Biggest NFL Names Entering Contract Seasons in 2015

As the NFL season nears, there are a few dozen impact players entering the final year of their contracts. Numerous big names have yet to sign an extension, which gives hope to teams wanting to splurge on elite playmakers in free agency. We’re going to look at the 10 biggest names entering their contract seasons in 2015.

There are two caveats for this list. You will not see any players that were franchised in 2015. This takes off Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant, Denver Broncos receiver Demaryius Thomas and Kansas City Chiefs edge-rusher Justin Houston.

The other is that all of these players are proven Pro Bowl-caliber talents. This is simply to refine the vast list of potential free agents, and establish the best of the best.

All of these free agents may not reach the open market next spring, but that doesn’t mean some won’t. Whether their current team locks them in or allows them to see free agency, there is a lot at stake this season for these players. A bad season before free agency could cost millions of dollars.

Which of these 10 players is your favorite? Where do you think they end up? Let us know in the comments section.

Aldon Smith, San Francisco 49ers

Ben Margot/Associated Press

Once a promising star pass-rusher, Aldon Smith’s career is at a major crossroads entering 2015. He played just 426 snaps in 2014, logging a paltry two sacks. His off-field issues continue to haunt his on-field potential.

The San Francisco 49ers have suffered an unprecedented mass exodus this offseason. They will begin next season without several talented players on each side of the ball as well as coach Jim Harbaugh. Losing Smith after 2015 could be another huge blow, even if second-year edge-rusher Aaron Lynch continues to shine.

Smith has a lot to play for this season. His character issues could skew his value, but talent-wise, he could best Pernell McPhee’s big free-agent deal from this past free agency. A five-year, $38.8 million deal should be the starting point for Smith’s potential contract if he has a big 2015.

All stats used are from sports-reference.com.
Ian Wharton is an NFL Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. 
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Eli Manning, New York Giants

Tom Gannam/Associated Press

The Eli Manning rollercoaster is unpredictable and somewhat maddening. Although Manning has had many moments of brilliance, he’s prone to high turnover numbers with his playing style. If the New York Giants fail to reach the playoffs again in 2015, Manning could be in the crosshairs.

New York’s offensive line has already had injury issues. Left tackle William Beatty and guard Geoff Schwartz may not be the same reliable players after injuries have taken their toll. This means Manning could be in for a rough 2015 season.

A year from now, Manning will be 35 and a free agent. The Giants could be looking for a new head coach, as well. That could be an opportunity for the G-Men to start anew at quarterback.

A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals

AJ Mast/Associated Press

As one of the better young wide receivers in the NFL, A.J. Green must be looking to bounce back from an injury-riddled 2014 campaign. Green did not look his usual dominant self, often lacking the burst and speed he showed in prior seasons. He had better regain that pep in his step if he wants to maximize his earnings in free agency.

There were times in 2014 where Green was visibly upset at quarterback Andy Dalton’s play. His body language worsened as the season went on, too. The Cincinnati Bengals might be forced to use the franchise tag if Green grows weary of Dalton’s limitations.

The best-case scenario is for Green to replicate his 2013 success, when he had 98 receptions, 1,426 yards and 11 touchdowns. If he can get there, a potential new contract should land between Calvin Johnson’s $113 million megadeal and Mike Wallace’s $60 million contract (those are the top-two receiver contractcs in the NFL).

It remains to be seen whether it will be the Bengals shelling out that cash, or someone else in free agency.

Eric Weddle, San Diego Chargers

Denis Poroy/Associated Press

Truth be told, I have no idea what the San Diego Chargers are thinking when it comes to safety Eric Weddle. He’s a top-three safety in the NFL and just 30 years old. Yet the team is refusing to even talk extension with his agent, and he will hit the open market next spring.

Finding an elite safety is nearly impossible. Few secondary players impact the game like Weddle. Paying him shouldn’t be a question, and yet here we are.

The negotiations for Weddle’s new deal aren't likely to be too hard. His current contract is a five-year, $40 million deal. That should be in the vicinity of his next deal, too.

Sean Smith, Kansas City Chiefs

Colin E. Braley/Associated Press

Once purely reliant on his physical gifts, Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Sean Smith has blossomed into one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL. He now understands how to utilize his immense length and speed to close off passing windows with excellent efficiency. He is certainly a No. 1 cornerback for almost every team in the NFL.

