Predicting the NFL's Next Blockbuster Contract Extensions

The 2026 NFL offseason has already seen several record-setting contracts get signed, but more blockbuster deals appear to be in the pipeline.

With several top-tier talents becoming extension-eligible for the first time and plenty of stars heading into the final years of their current deals, it's likely we'll see the market get reset at several positions in the coming months.

While some teams already worked out arrangements with their eligible superstars—Jaxson Smith-Njigba and Trent McDuffie respectively set the table for their fellow receivers and cornerbacks—there are more big-money deals set to be agreed to before the campaign kicks off.

With that in mind, let's predict some of the impending blockbuster contracts that should be in the works.

QB Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens

AP Photo/Nick Wass

The Baltimore Ravens played hardball with Lamar Jackson the last time it came time to negotiate a deal, but it's unlikely the franchise opts to take the same route when it next sits down at the negotiating table with the superstar signal-caller.

While Jackson has been one of the NFL's highest-paid players since agreeing to a five-year, $260 million contract in April 2023, he's dropped out of the top 10 at his position in terms of average annual value. It won't be long before he vaults back up near the top, potentially even eclipsing the $63.1 per year million Dak Prescott is currently taking home.

Although Jackson remains under contract through the 2027 season, there's no guaranteed money remaining on the deal. That has led the quarterback to push for a new contract this offseason, something the team should be open to given he's set to account for a whopping $84.3 million against the cap next year. Jackson also has a clause in his contract that won't allow the Ravens to use the franchise tag—a tactic they utilized three years ago to swing negotiations in their favor.

Jackson has more leverage this time around, considering he's more than lived up to his current deal. The QB took home the NFL MVP award the year he signed the contract and followed that spectacular season up with a second consecutive All-Pro campaign in 2024.

While Jackson struggled with injuries during an overall down season in Baltimore last year, he still clearly rates as one of the league's best passers when healthy and has plenty of tread left on his tires at the age of 29.

Given Jackson's contributions, impact, age and the rapidly rising salary cap, it's likely his next contract will reset the market for star quarterbacks. Expect the two sides to hammer out a deal in the $65 million to $70 million per year range.

Contract Prediction: Four years, $266 million

RB Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions

AP Photo/Rey Del Rio

Jahmyr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson—the first two backs off the board in the 2023 NFL draft—have been patiently waiting to sign extensions this offseason. Both superstars are poised to break the $20.6 million per year record that Saquon Barkley set following his record-chasing 2024 campaign, but their employers haven't rushed to get a deal done.

While each can make a strong argument to become the league's highest-paid player at the position, Gibbs gets a slight edge for helping his Detroit Lions reach the playoffs in two of his first three seasons while Robinson has yet to guide the Atlanta Falcons into the postseason.

Gibbs has been a revelation for a Detroit squad that has lacked a true superstar in the backfield since Barry Sanders' retirement after the 1998 season. The Alabama product has generated more than 5,000 yards and scored nearly 50 touchdowns from scrimmage over his first three seasons, earning a trio of Pro Bowl nods for his efforts.

There were concerns about Gibbs' ability to be a true three-down back after splitting time with David Montgomery to open his career, but those were put to rest when he logged a career-high 67 percent of offensive snaps in 2025 while appearing in all 17 games for the second consecutive season.

Although the Lions can keep Gibbs on his rookie deal through the 2027 campaign, he should be compensated fairly for his immense contributions to Detroit's offense with a record-breaking contract. He's far too important to the Lions' offensive scheme to not lock up to a long-term extension this offseason.  

Contract Prediction: Four years, $83.5 million

WR Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams

AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman

Puka Nacua is set to be the final domino to fall when it comes to the NFL's top receivers agreeing to megadeals over the past two years.

While Nacua didn't become the first receiver to break the $40 million per year barrier—that honor belongs to Jamar Chase after he signed a four-year, $161 million deal last March—nor did he become the first receiver to secure a blockbuster contract this offseason after Jaxson Smith-Njigba was rewarded with a four-year, $168.6 million deal, the Los Angeles Rams star is a strong bet to eclipse his peers financially when the ink has dried.

