8 NFL free agents primed for surprisingly big paydays

The news that the NFL's salary cap will rise at least $22 million, falling between $277.5 million and $281.5 million, means many NFL teams will be ready to spend when the free-agency negotiating period opens March 10.

Big-money deals will extend far beyond the proven household names, and more than a few signings might provoke a double take. Let's examine eight players who could cash in.

QB Sam Darnold

Quarterback contracts have long involved some silly numbers, so it's hard to really shock people. But this might be a unique case. Darnold completely rehabilitated his value after an outstanding season with the Minnesota Vikings. While some might be skeptical he can sustain that level of play in a less favorable environment, it's still rare for a 27-year-old starter to hit the open market. At minimum, Darnold's camp is probably looking to top Derek Carr's $37.5-million average annual salary. Considering how many teams need a quarterback, Darnold could end up getting paid north of $40 million per year. Too much for one year of production? Probably, but that's the cost of doing business at the most important position on the field.

WR Darius Slayton

Slayton hasn't once topped the 800-yard mark in six NFL seasons - not the typical resume of a receiver primed to break the bank. But some numbers don't tell the full story. The former fifth-round pick actually ranks ninth in yards per reception (minimum 100 catches) since he entered the league in 2019. His ability in the vertical game could yield more impressive results away from the New York Giants and their consistently terrible quarterbacks - and other teams will be eager to find out. Slayton could easily sign for more than the $13-million average annual salary that Darnell Mooney and Gabe Davis got last year. Consider it the old Marquez Valdes-Scantling contract with inflation.

OT Alaric Jackson

Jackson couldn't have timed his breakout any better. The former undrafted free agent is testing the waters coming off a 2024 season in which he ranked 20th among all offensive tackles in PFF's Wins Above Replacement metric. Jackson is equally reliable in pass protection and run blocking, and at just 26 years old, there's reason to believe his best is yet to come. His track record with the Los Angeles Rams isn't quite enough to make his market outrageous, but his upward trajectory combined with the value of his position will ensure he does quite well nonetheless.

DT Milton Williams

Williams' performance in the Super Bowl against the two-time defending champions certainly didn't hurt his stock, but the Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle was already en route to hitting it big. The former third-round pick finished the regular season leading all NFL interior linemen with a 26.7% win rate against true pass sets, according to PFF. A lead role with another team - after rotating snaps on a stacked Eagles defensive line - should give Williams every opportunity to improve upon this year's career-high five sacks. Teams will line up to recruit the 25-year-old as he enters the prime of his career.

DT Osa Odighizuwa

Odighizuwa is another under-the-radar name poised to take advantage of an exploding market for defensive tackles. His sack production doesn't seem like much - this year's 4.5 set a new career high - but his ability to disrupt the pocket is undeniable. The rising Dallas Cowboys star finished the 2024 season ranked third behind Chris Jones and Zach Allen among interior defensive linemen with 60 pressures. Williams likely has an edge in free agency thanks to his playoff performances, but it should be a narrow one. Odighizuwa will be right there with him when the contract numbers roll in.

DE Chase Young

Young's career hasn't lived up to expectations. Inconsistent play and injury issues led the Washington Commanders to trade the former No. 2 pick to the San Francisco 49ers during the final season of his rookie contract. Then he needed neck surgery, which forced him to settle for a one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints last season. However, he made the most of his opportunity, finishing the year tied for seventh among all edge defenders with 66 pressures. Equally as important, Young suited up for all 17 games. An ascendant 25-year-old with this kind of draft pedigree should generate significant interest. His upside and the league-wide desperation for pass-rushers could result in a major payday.

CB Byron Murphy Jr.

Murphy settled for less than expected in his last opportunity as a free agent, signing a two-year, $17.5-million deal with the Vikings in 2023. It all worked out, though, as he returns to the market having pushed his value through the roof. Murphy recorded nine interceptions across two seasons in Minnesota, including a career-best six picks to earn his first Pro Bowl appearance in 2024. He's just 27 years old heading into his seventh season. The former second-round pick could get a deal that's worth nearly $20 million a year, capitalizing on a growing cornerback market.

S Tre'Von Moehrig

Justin Reid and Jevon Holland headline a loaded group of free-agent safeties, but they won't be the only ones to cash in. Moehrig has been one of the few recent bright spots for the Las Vegas Raiders, consistently improving his game and emerging as a do-it-all playmaker. He was the No. 9-ranked safety in PFF's WAR metric this past season, and he's entering free agency for the first time at just 25 years old. Moehrig's contract should surpass the $14.5-million annual average of Kyle Dugger, who ranked seventh in salary among NFL safeties in 2024. And that figure may only be his floor.