Big-Name Players with Big-Time Deals: Contract Situations for Each NFL Team

Nothing hits to the core of football fans like a large sum of money going to a player that doesn't deserve it. Although it's sadly all too common in the NFL, this list won't look to pick out the worst contracts of all time or the highest-paid bums in the league.

Instead, this list will point out the contract to keep an eye on for each NFL team in regards to a player's recent production, my speculation moving forward, and predictions of what could be in 2011.

Seeing as how I took this on as a one-man wrecking crew, I'll let it be known that I don't claim to know everything about every NFL team and their contract situations. For salaries, I used Rotoworld's contract database and went with what I thought appeared to be some tough deals to stomach in 2011.

Please understand that I have no personal vendetta out for any players or teams. In fact, I like a majority of the guys on this list, but the truth is the truth. If you find your team on this list and would like to comment on the player and/or contract I have listed, please do so. It's a learning experience for me and no one knows a team like its fans.

Buffalo Bills: Lee Evans

At first glance, Buffalo's drafting of former Penn State star Aaron Maybin and signing him to a five-year deal worth $18 million ($15 million guaranteed) appears to be the worst.

It has been rumored that Maybin has again shown up to camp underweight (somewhere around 228 pounds) and some scouts have described him as not having "it". But while the contract overall is painful, Maybin's salary is only $750,000 in 2011 and he earns himself a pass.

Wide receiver Lee Evans is set to make the most of any Bills player in 2011, with a salary of $3.25 million. Although Evans is a good and reliable receiver, the 30-year-old pass-catcher is coming off his worst season as a pro after missing three games last season and the Bills offense has seemed to be moving away from Evans' side of the field.

Understandably so, opposing defenses were looking to shut down Evans until the recent discovery of Stevie Johnson on the opposite side.

Evans has been a dependable touchdown target in Buffalo for his entire career, hauling in 43 touchdown catches in seven seasons, and that's worth something. However, Evans is also due a $1.5 million roster bonus in 2011, bringing his salary this year to $4.75 million.

Owed just under $5 million in this season alone, Evans will need to look to stay healthy and hopefully increase his reception totals.

Miami Dolphins: Vernon Carey

Seeing as how the Dolphins are set to pay tackle Vernon Carey $5.9 million this season, you'd think the Miami fans would be a little more pleased with the seven-year veteran's play.

With left tackle Jake Long recovering from injury, perhaps the Fins are keeping Carey around as an insurance policy--but what an expensive policy it is.

Don't be surprised to see Carey's contract re-worked, possibly leading to his release.

New York Jets: Mark Sanchez

Mark Sanchez has earned the nickname "Mark Sanchize", referring to his future with New York Jets as a leader, quarterback and face of the franchise.

At the young age of 25, Sanchez has taken strides in developing his game since his rookie season in 2009. Thrown into the fire as the team's starter as a rookie, Sanchez cut his interceptions down last season and increased his quarterback rating from a 63 to a 75.

It's not entirely fair to pick on Sanchez this early in his career, but the Jets have arranged their team very well in terms of finances. On paper, it seems as if every Jets player receives fair compensation for their services and the team looks to have his hands wrapped firmly around the front office.

But for a quarterback that completes less than 55 percent of his passes and who has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns since 2009, having Mark Sanchez be your team's highest-paid player is tough.

I know that Sanchez is the future, that his salary also takes into account his potential--as it did when he was signed to it after being selected fifth-overall in the 2009 NFL Draft. Still, Jets fans, just like a large majority of other fans, are not patient when it comes to quarterbacks.

At this point in Sanchez's career, it's all good. The Jets have made deep playoff runs in his first two seasons and New York has been a threat in the AFC for the entire time Sanchez has been under center. But, for a guy that is set to make $13.5 million this season, I think it's fair to say that Sanchez's third year needs to look somewhat like a charm.

New England Patriots: Albert Haynesworth

So maybe this one has a little personal vendetta behind it after what Fat Albert did to my beloved Washington Redskins, but trading for the disgruntled defensive lineman is a debatable issue.