The Rams can't afford to wait much longer to get an agreement with their top wideout in place. While Nacua comes from the same draft class as JSN, he's entering the final season of his rookie contract—one that doesn't have a fifth-year option attached to it due to Nacua's status as a Day 3 pick.

The Rams could opt to franchise tag Nacua—which would cost approximately $31.6 million for the 2027 season—but the team would be wise to lock up one of the league's brightest young stars for the long haul before contracts inflate even further in the coming years. The team hasn't shied away from paying its key contributors either, something Nacua clearly is after racking up 4,191 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns on 313 catches over his first three seasons.

Although Nacua's off-field concerns and minor injury woes may have given L.A.'s brass some pause, the Rams have continued to support him through his rehab stint and still view him as a key part of their future, even if any extension discussions may hinge on how he moves forward off the field.

All signs point to Nacua entering the 2026 season on a new extension, one that is likely to pay $170 million or more over a four-year period.

Contract Prediction: Four years, $172 million

OG Quenton Nelson, Indianapolis Colts

AP Photo/Stephen Brashear

Quenton Nelson has been one of the best and most consistent offensive linemen of his generation. Although he's no longer the NFL's highest paid guard of all time, he's about to reset the market for a second time and should retake that throne before the offseason has concluded.

Nelson was first rewarded for his elite production when he signed a record-setting four-year extension worth $80 million, a deal set to expire after the 2026 campaign.

Considering Nelson has been a stalwart in the offensive trenches since joining the Indianapolis Colts as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2017 draft (he's started 129 of a possible 133 games and playing 8,445 offensive snaps over that eight-year span), it's time for another big raise.

Four other guards have joined Nelson in the $20 million per year club over the last four years, with Tyler Smith of the Dallas Cowboys' most recently setting the bar for premium guards when he agreed to a four-year, $96 million deal last September.

While Smith has had a great start to his own career, his accolades still pale in comparison to those of Nelson. The Colts star has earned Pro Bowl honors every year since entering the league, with first- or second-team All-Pro nods accompanying those honors six times.

He may be entering an age-30 campaign, but Nelson hasn't shown any signs of slowing down and should be a fixture in Indy's offensive trenches through the life of his next contract.

Given Smith's deal as a starting point and the Colts' dire need for Nelson to remain in place to keep their offensive line respectable, it wouldn't be a complete surprise to see the New Jersey native become the first $30 million per year guard in NFL history.

Contract Prediction: Three years, $90 million

DT Jalen Carter, Philadelphia Eagles

AP Photo/Terrance Williams

With Jalen Carter eligible for an extension, it won't be long before the best defensive tackle in football is being paid at a level indicative of his impact.

Carter has been a gamebreaker for the Philadelphia Eagles ever since he fell into their lap at No. 9 overall in the 2023 draft. The Georgia product had top-five potential before dropping on draft night amid well-publicized off-field legal and traffic issues during his time in Athens.

While Carter hasn't been a perfect pro—he was ejected from a game for spitting on Dak Prescott—he has generally stayed out of additional off-field controversy and has been a force on the field.

After finishing second in the Defensive Rookie of the Year race in 2023, the defensive tackle has gone on to earn Pro Bowl honors in each of the last two seasons, with his latest nod occurring despite a six-game injury absence.

Carter has now amassed 108 tackles, 13.5 sacks, 13 pass defenses, four forced fumbles and a fumble recovery over his first three NFL seasons. He's helped the Eagles earn playoff berths in each of those campaigns, including a stellar Lombardi Trophy run in 2024.

Although the Eagles can keep Carter on his current rookie contract through the 2027 campaign after exercising his fifth-year option, the team shouldn't wait anywhere near that long to get a deal done. Carter has proven himself at the highest level and should soon solidify his importance to Philadelphia's defensive efforts with a record-setting defensive tackle contract.

Contract Prediction: Three years, $99 million