguars history after another solid year at Duval. Paying him is a top priority, and at QB he could be the first to get the big deal.

Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals have two receiver contracts to address eventually, with Chase and teammate Tee Higgins both wanting big new deals. I think Chase is more likely to land a deal in the Jefferson range than Higgins, and for good reason. Since entering the league, he has been one of the best receivers in football and his play has helped elevate QB Joe Burrow and other skill players on the team.

Chase is also very young, and keeping him in Cincinnati during his prime is really the biggest part of it all. You pay elite players and Chase is an elite player.

Patrick Surtain II, CB, Denver Broncos

Lost among the general chaos of the Denver Broncos, is the fact that they use the best cornerback in football, Patrick Surtain II. While the offense has found itself, lost itself and done everything in between, it has tried to hold the defense together and been quite successful at it. Surtain overshadows the best receivers on the opposing team and allows defensive coordinators to worry about the other 10 players on that side of the ball.

Currently, Jaire Alexander of the Packers has the highest CB contract in the NFL in terms of average annual salary (APY) at $21 million. Surtain should easily overcome this, especially with an ownership group that is willing to spend big.

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Tristan Wirfs, OT, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Time to get the big boys on this list! Wirfs is one of the most valuable players in football regardless of position, and his ability to switch from right to left tackle without missing a beat helped the Buccaneers live life after Tom Brady. He currently has his fifth-year option picked up, but should reset the market as the highest-paid tackle in the game.

Detroit Lions tackle Penei Sewell just set the market on his latest deal, and Wirfs should easily approach or surpass that deal because that’s how valuable he is to the Bucs.

Micah Parsons, EDGE, Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys have a lot of people to pay soon, and Parsons should be one of the first in line. The dynamic pass rusher has been one of the best defenders in the game since entering the league and has consistently been a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year. Now, how the Cowboys go about paying him will be interesting to watch. Dallas obviously picked up his fifth-year option, but since then, it’s been mostly cricket from both ends.

With the contracts of Josh Allen and Brian Burns both setting the stage (and potentially another Myles Garrett extension on the way), Parsons’ price tag continues to rise — as it should.

Sauce Gardner, CB, New York Jets

Having two players playing the same position here to reset their respective markets is fun! Gardner quickly established himself as one of the best corners in football, and while his deal does indeed expire after the 2025 season, the Jets would be wise to move forward on a deal with Gardner before the price rises again. He sets the tone for the Jets defense, bringing physical play to the outside CB position. New York has some young guys to pay, namely WR Garrett Wilson, but Gardner should be at the top of the list.