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Every Team's Most Important Contract Extension Ahead of 2026 NFL Season
Between mandatory minicamp and training camp, NFL front offices have several weeks to work through negotiations with players seeking new deals. If nothing comes of those talks, we often see holdouts and hold-ins during the summer.
Some teams tied up loose ends on the financial books, signing key players to extensions in the final week of spring practices. There will be more buzz about the progress, or lack thereof, on potential deals in the coming weeks.ย
At the end of July, we'll get a better idea of who's disgruntled enough to skip training camp practices for a pay raise.
Until then, here's a player from each team who deserves an extension before the 2026 campaign. Remember, drafted players need three accrued seasons to be eligible for a new multiyear contract. Veterans who went undrafted can sign new deals after two terms.
Several veterans listed below are in their first year of eligibility for an extension or have just entered the final year of their contract.
AFC East
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Buffalo Bills: RG O'Cyrus Torrence
Torrence should be in contact with his agent after the New York Jets signed Joe Tippmann to a four-year, $62 million extension. He's developed into a solid starting right guard who's yet to miss a game in three seasons. When asked about Torrence's extension, general manager Brandon Beane told reporters, "We're definitely looking at that." With $9.7 million in cap space, the Bills can work out a deal for Torrence if they don't intend to sign a high-cost free agent.
Miami Dolphins: LB Jordyn Brooks
Even in a roster rebuild, teams should try to retain top playmakers. The Dolphins have been sellers since Jon-Eric Sullivan took over as general manager, though they did sign De'Von Achane and Aaron Brewer to lucrative extensions. Miami needs a defensive leader for a young group. Brooks is coming off his first All-Pro campaign without any guaranteed money on his deal. On a new multiyear contract, he would be the centerpiece of a new-look unit.
New England Patriots: CB Christian Gonzalez
According to ESPN's Mike Reiss, Gonzalez skipped the team's voluntary spring workouts, a departure from his participation in previous years. Although he avoided fines by showing up to mandatory minicamp, the Patriots should make a concerted effort to sign him to a long-term extension. Only 23, Gonzalez is coming off his first Pro Bowl campaign, allowing just two touchdowns and a 79.9 passer rating in 14 outings.
New York Jets: DT Harrison Phillips
The Jets shouldn't be eager to sign a 30-year-old defensive tackle to an extension. However, if anyone else on the roster deserves a new deal, it's Phillips. He's one of the league's best run-stoppers and hasn't missed a game since the 2021 season. Gang Green wouldn't have to smash its piggybank to give him a deal because of his position on the premium scale, though his hard-nosed mentality can be a great example for a team that's seen a lot of turnover over the past year.
AFC North
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Baltimore Ravens: QB Lamar Jackson
Without a doubt, the Ravens should be focused on locking in their two-time league MVP quarterback for the long term. In March, general manager Eric DeCosta said he hopes to reach a new agreement with Jackson's camp. When asked about his contract situation, Jackson told reporters he "absolutely" wants to stay in Baltimore. It seems as though the two sides just need to hash out the numbers for a record-setting deal.
Cincinnati Bengals: CB DJ Turner II
Turner put together a standout 2025 campaign. He tied for third across the league in pass breakups with 18, recorded the first two interceptions of his career and allowed an impressive 75.6 passer rating in coverage. The Bengals added multiple defensive veterans via free agency and a trade. Now, they should turn their attention to a homegrown cornerstone player for the secondary.
Cleveland Browns: S Grant Delpit
Other than Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward, Delpit has been one of the most productive defenders on the Browns roster over the past few years. With the exception of 2024, when he allowed a 134 passer rating, he's been solid in coverage. The 27-year-old finished the previous campaign with career highs in sacks (three) and pressures (11). Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot reported that Delpit didn't participate in mandatory minicamp because of an injury, though it could be the beginning of a staged hold-in for a new deal.
Pittsburgh Steelers: CB Joey Porter Jr.
Porter is one of the league's stingiest cornerbacks in coverage. He hasn't allowed a touchdown in two seasons while recording 21 pass breakups and two interceptions in that span. Last season, the 25-year-old permitted a 48.5 percent completion rate when targeted. Entering the final year of his deal, Porter should be one of the highest-paid cornerbacks before Week 1 of the upcoming term.
AFC South
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Houston Texans: QB C.J. Stroud
NFL Network's Ian Rapoport believes Houston will work on an extension with Stroud next offseason. However, unless the Texans consider moving on from him, they can get a deal done before the start of the 2026 campaign. CEO Cal McNair told reporters that the team is "fully committed" to the 24-year-old signal-caller. The organization can show that by signing him to a massive extension. Houston has won at least 10 games and two division titles in three seasons with Stroud as its starting quarterback.