After receiving nearly $43 million from the Redskins for a total of 16 games and seven sacks, the New England Patriots acquired Haynesworth and are responsible for the remaining salary left on his original $100 million deal that he signed in 2009.

Seeing as how the Patriots are one the strongest and most well-run organizations in the league, the acquisition of Haynesworth could truly be one of Bill Belichick's greatest finds. When Haynesworth is healthy, on the field and willing to play football, he's one of the most dominant players at any position in the NFL. The key word, however, is "willing".

Haynesworth is set to make $5.4 million in 2011 and, from what we saw in Washington, that's about $5 million too much. But again, the Patriots have been known to change the attitudes of troubled players and it can eventually lead to some of that specific player's finest days in the league. This may be the case with Fat Albert.

If the Patriots decide to hang on to Haynesworth following this season, they'll owe him $6.7 million in 2012 with a $500,000 workout bonus. Who knew this guy even worked out?

Haynesworth's contract gets worse as the years go on, making $8.5 million in 2013 with another $500,000 workout bonus, and the mention of some $20 million signing bonus (I am unfamiliar with the specifics of the $20 million signing bonus).

Judging by his reputation, play and attitude over the last couple of years, Haynesworth's contract in 2011 is horrible and he has a ton to prove.

Atlanta Falcons: John Abraham

The Falcons signed defensive end Ray Edwards this offseason to a five-year deal worth $30 million. And while Edwards is expected to start, his teammate bookend and long-time sack artist John Abraham is expected to hold down the other side. 

Abraham is coming off a season in which he played 15 games and recorded an amazing 13.5 sacks. This is the final year of the 33-year-old pass-rusher's current contract and he may be looking to strike gold one more time in his career. 

Although there's no signs of the Falcons losing one of their greatest assets in Abraham, the front office will pay close attention to him and his $8 million contract this season in order to justify a possible extension. 

New Orleans Saints: Will Smith

Had this been written just a few days ago, cornerback Randall Gay would have been the clear-cut favorite for the Saints in 2011. But, wisely and responsibly, the Saints released Gay on July 31 in order to avoid paying him his $3.5 million salary.

For this Saints team, it's not easy to find a contract that comes off as dead weight or super risky. Cornerback Jabari Greer is due $4.5 million in 2011, but with a slight increase in his turnover numbers, Greer appears to be a fair deal.

Defensive end Will Smith has spent his entire seven-year career in New Orleans and he has made a name for himself as a workhorse on their defensive line. Over his career, Smith averages close to eight sacks per season. But after missing a game last year, Smith finished 2010 with 39 tackles and six sacks.

I know, I know--there's nothing bad about six sacks. But, given the fact that Smith is due to make $6 million this season and he just turned 30, the Saints will probably put some heavy focus on Smith's production.

After recording just three sacks in 2008, followed by an impressive 13 sacks in 2009, the Saints may just be looking for a little more consistency out of the big fella.

All that being said, if a team's most risky contract is $6 million to a guy like Will Smith coming off the edge, I'd have to say their problems are pretty minimal.

Carolina Panthers: Steve Smith

My first thought is to make defensive end Charles Johnson the member of the Carolina Panthers with most to prove. Although he's young and full of potential, I always become skeptical when a player outshines everyone in his contract year. In Johnson's defense, it was really only his third season in the NFL with sufficient playing time--as he only saw action in three games as a third-round rookie in 2007.

After being able to retain running back DeAngelo Williams, trade for tight end Greg Olsen, and sign No. 1 draft pick Cam Newton, the Panthers offense is full of potential in 2011. One man that will play a crucial role in the offense's output is veteran wide receiver Steve Smith.

The 32-year-old Smith is coming off one of the worst seasons of his career--pulling in just 46 catches for 554 yards and two touchdowns. Not that it's entirely Smith's fault, as then-rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen struggled behind a weak offensive line and wasn't exactly effective in getting the ball out, or to Smith.

This season, Smith is set to make $7 million. It's not that I don't think Smith is one of the league's elite receivers, because he is, but he's going to have to really rebound this season to his glory days of 2005-2008.

