Stevie Johnson and 6 NFL Players Who Increased Value Most in 2011

According to Joe Buscaglia of WGR radio in Buffalo and Pro Football Talk, Bills receiver Stevie Johnson is expecting to receive a new contract during the offseason in the range of $7.5 million a season. Johnson's rookie contract expires after this season. 

For a guy drafted in the seventh round of the 2008 draft, the jump from a rookie contract to $7.5 million is substantial. Johnson has earned a pay raise, however, as he's closing in on his second-straight 1,000-yard season. He needs just 36 yards against the New England Patriots on Sunday to get to 1,000, and 110 to top his career high, which he set last season. 

While not everyone can say his value has jumped as much as Johnson's, the Bills receiver isn't the only player who has increased his value in 2011. 

Here are other soon-to-be free agents who have increased their pay level in 2011: 

Matt Flynn, Green Bay Packers

Flynn has hardly seen the field this season, but another year sitting behind Aaron Rodgers will be enough for a team to (likely) overpay for his services this offseason. Some see him as a starting-quality QB. 

Alex Smith, San Francisco 49ers

After signing a one-year deal in the offseason, Smith has looked like a different quarterback this season. He's cut down on the turnovers and helped lead one of the NFL's most efficient offenses.

Matt Forte, Chicago Bears

He was on his way to a huge pay day before an injury cut his season short. Still, Forte will command a big number on the market this offseason, whether it's from the Bears or another team. He's one of the most complete backs in the NFL. 

Carlos Rogers, San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers made another savvy move in signing Rogers to a one-year deal. He made the Pro Bowl in 2011 and was a big reason why the 49ers defense has been one of the NFL's best. Can the 49ers afford to pay him long-term? 

Lardarius Webb, Baltimore Ravens

Webb might be the best cornerback that no one talks about. A solid group of AFC cornerbacks kept him off the Pro Bowl roster, but there's an argument to be made that he deserved a spot. Keep an eye on him in the postseason. 

Marshawn Lynch, Seattle Seahawks

Beast Mode made himself a truck load of Skittles this season. He's been the league's most physically dominant runner, and Lynch finds himself in the top five in both rushing yards and touchdowns. Will he stay in Seattle or follow the money?