Indianapolis Colts: OG Quenton Nelson
The Colts can prioritize Nelson or star running back Jonathan Taylor, though the former plays at a position with a longer career life. Also, Nelson is on a surefire Hall of Fame trajectory. He's a three-time All-Pro who's earned a Pro Bowl nod in all eight of his seasons. The 30-year-old guard is arguably the league's best player at his position.ย
Jacksonville Jaguars: TE Brenton Strangeย
The Jaguars should wait to see if Parker Washington produces within a healthy wide receiver corps before they sign him to an extension. Strange has been a high-end contributor to Jacksonville's aerial attack for back-to-back seasons, and he's entering a contract year. The Jaguars have a crowded tight end room that includes two rookies, but Strange is by far the best pass-catcher among the group.ย
Tennessee Titans: OG Peter Skoronskiย
After struggling through his rookie campaign, Skoronski made notable strides, and he's become one of the league's top guards. Tennessee picked up the fifth-year option on his current deal, but general manager Mike Borgonzi is eyeing a long-term agreement with the 2023 first-rounder. Skoronski will garner a market-setting extension if he signs before the Colts ink Nelson to a new deal.ย
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AFC West
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Denver Broncos: CB Ja'Quan McMillian
McMillian has excelled in his role as the primary nickelback. He's a versatile playmaker who's logged 24 pass breakups, six interceptions and seven sacks over the last three seasons. General manager George Paton called the slot defender one of the team's "core players" before retaining him on a one-year, $5.7 million restricted free-agent tender. McMillian is massively underpaid, given his value to the Broncos defense.
Kansas City Chiefs: S Chamarri Conner
The Chiefs don't have an obvious extension candidate, though Conner's 2027 free-agent market value could skyrocket if he puts together another productive year in a starting role. This offseason, Kansas City's secondary underwent significant changes. Conner is one of the few holdovers on the back end of the defense after he registered 117 tackles (four for loss), two sacks, two pass breakups and an interception last year. The Chiefs can reward him with an extension, with the hope he stabilizes a revamped unit.
Las Vegas Raiders: CB Taron Johnson
After the Raiders acquired Johnson from the Buffalo Bills, he skipped several OTA practices. According to Vincent Bonsignore of the California Post, the 29-year-old slot cornerback wants a new contract with two years left on a non-guaranteed deal. Although Johnson eventually rejoined the team before mandatory minicamp, his representatives may continue to work on an extension ahead of training camp.
Los Angeles Chargers: EDGE Tuli Tuipulotu
In April, Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz told reporters that extension talks with safety Derwin James Jr. and Tuipulotu will "heat up" after the draft. Los Angeles inked James to a three-year, $75.6 million extension. Tuipulotu should be next. In 2025, he logged career highs in sacks (13) and pressures (32). The 2025 Pro Bowler may top those numbers as the team's leading edge-rusher in snap count.ย
NFC East
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Dallas Cowboys: LB DeMarvion Overshown
The Cowboys will likely wait to see if Overshown can stay healthy through a full season. That said, the fourth-year pro has flashed exceptional playmaking ability while on the field, logging 118 tackles (nine for loss), four pass breakups and an interception in 19 games (17 starts). If Overshown posts career numbers in a contract year, Dallas may not be comfortable paying him at a premium rate after one complete season. The front office can probably sign the 25-year-old to a modest deal while he's still scratching the surface of his potential.
New York Giants: EDGE Brian Burns
Coming off a 16.5-sack season, Burns can command a massive pay raise or at least a more financially stable deal. In March, the Giants restructured his contract, and he has no guaranteed money for the remaining three years of his pact with the team. Big Blue can address that by coming to terms with his camp on an extension. The 28-year-old is by far the team's best defensive player and should be paid accordingly.
Philadelphia Eagles: DT Jalen Carter
The Eagles set the floor for Carter's new deal after they signed fellow defensive tackle Jordan Davis to a three-year, $78 million extension. The former is a two-time Pro Bowler and more of a pass-rushing threat than the latter, which will factor in his contract negotiations. According to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, the Eagles are "hesitant" to extend Carter's deal, but if they do, he'll sign for more than Davis.
Washington Commanders: DT Daron Payne
One way or another, the Commanders should address Payne's contract situation. He hasn't been able to match the pass-rushing production from his 2022 Pro Bowl campaign. Washington can attempt to trade him and save $22.4 million in cap space, cut him to save $17.4 million or sign him to an extension that lowers his $28 million cap number for the year. In an ideal scenario for both sides, the Commanders retain Payne at a lower cost and secure his short-term future in contract season.
NFC North
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Chicago Bears: DT Gervon Dexter Sr.
Over three seasons, Dexter has developed a knack for making plays in the backfield. He's produced a steady uptick in sacks and tackles for loss. Because of his pass-rushing numbers, the 24-year-old could command a lucrative deal in free agency next offseason. Chicago can get ahead of those demands by offering him north of $25 million annually. On the interior, he could be the long-term complement to edge-rusher Montez Sweat.
