One of the most interesting topics within NFL circles is player contracts. Nothing can motivate a player like knowing they could earn 50-plus million dollars based on their performance.
I’ve got a list of players who are in the last year of their contracts, or, in some cases, are stuck on a franchise tag. They will have plenty of motivation in 2026 to cash in. Let’s get started with a player that is routinely drafted as the 1.01 in fantasy drafts!
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They Work Hard for the Money
Bijan Robinson | RB, Atlanta Falcons
In any season, Bijan Robinson is always projected as a top-two running back for fantasy. This year, it is him and Jahmyr Gibbs at the top of the running back charts, but Gibbs still has a team option for 2027. Robinson will no longer have to contend with Tyler Allgeier for snaps; instead, he gets the far less imposing Brian Robinson Jr. as the RB2. Robinson took 19% of the carries last season, backing up Christian McCaffrey in San Francisco. Compare that to Allgeier, who took a staggering 29% of the carries for Atlanta last season.
The runway is wide open for Bijan to capture even more redzone opportunities without Allgeier in the fold. He is headed for a big season and, eventually, an even bigger payday that will reset the running back market in the NFL.
Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs watching Breece Hall and De’Von Achane secure big bags this offseason. pic.twitter.com/FZRCKygY5I
— Rich Hribar (@LordReebs) May 14, 2026
Puka Nacua | WR, Los Angeles Rams
We had the potential RB1 overall in fantasy, Robinson, listed above, but will we hear news of a new contract for stud wide receiver Puka Nacua soon? Nacua’s offseason started a bit rocky with the biting and whatnot, but he’s kept his name out of the headlines ever since his stint in rehab. Even while the Rams shift offensive philosophy and use more heavy sets with multiple tight ends, Nacua continues to eat. He has attended all offseason activities since completing his rehab, and it’s rare to see a player of Nacua’s caliber receive such small compensation.
He’s still on his rookie contract, so his cap hit for 2026 will be $1,204,244. Compare that to Justin Jefferson, a similar player of Nacua’s caliber, who has a cap hit of $38,987,600. Nacua could be headed for a 2027 franchise tag, but his status will be important to monitor. As of early June, there has been no indication that Nacua could be paid like other stars, but that can always change.
George Pickens | WR, Dallas Cowboys
The drama in Dallas never ends with owner Jerry Jones, but will he give in to George Pickens with the contract the wideout wants? Pickens proved last year that all he needed was competent quarterback play to prove he can be an elite wide receiver in the league. After being stuck with Kenny Pickett, Justin Fields, Russell Wilson, and Mason Rudolph, fantasy managers were blessed to witness a fully unlocked Pickens in 2025.
Cowboys WR George Pickens said he’s not disappointed that he did not get a long-term deal. He doesn’t plan on holding out. He will be at training camp.
He said he didn’t attend voluntary OTAs because he was listening to his agent.
“What’s important to me is winning. Like I said… pic.twitter.com/YbKpEFfPEa
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) June 16, 2026
You may dislike quarterback Dak Prescott, but he is far better than the aforementioned signal-callers. CeeDee Lamb had complications with a high ankle sprain last season, which forced Pickens into a more featured role, and he did not back down. The wildest part is that Dallas always waits before offering a big contract, even if it bites them. I would not be surprised if Pickens gives us another big season, and we’re talking about another tag situation for the superstar receiver in 2027.
Chase Brown | RB, Cincinnati Bengals
Another star player playing out the last year of his rookie contract! The Bengals, a franchise with a history of frugality, will face a big decision regarding running back Chase Brown. Brown has been a revelation ever since emerging from his quiet rookie season. After handling just 58 touches with one touchdown in 2023, he has scored 22 touchdowns across the past two seasons.
He’s an incredibly talented runner, but his prowess as a receiver takes his game to another level. Brown finished inside the top 10 in target share among running backs last season, which is impressive enough considering he has Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to compete against for targets. Brown is a key weapon in this offense, and while I do expect him to remain a Bengal, I would not be surprised if we have this same conversation next year and he is playing under the franchise tag.
Baker Mayfield | QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After passing for 41 touchdowns in 2024, Regression hit Baker Mayfield like a load of bricks last season. In his defense, he had no Liam Coen (offensive coordinator) and was missing wide receiver Mike Evans for half the season. Rookie Emeka Egbuka had a lingering lower-body injury, and Jalen McMillan had a broken neck in the preseason. To finish in fantasy as QB12 with all those surrounding conditions is impressive.
This season, Mayfield gets a new offensive coordinator, Zac Robinson, who comes from the Sean McVay coaching tree. McMillan and Egbuka are healthy, along with new rookie Ted Hurst (GA State), who should see plenty of playing time with no Mike Evans. Mayfield looks poised to improve on his numbers from last season, and while I’m skeptical he can match his 2024 numbers, he can remain a quality starting quarterback in the NFL. He will be back with Tampa Bay in 2027.
Kyler Murray | QB, Minnesota Vikings
Kyler Murray hasn’t had this much discourse since the last Call of Duty game hit shelves. After being unceremoniously released by Arizona in the offseason, he signed with the Vikings on a one-year “prove it” deal for practically nothing. Although he still gets a cool $35 million check from Arizona as a parting gift.
Minnesota is an incredible spot for the quarterback. He’s got a superstar wide receiver in Justin Jefferson, paired with a solid second option in Jordan Addison. and an offensive-minded coach (Kevin O’Connell) who may or may not have helped Sam Darnold become a better quarterback.
Can Murray become a better passer in this new system? Murray’s rushing ability has helped prop up his fantasy performances. In seasons where he played ten or more games, he finished inside the top 12 in fantasy points per game. Based upon that note and the current situation in Minnesota, finishing as a low-end QB1 is a highly possible outcome. And that type of finish can lead to a new contract from Minnesota or wherever the former No. 1 overall pick wants to go.
Parker Washington | WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
If there’s an MVP award for offseason headlines, Parker Washington is the clear winner. Beat writers and podcasters have unanimously agreed that he will be making the big jump in his fourth year. Personally, I do see him making some strides, but I am unsure about how many opportunities he will have. The offense is loaded with pass catchers: Brian Thomas Jr., Jakobi Meyers, Travis Hunter, and Brenton Strange. Even the duo of LeQuint Allen and Bhayshul Tuten has been reported on as weapons in the passing game.
There were recent quotes from head coach Liam Coen talking up the idea of using more tight ends and having a more physical run game with heavier formations. I truly do not know where Washington will land in 2027, but I am confident that he will be an asset wherever he plays.
Josh Downs | WR, Indianapolis Colts
Like Washington, Josh Downs has some hype on his side this offseason. The Colts moved on from Michael Pittman, vacating 111 targets to go elsewhere this season. A big contract was given to Alec Pierce, but he’s still recovering from ankle surgery in March. Ashton Dulin is the other receiver getting extra reps with Pierce out of practice. Outside of tight end Tyler Warren, there aren’t any big threats to take those vacated targets in the offense.
Big Josh Downs Update – what we all wanted to hear – lining up outside and used all over the formation:
“Gone are the days of Downs being used as only a slot receiver. Steichen plans to move Downs all around the formation, giving him ample opportunities to play on the outside…
— Zain Dhanani (@DhananiZain) June 21, 2026
Downs has been getting work on the outside at practice, and the talk is that he will be “used all over the field” this season. If health can cooperate, Downs will be in for a massive year. He may not get the payday his teammate Pierce did, but in a world where Jalen Nailor (Raiders) gets $23,000,000 guaranteed, I’m confident Downs will get his payday.