One problem may stand in his way--the Carolina Panthers are going to start another rookie signal-caller in Cam Newton. According to some reports, Smith appears to be buying into new coach Ron Rivera's philosophy and Smith seems to be on-board with an offense that has the potential to be very explosive.

If Cam Newton can have a decently smooth transition and injuries don't plague the offense, Steve Smith could return to his natural form and earn every bit of his $7 million in 2011.

Tampa Bay: Kellen Winslow

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were one of the surprise teams of last season, finishing with a 10-6 record and doing so with a young and blossoming roster.

This season, former Pro Bowl tight end Kellen Winslow Jr. will do his best to perform like he has the previous two seasons, where he has brought in an average of 71 catches, 807 yards and five touchdowns.

But, as Winslow continues to be one of the top targets for young quarterback Josh Freeman, perhaps the Buccaneers front office would like to see Winslow duplicate a season like 2007, in which he brought in 82 passes for 1,106 yards--an average better than 13 yards per catch.

Winslow is set to make $8.25 million in 2011 and his contract is tops on the team. For a Tampa Bay team with tons of young talent, Winslow will have a lot of pressure as a leader, a team guy and a playmaker on the field.

Continuing to be one of the best tight ends in the league is sure to be on Winslow's honey-do list for 2011. But, at the age of 28 and prepared to make a boat-load of cash, Winslow has the opportunity to really turn it on and prove why he's worth more than $8 million.

Baltimore Ravens: Domonique Foxworth

After staying busy this off-season, the Baltimore Ravens are hoping they can welcome back a  healthy cornerback in Domonique Foxworth and he can return to his form from a year ago.

Foxworth is due to make $4.4 million this upcoming season and he'll be on heavy watch as he attempts to hit the field on time after recovering from a torn ACL last year.

Unfortunately for Foxworth, the Ravens drafted what's thought to be their shutdown corner of the future in Jimmy Smith. The team will also look to Lardarius Webb and the re-signed veteran Chris Carr for help at cornerback.

With Smith likely to win a starting job and Carr publicly announcing that he wants to be a starter, Foxworth may have a tougher road back to the football field than just healing an injury.

As a Maryland native and Terps alum, I hate to see Foxworth on the bubble. Not that the team has come out publicly and talked about Foxworth's release or anything, but it doesn't take a capologist to understand what a contract of $4.4 million means for a guy coming off of a serious ACL tear.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Casey Hampton

Although 35-year-old defensive end Aaron Smith and his owed $4.5 million this season is alarming, I believe the Steelers may restructure his contract before the season starts. The front office move is absolutely necessary for an aging veteran that hasn't played since last October, when he tore his triceps and missed the remainder of the season.

Another aging defensive lineman to take note of is nose tackle Casey Hampton. After plugging the middle of the Steelers defensive line for the past ten years, Hampton enters this season set to make $3.91 million.

Big Snack is a horse along the defensive front and he plays a major role in the success of the Steelers' defense, but carrying such a large frame and set to turn 34 in September, the Steelers will need to keep an eye on Hampton's weight after the lengthened offseason and his production once he takes the field.

Cincinnati Bengals: Robert Geathers

Overall, the contract of offensive tackle Andre Smith may hurt Bengals fans the worst, as Smith received a six-year deal worth $42 million as part of his rookie deal and has shown very little beyond an embarrassing looking 40-yard dash and an injury. That said, defensive end Robert Geathers is the guy to watch this season.

Geathers is due to make $3.9 million in 2011, but his production numbers don't seem to add up to such an enticing deal. In his seven-year career with the Bengals, Geathers has accrued more than four sacks in a season only once, which was 2006 when he went off for 10.5. And, surprise, 2006 was Geathers' contract year.

Last season, although receiving praise from head coach Marvin Lewis, Geathers recorded just one sack in 16 games. Would Marvin Lewis agree that one sack for the whole entire season is worth close to $4 million? I don't think so. 

Cleveland Browns: Peyton Hillis

The Cleveland Browns are one of the few teams that I didn't use an actual large contract with. When you look over the roster, the Browns really aren't paying anyone some astronomical amount of money that is known to come to work on Sundays and flop. 