There are a few issues with Smith’s impending free agency, though. The first is the Chiefs appear ready to move on after drafting three highly talented cornerbacks in the last two draft classes. Second, Smith is suspended for the first two games of 2015 for a DUI this offseason. Finally, he will be 29 years old at the start of the 2016 season.

Finding a comparable deal for a cornerback at Smith’s age is difficult. San Diego Chargers cornerback Brandon Flowers received a four-year, $36.4 million deal this offseason, but his stature likely lowered his value for most teams. Smith should be able to best that, although likely not by too much.

Muhammad Wilkerson, New York Jets

Kathy Willens/Associated Press

One of the premier 5-technique defensive linemen in the NFL, it seems Muhammad Wilkerson’s days with the New York Jets are numbered. The writing is on the wall after the Jets drafted Leonard Williams sixth overall in the 2015 draft. After this season, expect Wilkerson to cash in big time.

Wilkerson is one of the better defensive ends in the NFL because of his ability to impact passing and running plays. He logged six sacks in 2014, which is solid for a 3-4 end. He’ll be 26 a year from now, meaning his physical prime is still ahead of him.

Expect Wilkerson's next contract to rival Cam Jordan’s new deal from the New Orleans Saints. That five-year, $55 million number should be Wilkerson’s goal.

Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons

Rogelio Solis/Associated Press

Another top young receiver, Julio Jones, will have the chance to reach free agency in 2016. His contract season must be injury-free, as Jones has missed 15 games over four seasons due to various injuries. But he is riding a high wave of momentum after his monstrous 2014 season.

In 15 games played, Jones tallied 1,593 yards on 104 receptions. He had just six touchdowns, which should be what he improves upon most this season. Jones has proven to be a dominant force when he’s on the field.

His rapid ascension into the NFL’s elite is not surprising. He graded as Pro Football Focus’ sixth-best receiver, which is highly impressive considering the immense depth throughout the league. A repeat performance in 2015 could make Jones the second-highest paid receiver in the NFL.

Philip Rivers, San Diego Chargers

Lenny Ignelzi/Associated Press

After a month of pre-draft rumors of the San Diego Chargers possibly trading Philip Rivers, the team is now looking to keep the 33-year old quarterback. Per NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, the Chargers are “optimistic” on an extension. This would be a wise move, as Rivers is still playing at a high level.

There could be trepidation on Rivers’ side, though. The Chargers may not be staying in San Diego for long, and the team’s recent bout of mediocrity could have Rivers wanting a more favorable situation. It’s rare for elite quarterbacks to change franchises, but not at all unprecedented.

Based off similar quarterbacks at Rivers’ age, he could be looking at a four-year, $90 million deal. This would be close to Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s contract. Rivers must be able to replicate his success of the past two seasons to be considered for that type of deal, though.

Trent Williams, Washington Redskins

Jeff Haynes/Associated Press

It’s rare for a franchise left tackle to reach free agency in his prime. The last was Branden Albert, who signed with the Miami Dolphins in 2014 for five years and $47 million. Expect Washington Redskins left tackle Trent Williams to get even more, as he’ll be just 27 a year from now.

Williams is one of the elite in the league. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed the fourth-least quarterback hurries of all left tackles in 2014. His blend of athleticism and technique is rare.

Since Williams entered the league in the old collective bargaining agreement, he already has the fourth-largest contract in the NFL among left tackles. Expect his next deal to eclipse the second-biggest, which belongs to Cleveland Browns tackle Joe Thomas. That would put Williams around seven years, $81 million.

Von Miller, Denver Broncos

Jack Dempsey/Associated Press

When talking about the premier outside linebackers in the NFL, Von Miller cannot be left out. He is a dominant athlete who has been exceedingly productive in his first four seasons. He has 49 sacks in 56 career games and has provided excellent run support.

Had it not been for five penalties against Miller in 2014, he would have graded as Pro Football Focus’ best outside linebacker. Still, he was second by a mile. His pass-rush ability is just too overwhelming to ignore.

There is no real precedent for a potential Miller deal. The New Orleans Saints just gave Junior Galette a four-year, $41.5 million contract last year, but Miller is much better than Galette. The Broncos, or someone else in free agency, could be looking at a massive contract similar to Robert Quinn’s four-year, $57 million deal.