Every Team's Most Important Contract Extension Ahead of 2025 NFL Season
As NFL teams part ways for several weeks before training camp, general managers are still crunching numbers for contract extensions.
Several marquee players skipped part or all of their team's spring workout program, though only absences during mandatory minicamp count as holdouts.
Other key veterans have participated in organized team activities and minicamp, but they're entering the final year of their contracts and deserve new deals because of their recent production and accolades.
To kick off the league's summer break, we'll highlight the most important contract extension candidate for each team.
Keep in mind that players aren't eligible for a new deal until they have accrued three seasons. So, the 2023 draft class has to wait until next offseason for early extensions.
AFC East
1 of 8
Buffalo Bills: RB James Cook
Based on an Instagram comment, Cook wants $15 million annually on a new deal. Bills general manager Brandon Beane told reporters he doesn't see the team "getting something done anytime soon" regarding his extension. The two-time Pro Bowl running back skipped OTAs and attended mandatory minicamp, which may indicate his lack of leverage. He can still hold in during training camp for another push to get a new deal before the season starts in September.
Miami Dolphins: TE Jonnu Smith
Smith has been in trade rumors while he seeks an extension with the Dolphins. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, a potential trade between Miami and the Pittsburgh Steelers "is still alive." Meanwhile, Smith's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said contract talks with the Dolphins are "still fluid." If they don't agree to terms with the 2024 Pro Bowler, they might deal him, which would be a significant blow to the offense. Smith led the team in catches (88) and touchdown receptions (eight) last season.
New England Patriots: CB Marcus Jones
In three years with the Patriots, Jones has done a bit of everything: line up as a slot cornerback, play boundary cornerback, take snaps at safety, return kicks and punts and catch passes at wide receiver. He's the definition of an NFL Swiss Army knife. Though he will play under a new coaching staff, executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf has been with the team since 2020 and knows how valuable the versatile playmaker is in various roles.
New York Jets: CB Sauce Gardner
One can make a strong case for wide receiver Garrett Wilson as well, though Gardner's accolades (2022 Defensive Rookie of the Year, two-time All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler) will allow him to garner the bigger contract, which adds more urgency to his situation. Despite a slight drop-off between 2023 and 2024, he will be the highest-paid cornerback when the Jets sign him to an extension. Gang Green's star cover man told reporters he feels "pretty good about how the talks have been going."
AFC North
2 of 8
Baltimore Ravens: C Tyler Linderbaum
The Ravens didn't pick up the fifth-year option on Linderbaum's rookie contract. ESPN's Jamison Hensley noted that his option would be exceptionally high at his position since it aligns with the cost of the highest-paid tackles. He is a two-time Pro Bowler and a crucial part of Baltimore's dominant ground game. He'll get his extension in the near future.
Cincinnati Bengals: Edge Trey Hendrickson
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler spoke to people who believe Hendrickson is willing to miss games in a contract standoff. After he criticized the team for a "lack of communication" since the draft, via ESPN's Adam Schefter, the NFL insider reported that the Bengals have resumed talks with the All-Pro pass-rusher. They lost edge-rusher Sam Hubbard, who retired in March, and they're also at a contract impasse with rookie first-round edge-rusher Shemar Stewart. Cincinnati needs Hendrickson, who led the league in sacks (17.5) last season.
Cleveland Browns: TE David Njoku
The Browns selected tight end Harold Fannin Jr. in the third round of this year's draft. Cleveland can employ the 6'4", 241-pounder like an oversized wide receiver. Meanwhile, Njoku should continue to be the lead traditional tight end in the offense. In 2024, he missed five games because of injury, but he still finished second on the team in catches (64) and led the club in touchdown receptions (five). Still in his prime at 28, he could get a short-term extension before the 2025 season.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Edge T.J. Watt
Watt didn't attend OTAs or mandatory minicamp. Head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters the team has communicated with the star edge-rusher during his absence and he believes both sides want to get a deal done. With Micah Parsons and Aidan Hutchinson also generating buzz for extensions, the Steelers should negotiate with urgency. Entering the final term of his contract, which has no guaranteed money, Watt will get a new deal.
AFC South
3 of 8
Houston Texans: DB C.J. Gardner-Johnson
Typically, teams should wait for a new acquisition to take a snap before signing him to a new deal, but Gardner-Johnson is past the prove-it stage of his career. He logged six interceptions in two of the last three seasons, recorded 12 pass breakups last year and plays multiple positions at a high level. The Texans know what they acquired when they traded for him. He's an underpaid addition with only $2 million guaranteed on his contract for the year.