Cleveland did pay out a three-year deal to Josh "Of All Trades" Cribbs worth about $20 million, but his salary in 2011 is less than a million bucks--actually making him a bargain. 

So without having a dreadful contract on their roster, I came across running back Peyton Hillis. 

As you probably know, Hillis blew it up last season by rushing for more than 1,100 yards and 11 touchdowns, earning him a spot on the new Madden video game cover. 

Ironically, 2011 is a contract year for Hillis. And while he is only set to make $550,000 this season before becoming a free agent next year, we can all expect for Hillis to be playing his guts out each and every down. 

If the Browns were smart (and Mike Holmgren is), they'd lock up the 25-year-old grinder for the long term and make him the true featured back. Although some may argue that Hillis' 2010 campaign was a fluke, he'll be sure to put it all on stage for the doubters in 2011. 

Washington Redskins: DeAngelo Hall

Redskins team owner Dan Snyder has a reputation for spending the big bucks on free agents. He lived up to that name when he acquired cornerback DeAngelo Hall from the Oakland Raiders and treated him to a six-year deal worth $55 million.

Hall is a very experienced corner with good playmaking abilities, but he is far from a top-notch cover corner that's deserving of such huge loot.

With the departure of Carlos Rogers, Hall will feel some pressure this season as the team's clear-cut, no questions asked, No. 1 cornerback. Not that there was much of a question when Rogers was here, but everyone could agree that Carlos was the better cover corner.

The Redskins did sign free agent corner, and playmaker, Josh Wilson to join Hall in the secondary, and that addition will certainly lighten the load. But with Hall set to make $4.5 million in 2011, all eyes are on him to have a season like last year--which was arguably the best of his eight-year career.

Dallas Cowboys: Terence Newman

Over the years, Terence Newman has served as a solid corner for the Cowboys, spending his entire eight-year career in Dallas. 

But with the lockout drought in effect and the new salary cap, Newman was whiskers away from being released from the Cowboys in order to save the team some cash. And it makes sense. 

Newman is owed a whopping $8 million this season and he'll turn 33 in September. Fortunately for Newman, owner Jerry Jones and the Cowboys organization value Newman's services, otherwise they would have shown him the door and saved close to $4 million in cap space. 

This is not a showing out year for Newman or an opportunity to prove himself. On the downturn of his career, Newman's primary focus is probably to stay healthy and hang out in Dallas for a couple more years. 

According to Matt Mosley of FOX Sports, the Cowboys believe they can get one more solid season out of Newman, but I'd say that's about it. Newman is set to make over $6 million next season, about $7.6 million in 2013 and then another $7.5 million in 2014 before becoming a free agent at the age of 36. 

New York Giants: Brandon Jacobs

Although he has reportedly agreed to a small restructure of his contract that is set to pay him $4.65 million this season, Brandon Jacobs is still a using a pretty nice chunk of the cap space as a complement back in New York. 

In Jacobs' defense, he did rush for nine touchdowns last season and finished the year averaging 5.6 yards per carry. Even so, 147 carries in 16 games doesn't warrant close to $5 million per year. 

After the Giants wisely re-signed running back Ahmad Bradshaw, Jacobs became the definite second fiddle in the New York backfield. But, with Jacobs turning 29 in July and on the verge of the dreaded 30-year-old mark for running backs, the Giants could have a hard time doing much else than keeping Jacobs around for a high fee. 

Philadelphia Eagles: Asante Samuel

As if we haven't already heard enough about the Philadelphia Eagles and their unbelievable acquisitions this offseason, it actually comes up again in this situation and it could result in a player's departure from the City of Brotherly Love. 

After acquiring Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie via trade with the Cardinals, and signing top-overall free agent Nnamdi Asomugha, the Eagles have found themselves with a secondary that's deep and very pricey. 

In 2008, the Eagles signed cornerback Asante Samuel to a six-year deal worth $57 million. I'd be willing to bet that back in 2008, the Eagles didn't anticipate assembling the roster that they have this summer. 