Detroit Lions: RB Jahmyr Gibbs
Three years into his career, Gibbs is an established star running back with three Pro Bowl campaigns. In 2024, he led the league with 20 touchdowns from scrimmage and tied Derrick Henry and James Cook for a league-leading 16 rushing touchdowns. The Lions signed linebacker Jack Campbell to an extension. Gibbs, who's from the same draft class, should be next in line for a big pay raise.
Green Bay Packers: TE Tucker Kraft
Before Kraft tore his ACL in Week 9 of the previous season, he was on pace for career highs across multiple receiving categories. Head coach Matt LaFleur has featured him as a key cog in the Packers' aerial attack. Despite Kraft's injury, USA Today's Ryan Wood expects Green Bay to sign the pass-catching tight end to an extension. If so, it'll likely happen sooner rather than later.ย
Minnesota Vikings: RT Brian O'Neill
O'Neill has been a model of consistency within the Vikings' offensive line. He earned a couple of Pro Bowl nods in 2021 and 2024. Last season, the eighth-year veteran allowed just two sacks while on the field for 446 pass-blocking snaps, per Pro Football Focus. According to ESPN's Kevin Seifert, Minnesota is expected to resume extension talks with O'Neill after hiring general manager Nolan Teasley.
NFC South
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Atlanta Falcons: RB Bijan Robinsonย
Like Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs, Robinson has become one of the league's most accomplished tailbacks within three seasons. In 2025, he racked up 2,298 scrimmage yards in his first All-Pro campaign. The Falcons signed wideout Drake London to a four-year, $140 million extension. Expect them to lock Robinson into a market-setting deal. Despite Atlanta's mediocrity, he's a shining star and one of the NFL's few workhorse running backs.
Carolina Panthers: CB Mike Jackson
Carolina picked up a late-bloomer when it acquired Jackson from the Seattle Seahawks in a 2024 offseason trade. The Panthers signed him to a two-year, $10.5 million extension last year, and he's outplayed that deal. In 2025, the 29-year-old cornerback recorded a league-leading 19 pass breakups and four interceptions while allowing a 75 passer rating in coverage. On a base salary of $4.3 million, which includes $2 million in guarantees, he's grossly underpaid this year.
New Orleans Saints: WR Chris Olave
The Saints haven't been shy about their intentions to sign Olave to an extension. In March, head coach Kellen Moore told reporters the team had contract discussions with the 25-year-old wideout. Per NOLA.com's Matthew Paras, the Saints "haven't entirely balked at" a contract that averages $30 million annually. Olave expressed confidence that he'll get a new deal. It seems like a foregone conclusion that New Orleans will give him a pay raise soon.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: QB Baker Mayfieldย
Although Mayfield told reporters that contract talks with the Buccaneers "are not anywhere close" to his expectations, it's notable that he's at least in negotiations with the team in the final year of his non-guaranteed deal. Head coach Todd Bowles said, "There's absolutely no question" that he wants Mayfield to be his long-term quarterback. In all likelihood, the two sides will find a middle ground by the start of training camp.
NFC West
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Arizona Cardinals: QB Jacoby Brissett
According to ESPN's Josh Weinfuss, Brissett attended mandatory minicamp, but he didn't participate in practices. The 33-year-old bridgegap quarterback also skipped OTAs amid a contract dispute with the club. Even though Darren Urban of the team's official website expects Brissett to start Week 1, the Cardinals must work through negotiations with his camp, or else, Gardner Minshew II or rookie third-rounder Carson Beck will have a shot to claim the lead position under center.
Los Angeles Rams: WR Puka Nacua
From a fifth-rounder out of BYU in 2023 to an elite wide receiver, Nacua is going to reset his position market. In 2025, he caught a league-leading 129 passes for 1,715 yards and 10 touchdowns. The 25-year-old also currently holds the all-time record for receiving yards per game (95.3). ESPN's Jeremy Fowler doesn't expect the Rams to extend Nacua or any of their 2027 free agents this year after absorbing Myles Garrett's contract in a blockbuster trade, though he didn't completely rule out new deals for any of those players.
San Francisco 49ers: CB Deommodore Lenoir
The 49ers took care of their most pressing contract issue when they signed left tackle Trent Williams to a two-year, $50 million extension. The club has rising personnel costs with new deals set to kick in next year, but if the front office feels generous with $71.7 million in cap space, it could give Lenoir an extension before he starts a new season without guaranteed money on his deal. Lenoir signed a new contract in 2024, but you can make the case that he's at least earned short-term financial security on a revised contract.
Seattle Seahawks: CB Devon Witherspoon
Witherspoon has performed at a Pro Bowl level under two coaching regimes. After a year under former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, he struggled in his first season under lead skipper Mike MacDonald, allowing a 106.9 passer rating in coverage. The versatile cornerback allowed just two touchdowns in a bounce-back 2025 campaign and made the second-team All-Pro list last season. The Seahawks can be patient with two years left on Witherspoon's contract, but they have the cap space ($25.5 million) to extend him this summer.
Player contract and team salary cap details are provided by Over the Cap.
Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.ย
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