The 10 Worst Contract Situations in the NFC South By Michael Ward May 04, 2014 9:08 pm 
The NFL salary cap, which this year stands at $133million makes free agency and contract negotiations all the more exciting, as managers look to bolster their team’s playoff aspirations without hindering their long term vision. Below is a list of the worst contracts in the NFC South which have left fans scratching their heads wondering how something so promising went so horribly wrong.10 – Drew Bress – Five years - $100 Million There is doubting Bress’ success at the highest level, he is after all the only quarterback in history to have multiple 5000 yard passing seasons. You do however, have to wonder if Bress, the NFL’s highest paid quarterback is hindering his team. With such significant money tied up in just one player it could be argued that the Saint’s front office lacks the funds to take the team from playoff regulars to serious championship contenders. 9 – Charles Johnson – Six years - $76 Million The Panther’s defensive end is scheduled to make a whopping $16.4 million in 2014. Johnson is no doubt central to riverboat Ron’s plans of creating a dominating defence and despite recording double digit sacks in three of the past four seasons you can’t help but think the money would be better off invested elsewhere. For example in a legitimate receiving target for quarterback Cam Newton. 8 – Dashon Goldson- Five years - $41.25 Million It is a good job Goldson makes the money he does as his aggressive style of play cost him nearly ½ a million in fines during the 2013 season. Goldson a two time Pro Bowler during his time with the 49ers failed to live up to expectations during 2013. Expect however Goldson to justify his $9 million salary in 2014 under the guidance of new head coach and defensive guru Lovie Smith. 7 – Zach Strief – Five years - $20 Million Stief arguably has one of the toughest jobs in football – protecting money man Drew Bress. The eight year veteran signed a new deal during the 2014 offseason, keeping him with the Saints until 2019. The 30 year old is the weak link in an otherwise good offensive line and it is hard to see his play improving especially as he pushes northwards of 30. 6 – Josh McCown – Two years - $10 Million McCown’s deal also includes an extra $5million in incentives which could see the veteran journey man’s contract be worth up to $15 million. The 34 year old had a career year filling in for the injured Jay Cutler. 2013 saw McCown pass for 1829 yards and 13 touchdowns with just 1 interception. It still remains to be seen if the career back up, who has appeared in just 13 games over the past four seasons can get the job done over the course of a full season. It would be safe to assume a significant drop off in McCown’s production. 5 – Matt Ryan – Five years - $103.75 Million Another $100 million man, Ryan who is electric in the regular season fails to get the job done when it really matters. Ryan has a career 1-4 playoff record, in those games he has passed for 9 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Over $100 million is a lot to have invested in a player who it seems is incapable of getting the job done. With Ryan at the helm the Falcons can expect their championship drought to continue. 4 – Michael Johnson – Five years - $43.75 Million Johnson has yet to play a down in the NFC South, but already has one of the division’s worst contracts. The Bucs have vastly overpaid for Johnson’s services as they look to overhaul a disappointing defensive line. Johnson has only had 26.5 sacks in his five year career, with 11.5 of them coming in 2012. The contract looks even worse when compared with Jarred Allen’s four year - $32 million deal with the Chicago Bears. Although significantly older Allen is much more of a dominating force who will have at least five sacks more than Johnson in 2014. 3- Johnathan Stewart –Five years - $36.5 Million The Panthers looked to form a deadly one – two punch when they locked up both Stewart and DeAngelo Williams to long term deals. Unfortunately both have failed to live up to expectations since agreeing to multi-million dollar deals. In 2013 Stewart managed 180 yards and failed to find the end zone. The Panthers hope Stewart’s form improves significantly as he is scheduled to make $13.15 million over the next two seasons. 2 – DeAngelo Williams – Five years - $43 Million Williams like Stewart has failed to deliver since agreeing to his blockbuster contract. He has failed to cross the 1000 yard barrier since 2009, mustering 843 yards in 2013. (His best season since agreeing to a new deal in 2011.) History has shown that Williams aged 31 is expected to decline, the Panthers hope this is not the case as he is scheduled to make $12 million over the next two seasons. This bad business means the Panthers have $25.15 million invested in two running backs who between them barely crossed the 1000 yard barrier in 2013. 1 – Carl Nicks – Five years - $47.5 Million When Nicks joined the Bucs in 2012 the two time Pro Bowler was considered one of the best guards in the league. Since joining however Nicks has been hampered by injuries, limiting him to just nine games over the past two years. The severity of the injury which ended Nicks season in 2013 means he is likely to experience pain every time he plays for the rest of his career. As a result questions must be asked as to how effective Nicks’ can be going forward. http://www.footballnation.com/content/the-10-worst-contract-situations-the-nfc-south/29330/