It's obvious that the recent acquisitions have started a small fire beneath Samuel and he may not exactly feel wanted in Philly. When asked by reporters if he would request a trade, Samuel replied, "No comment."

Samuel is set to make $5.9 million this season and it may or may not be paid by the Philadelphia Eagles. Samuel will be 31 next year and his contract calls for an $8.4 million salary in 2012, followed by $10.4 million in 2013.  

Houston Texans: Shaun Cody

New defensive coordinator Wade Phillips is confident that Shaun Cody can handle the nose position in the Houston Texans' new 3-4 scheme. It is noted, however, that Cody is set to rotate with Earl Mitchell at the position. 

Although I'm not sure I agree with it, the Texans decided to sign Cody to a two-year deal worth $5.75 million. The deal may be short term and Cody may serve as a decent sub, but his $3.5 million salary this season seems like a little much. 

For $3.5 million, I would think that Wade Phillips and the Texans coaching staff is hoping for a little more than Cody's production last season of 38 tackles in 16 games. 

Indianapolis Colts: Gonzalez and Garcon

Indianapolis is another team with limited garbage contracts on their roster. This, of course, coming after tackle Ryan Diem agreed to restructure his contract and break up his original $5.4 million salary in 2011. 

For this season, two of Peyton Manning's favorite receiving targets are in the final years of their deals and a big 2011 could result in some serious cash for at least one of them. 

Pierre Garcon is a 24-year-old receiver out of Mount Union with a small problem of dropping passes. Even so, Garcon is due to make $550,000 this season. His 67 receptions from a year ago have the chance to increase this season. 

Anthony Gonzalez is a 26-year-old receiver that returns this season after going down in Week 8 of last year with a strained PCL in his left knee. A year removed from 57 catches and four touchdowns as an NFL sophomore, Gonzalez certainly has the potential to be an effective slot receiver for Manning and the Colts. Gonzo is set to make $1.11 million this season and the primary focus will be on his health. 

Both of these guys can cash-in this season. The key for Garcon is becoming more reliable, while the key for Gonzo is to prove his durability.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Paul Posluszny

I don't mean to be so negative right off the bat, but I know I'm not the only one that thinks the six-year deal worth $42 million given to linebacker Paul Posluszny is a little high.

Posluszny is coming off a 150-tackle season with Buffalo and he claims to have signed with Jacksonville in order to get back into a 4-3 defensive scheme. 

For Jaguars fans, the verdict could come down quick on the 26-year-old Penn State alum. When a small market team such as Jacksonville attacks free agency and opens their wallet as wide as they can, fans are going to expect results. 

We'll see if the return to a 4-3 makes Posluszny worth $7 million per year. 

Tennessee Titans: Eugene Amano

After struggling last season with both injuries and a transition from right guard to center, Eugene Amano is going to be on the mind of the Titans' front office. 

Amano signed a five-year deal last season worth $26.2 million. Although Amano earned a majority of the coin last season, he's still set to make $2.68 million in 2011. 

According to Pro Football Plus, the Titans offensive line ranked last in run-blocking rating in 2010. If the offensive line can't get things turned around this season, guys like Amano that are set to make $3.2 million in 2012 won't be on the roster.  

Chicago Bears: Charles Tillman

Not since his rookie year in 2003 has defensive back Charles Tillman played 16 games in a single season. 

Although he's currently listed as the Chicago Bears' starting corner, there's no way anyone can rely on Tillman's durability. 

The original seven-year deal signed by Tillman was for $41.5 million ($18.5 million guaranteed) and he's owed $3.4 million in 2011. 

As much as I'd like to throw Jay Cutler on here for making too much money ($7.6 million in 2011), Tillman's injury history and age (30) make him a huge liability for the Bears this season.  

Detroit Lions: Jeff Backus

For years, people have ripped the Detroit Lions for not having a solid left tackle on their offensive line. Actually, let me rephrase that. The Lions' current left tackle Jeff Backus is solid in terms of durability (starting 160 straight games), but his effectiveness as a blocker isn't worthy of big left tackle money.