Indianapolis Colts: OT Bernhard Raimann
Aside from quarterback, tackle is the most valuable position on the offensive side of the ball because those players protect the unit's centerpiece. Quality left tackles aren't coming into the league in droves, either. The Colts drafted Raimann, who was a raw talent with limited experience as an offensive lineman coming out of Central Michigan. He's made steady strides and only allowed four sacks last season, per Pro Football Focus. Heading into a contract year, he should be a priority extension candidate.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Edge Travon Walker
NFL teams should pay ascending edge-rushers sooner rather than later because the player's contract demands can skyrocket after a breakout season. Walker has yet to make an All-Pro or Pro Bowl roster, but he's logged at least 10 sacks in back-to-back campaigns. The Jaguars' new regime has exercised the fifth-year option in his rookie deal. The front office can take its commitment one step further and pay him.
Tennessee Titans: S Amani Hooker
Hooker was the most productive player in the Titans secondary last season. He tied cornerback Jarvis Brownlee for a team-leading nine pass breakups and led the club in interceptions with five. Hooker reached career highs with both of those coverage numbers. He signed an extension in 2022. The versatile safety should be in line for another pay raise following his best year.
.jpg?w=256 "Cowboys Pickens Football")
AFC West
4 of 8
Denver Broncos: Edge Nik Bonitto
Bonitto raised his stock with a breakout 2024 Pro Bowl campaign, logging 48 tackles, 16 for loss, 13.5 sacks and 36 pressures. He's half of Denver's up-and-coming pass-rushing tandem, lining up opposite Jonathon Cooper on the edge, but the front office should prioritize his contract. Cooper signed a multiyear extension in November. It's Bonitto's turn for a salary bump.
Kansas City Chiefs: G Trey Smith
The Chiefs placed a $23.4 million franchise tag on Smith to prevent him from testing free agency. Following a Pro Bowl year, he should be one of the league's highest-paid guards, though Kansas City can lower his 2025 cap hit with an extension that spreads his guaranteed money (likely more than $60 million) across the length of a new multiyear deal.
Las Vegas Raiders: OT Kolton Miller
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Miller skipped voluntary workouts early in the offseason to push for a new deal. He has no guaranteed money left on the final term of his contract. If the Raiders want quarterback Geno Smith to stay upright in the pocket, they'll pay Miller top-10 tackle money.
Los Angeles Chargers: OT Rashawn Slater
In February, Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz told reporters the team has "had conversations" with Slater about an extension. He skipped voluntary OTAs, but don't expect the two-time Pro Bowler to be away from the team for long. Los Angeles has the cap flexibility over the next two years to lock its star left tackle into a long-term pact. The Chargers will have a projected $110.8 million in cap space next year.
NFC East
5 of 8
Dallas Cowboys: Edge/LB Micah Parsons
Parsons skipped voluntary OTAs and rejoined the team for mandatory minicamp. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, his camp and the Cowboys disagree on the length of an extension, though he expects both sides to eventually come to terms on a new deal. Parsons earned the 2021 Defensive Rookie of the Year award, and he's been an All-Pro or Pro Bowler every year in the league. The Cowboys will soon make him the NFL's highest-paid non-quarterback.
New York Giants: LB Micah McFadden
McFadden has become one of the league's most promising young linebackers, registering 267 tackles, 26 for loss, six sacks, six pass breakups and an interception. The Giants should be intrigued by his development and potential to be a long-term starter. Bobby Okereke, 28, has been a solid pickup from two years ago, but McFadden is the present and future at linebacker, and he's going into the final year of his deal.
Philadelphia Eagles: S Reed Blankenship
Last offseason, the Eagles signed Blankenship to a one-year extension after his first full season as a starter. This year, they should offer him a multiyear deal. He proved that his 2023 campaign wasn't a fluke, following it up with another productive term. Over the last two years, he's recorded 17 pass breakups and seven interceptions, allowing a 72.5 passer rating last season. He can command a sizeable pay raise in his contract year.
Washington Commanders: WR Terry McLaurin
McLaurin didn't attend OTAs or mandatory minicamp. During an interview with 106.7 The Fan, Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer said the two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver is likely seeking a deal that averages at least $30 million annually. If Washington satisfies his reported contract demands, that would make him one of the league's eight highest-paid wideouts, which seems fair for a player who has eclipsed 1,001 receiving yards in five consecutive seasons and is coming off his second Pro Bowl term.
NFC North
6 of 8
Chicago Bears: S Jaquan Brisker
The Bears may have offered Brisker an extension if he continued to perform at a high level for the entire 2024 campaign, but he suffered a season-ending concussion in Week 5. He was well on his way to a third consecutive solid year in Chicago, logging 40 tackles, three for loss, a sack, an interception and a forced fumble while allowing a 71.5 passer rating in five outings. The Bears can offer him a new deal with the anticipation that he continues to perform optimally as their long-term starter at safety.
Detroit Lions: Edge Aidan Hutchinson
In October last year, Hutchinson suffered season-ending injuries, fracturing his fibula and tibia. In May, team doctors fully cleared him to participate in team activities. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Lions will "kick-start" contract negotiations now that he has a clean bill of health. Though linebacker Alex Anzalone hinted he wants a new deal, Hutchinson, a fast-rising Pro Bowl-caliber player, is more of a priority.