The Detroit Lions are on the rise on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. However, the health of young quarterback Matthew Stafford is a serious issue. Having a left tackle like Backus that lets up probably somewhere in the range of eight sacks per season is not a good thing.

Backus is set to make $5.45 million in 2011 and he's owed a $1 million bonus. Seeing as how Backus is recovering from a torn pectoral muscle and he's turning 34 next month, the Lions have to be thinking about the future. In fact, even as a hometown hero of sorts, I'm surprised the team would keep Backus around and fork out over $6 million for him this season.

Green Bay Packers: Ryan Grant

With Donald Driver set to make $4.1 million this season, some speculate that the veteran wide receiver will be under heavy watch during training camp--possibly even being released if the position becomes competitive.

In my opinion, the Green Bay front office will be spending more time thinking about running back Ryan Grant's $3.5 million salary in 2011 and deciding if the soon-to-be 29-year-old is worthy of another contract.

After playing in just one game last season before being forced off the field by injury, Grant claims that his body feels the best it ever has.

"I probably gained a year back on my career just because of the wear and tear over the years," said Grant, who is returning from a torn ligament in his ankle.

The rule of thumb for running backs (and it's obviously debatable) is that they're washed up and done when they hit the age of 30. And if they're not "done" at the age of 30, then they're quickly on their way.

Grant is one running back that doesn't believe in the "running back wall". He has spent just five seasons in the NFL and he'll undoubtedly be gunning for a big season in 2011.

Minnesota Vikings: Kevin Williams

After ridding themselves of the contracts of Madieu Williams and Bryant McKinnie, the Minnesota Vikings are looking at a pretty reasonable year for contracts.

One veteran that could be under close watch is 31-year-old defensive tackle Kevin Williams. Set to make $6 million this season, Williams' numbers were less than average last season and his salary does nothing but increase over the next three seasons.

In 16 games last season, Williams recorded 27 tackles and just one sack. For $6 million, I'm sure the Vikings are looking for someone that can cause a few more fits for the opposing quarterback.

Williams has been very effective for the Vikings in his eight-year career, but we'll have to see if age catches up to the big fella in 2011 and whether the Vikings want to retire Williams in their colors.

Denver Broncos: Andre Goodman

From a contract perspective, the Denver Broncos pay their top players with fair money, while the rest of the team looks somewhat like they got them for a bargain.

Guys like Champ Bailey, Kyle Orton, Chris Kuper, Brian Dawkins and Elvis Dumervil all make at least $6 million in 2011. Linebacker DJ Williams brings up the rear with an almost $5 million salary this season. All of these deals seem fair.

But then you have a 33-year-old cornerback by the name of Andre' Goodman--a nine-year veteran that is due $2.9 million in 2011. And while it may seem like I'm nitpicking and that $2.9 million for a starting corner isn't much, I honestly don't believe Goodman is worth the cash this season, or either of the next two seasons when he's set to make $3.4 million and $3.9 million respectively.

Maybe I don't get to see enough Broncos games to understand the feeling about Goodman amongst Denver fans, but on paper it doesn't seem like he's a real asset.

In 2009, his first season with the Broncos, Goodman gobbled up five interceptions--which was probably great. But last season he played in just eight games (injury) and finished with 17 tackles and no picks.

Kansas City Chiefs: Steve Breaston

With an aging Chris Chambers lining up opposite stud receiver Dwayne Bowe, the Kansas City Chiefs needed to make a move this offseason and bring in another wideout.

In an effort to reunite head coach Todd Haley and one of his former developments, the Chiefs signed Steve Breaston to a five-year deal worth $25 million.

In his four-year career, Breaston has eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark just once (2008 under Haley), but he has never assumed the type of role he'll have in Kansas City.

With Breaston's new contract that could make him the second-highest paid player on the team behind only quarterback Matt Cassell, all eyes will be on the 28-year-old receiver.  

Oakland Raiders: Richard Seymour

The Oakland Raiders roster is full of large contracts, including Darren McFadden's $7 million salary in 2011 and cornerback Stanford Routt's new deal that will pay him $10 million. But nothing tops Richard Seymour's recently-signed two-year deal that will pay him an astonishing $15 million this season.

First off, I think Seymour is an animal--an absolute terror along the defensive line. However, Seymour will turn 32 this October and his 9.5 sacks in two seasons with the Raiders doesn't necessarily account for a $30 million deal that includes $22.5 million guaranteed. Right?

One could argue that defensive tackle Tommy Kelly's contract is a little absurd given it's size (he's set to make $5.5 million this season). I could even understand one's argument against Routt making $10 million. But a defensive tackle/end making more than Atlanta's Matt Ryan and close to New England's Tom Brady is a little crazy when you think about it.

Again, I like Seymour on the field, I think he's an awesome player. But holy millions, Batman.

San Diego Chargers: Jeromey Clary

At the end of last month, the San Diego Chargers re-signed fifth-year tackle Jeromey Clary to a four-year deal worth up to $20 million.

The contract doesn't sound too bad at first, right? Something like $5 million a year for a starting offensive tackle?

Try again, Clary's new deal will pay him a crazy looking $8.6 million in 2011.

Well, okay. That sounds like a little much for a guy that doesn't block the blindside, but he protects the team's biggest asset nonetheless. Right?

Wait, this guy has let up 22.5 sacks in four seasons? Yes, that's correct. In fact, Clary let up a career-high 7.5 sacks last season and was generously rewarded with a massive salary.

San Francisco 49ers: Frank Gore

Defensive end Justin Smith is set to make $5 million this season against the San Francisco 49er's cap, but Smith has been a terror since joining the club in 2008, having racked up 22 sacks in three seasons.

Frank Gore, on the other hand, is set to make $2.9 million in the final year of his current deal. Gore desires his huge payday, which is deserved, but the 49ers front office has to be thinking about the hip fracture Gore suffered last season that forced him to miss the team's final five games.

Gore is also owed a $2 million roster bonus this season. That may have been what got him into camp and practicing with his team. The question now is how long the front office will wait before a new contract is thrown on the table.

St. Louis Rams: Jacob Bell

The Rams are another team with money spread evenly throughout their stars and role players, but fans and coaches alike will be focused on the comeback of guard Jacob Bell.

Bell is due to make $6 million this season after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery in the offseason. Bell isn't expected to be named a clear-cut starter for the Rams this year and his harsh salary may force the front office to ask him to take a paycut.

Jacob Bell in St. Louis will be an interesting contract handling.

Arizona Cardinals: Kevin Kolb

There's nothing wrong with Kevin Kolb. He seems like a pretty decent fellow. But this guy just cashed in like nobody's business!

After being traded from the Philadelphia Eagles, Kolb signed a five-year deal worth $63 million. That's right, $63 million!

In four NFL seasons, Kolb has 2,082 yards, 11 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Even taking into account that Kolb served primarily as a backup in Philly, the amount of money he received is incredible.

Whether he's worth it or not is yet to be seen, but at this point in his career and with the stats he has posted, I would accept any argument against Kolb's contract as a valid one.

Just think, Kolb's new contract basically implies that I could sign a three-year deal for $33 million because I've thrown for zero passing yards and no interceptions during my entire NFL career.

To say that all eyes will be on Kolb is an understatement.

Seattle Seahawks: Charlie Whitehurst

The Seattle Seahawks have some expensive guys under contract for the 2011 season, including Marcus Trufant ($5.9 million) and Aaron Curry ($5 million plus $5 million roster bonus). But perhaps the most lopsided contract is that of backup quarterback Charlie Whitehurst.

As a backup quarterback with experience in the system, Whitehurst--I suppose--isn't all that bad of a cap hit at $4 million for 2011. But with the recent acquisition of Tavaris Jackson, who is expected to be the team's starter, and some big contracts on the list, it's a wonder why Seattle keeps Charlie around.

Then you look at the depth chart. Whitehurst is the only experienced passer behind Jackson at the quarterback position and the only other quarterbacks on the roster are two very raw rookies in Zac Lee and Josh Portis.

Training camp should play a big role in the Seahawks season this year, as the team will try to solidify it's quarterback position for 2011 before making a move at top talent in next year's draft.