Green Bay Packers: C Elgton Jenkins
According to ESPN's Rob Demovsky, Jenkins skipped OTAs for contractual reasons. The versatile offensive lineman will move from guard to center for the upcoming campaign, which factors into his desire for a new deal. He reported to mandatory minicamp, but he didn't participate in on-field drills, which is an official hold in. He has no guaranteed money left on his contract, so the two-time Pro Bowler will likely push for long-term financial security leading up to the season.
Minnesota Vikings: OT Brian O'Neill
O'Neill has been one of the league's best right tackles. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed two sacks while on the field for 664 pass-blocking snaps. The eighth-year veteran tackle is coming off his second Pro Bowl season, and he has no guaranteed money left on his contract. He signed an extension in 2021 and is overdue for another.
NFC South
7 of 8
Atlanta Falcons: WR Drake London
Despite Kirk Cousins' underwhelming 2024 passing numbers, London met the expectations of what a team expects from a recent first-round pick. He hauled 100 passes for 1,271 yards and nine touchdowns, all career highs. Looking at the numbers Michael Penix Jr. posted in two collegiate years at Washington, London could see a significant uptick in production. The Falcons picked up his fifth-year option, and they should follow up with a big-money extension.
Carolina Panthers: OT Taylor Moton
Ikem Ekwonu told Kassidy Hill of the Panthers' official website that he has "no timeline" on when the team will sign him to an extension. Ekwonu may have to wait for Moton to sign his new deal. According to Pro Football Focus, Ekwonu allowed seven sacks while on the field for 593 pass-blocking snaps, and Moton gave up one sack while on the field for 538 pass-blocking snaps. Moton is entering a contract year. Ekwonu has two terms left on his rookie deal. Carolina will likely show more urgency to keep Moton on the books.
New Orleans Saints: CB Alontae Taylor
Taylor struggled with consistency in pass coverage last season. He recorded a career-high 16 pass breakups but gave up seven touchdowns and allowed a 111 passer rating. Yet Taylor showcased his ability to play downhill, logging four sacks and seven tackles for loss. In Brandon Staley's defense, Taylor could shine because of his ability to play the Star position. The Saints can pay him for his solid body of work over three years before he has a true breakout season, which would drive up his market price in free agency next offseason.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: CB Zyon McCollum
Last year, McCollum emerged as the Buccaneers' best cornerback, logging a team-leading 17 pass breakups and two interceptions while allowing an 86.9 passer rating. Jamel Dean hasn't elevated his play after signing an extension in 2023, and Tampa Bay drafted two cornerbacks in the second and third rounds. McCollum is a known commodity and the stabilizing player in the Buccaneers' cornerback room. Entering a contract year, he has earned a pay raise.
NFC West
8 of 8
Arizona Cardinals: P Blake Gillikin
Punters deserve raises, too. This offseason, the Las Vegas Raiders made AJ Cole the highest-paid punter. Gillikin doesn't have Cole's Pro Bowl/All-Pro accolades for a big-money extension, but he's done a good job booming kicks downfield. Last season, he tied for fifth in yards per punt and tied for fourth in percentage of punts that pinned opponents inside the 20-yard line, thanks in part to the Cardinals' kick coverage team. He has no guaranteed money in a contract year. Arizona can keep its strong-legged punter under contract beyond 2025.
Los Angeles Rams: RB Kyren Williams
As quarterback Matthew Stafford ages, Williams becomes more valuable to the Rams offense. In 2023, his first year as a starter, he made the NFC Pro Bowl roster, rushing for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns. He topped those numbers last season, racking up 1,299 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground. Head coach Sean McVay told reporters the team "made progress" in contract negotiations with Williams' camp. The fourth-year running back should get at least $16 million annually on a new deal.
San Francisco 49ers: WR Jauan Jennings
In 2024, Jennings saw the most targets (113) among 49ers receivers, and he finished with 77 catches for 975 yards and six touchdowns. While Brandon Aiyuk struggled to find his groove early in the season, Jennings put together a breakout performance in Week 3, hauling in 11 passes for 175 yards and three touchdowns. After Aiyuk tore his ACL and MCL, Jennings remained productive in the starting lineup. He's going into the final year of his contract. With Aiyuk on the mend, Jennings could raise his stock with another strong campaign. San Francisco should pay him before the price goes up in free agency next offseason.
Seattle Seahawks: CB Riq Woolen
Aside from a brief benching in Week 16, Woolen smoothly transitioned from the Pete Carroll era into head coach Mike Macdonald's regime. He continued to be a sticky defender who can get his hands on the ball, recording a team-leading 14 pass breakups and three interceptions while allowing a 76.9 passer rating. As a fifth-round pick from the 2022 draft, with a Pro Bowl year on his resume, Woolen has far exceeded expectations and outplayed his rookie deal.
Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.
.jpg?w=480 "Cowboys Pickens Football")
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Mike Vrabel back with Patriots")
