Playing with Peyton will make you rich Cashing In: Decker’s big day coming By Michael MiddlehurstUSA TodayDec 21st, 2013 With the NFL’s regular season drawing to a close, several players have already proven themselves worthy of a big contract. Cashing In highlights four players who have set themselves up for top-dollar deals after this season, either via free agency or contract extension:
WR Eric Decker, Denver Broncos: Decker’s true worth might be hard to gauge after two seasons of working with Peyton Manning, but his perceived value could be enough to net a sizable contract this offseason. Decker has all the characteristics of a No. 1 receiver and the production to match. But Demaryius Thomas will be a free agent next year, and committing to two wide receivers on long-term contracts that could run into the Broncos’ post-Manning future might be too much to stomach. Decker should be the top pass catcher available in free agency, and teams have shown a willingness to hand over long-term contracts for wide receivers that can jump start an offense. A five-year contract at a significant rate could be within reach, at which point the Broncos might have to move on. 
DE Michael Bennett, Seattle Seahawks: Praise for the Seahawks’ defense tends to funnel toward the secondary, but Bennett deserves recognition for the impact he’s made in his first year in Seattle Bennett signed a relatively modest one-year, $4.8 million contract this offseason and joined an already impressive rotation of pass rushers. Fellow free agent signee Cliff Avril has the slight edge on sacks (8.0 to 7.5), but Bennett is stellar against the run. Bennett doesn’t offer the pure speed off the edge of most elite pass rushers, but his production is undeniable. Pete Carroll finally has the pass rush he wanted – the Seahawks are tied for ninth in sacks this year after finishing 28th last season – so it’s doubtful Seattle would let Bennett walk.
DT Jurrell Casey, Tennessee Titans: For having a defense that ranks just 21st in the NFL, the Titans still boast two key assets that would make other teams envious. Alterraun Verner has emerged as one of the league’s premier cornerbacks this season, even through the Titans’ struggles. Casey has similarly establish himself at one of the best at his position with an impressive season-long body of work. His 10.5 sacks are the most of any interior lineman and 10th-best overall. Casey still has one year left on his contract, and resigning Vernon will be a top priority. But defensive tackles with Casey’s disruptive ability don’t come around often, so he’ll be rewarded at some point.
Josh Freeman, Branden Albert. OT Branden Albert, Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs’ sudden rise has put them in a bind, and Albert could stand to earn plenty off their predicament Kansas City’s selection of Eric Fisher didn’t sit well with Albert at first, as the 29-year-old thought he would be bounced outside to right tackle. The Chiefs cleared the air with Albert but failed to sign him to an extension after applying the franchise tag. Now emerging as contenders, the Chiefs might not be ready to let Albert walk and move Fisher to left tackle next season. Albert might not be the franchise left tackle he was drafted to be, but he’d earn top dollar on a market that should be short on offensive linemen. Whether it’s via a multiyear deal with the Chiefs, a second franchise tag or a contract with a new team, Albert can expect a big payday in 2014.
Looks like his agent is pretty good. He told Goldson to sign a cheap one year deal with the niners and some idiot team will pay you even more than you deserve. Bennett will finally get his money and then some. A DE that is considered a run stuffer that can produce like 9 to 10 sacks is equivalent to a pure speed rusher getting like 15 sacks. Bennett just wasn't flashy enough for the bucs to offer him a big enough contract for his agent to advise against this strategy. He doesn't have freakish combine athleticism, won't post 20 sacks, he isn't flashy enough, but he was good enough.
How ironic is it that Freeman got his picture here twice? He won't be cashing in on anything.
How ironic is it that Freeman got his picture here twice? He won't be cashing in on anything.
Maybe not this year, but he will when he goes to a franchise that knows what they're doing.
I doubt Bennett's agent is dumb enough to ask Seattle for the same $$$ he wanted from da Bucs. Given the Seahawks' record, they are obviously a much more desirable team to play for, so he doesn't want to scare them off ;D...
How ironic is it that Freeman got his picture here twice? He won't be cashing in on anything.
Unless it's in the CFL , lol.
I hope we have a new regime and we resign Bennett.
I hope we have a new regime and we resign Bennett.
Do you really believe he's going to play as hard when he gets his contract.
How ironic is it that Freeman got his picture here twice? He won't be cashing in on anything.
Maybe not this year, but he will when he goes to a franchise that knows what they're doing.
LolzThe Omaha Beef?
I hope we have a new regime and we resign Bennett.
Do you really believe he's going to play as hard when he gets his contract.
He wouldn't be playing hard like Gerald McCoy, that's for sure.
How ironic is it that Freeman got his picture here twice? He won't be cashing in on anything.
Maybe not this year, but he will when he goes to a franchise that knows what they're doing.
True. That will happen right after Luke McCown shows everyone he's Steve Young Jr.
How ironic is it that Freeman got his picture here twice? He won't be cashing in on anything.
Maybe not this year, but he will when he goes to a franchise that knows what they're doing.
True. That will happen right after Luke McCown shows everyone he's Steve Young Jr.
Lolz
I doubt Bennett's agent is dumb enough to ask Seattle for the same $$$ he wanted from da Bucs. Given the Seahawks' record, they are obviously a much more desirable team to play for, so he doesn't want to scare them off ;D...
Seattle might not have the cap room for him
I hope we have a new regime and we resign Bennett.
Do you really believe he's going to play as hard when he gets his contract.
He has worked his way up from being an undrafted free agent to a top DE through determination and hard work. If you wanna make assumptions about his character based on nothing... That's on you.
I hope we have a new regime and we resign Bennett.
Do you really believe he's going to play as hard when he gets his contract.
He has worked his way up from being an undrafted free agent to a top DE through determination and hard work. If you wanna make assumptions about his character based on nothing... That's on you.
2 sacks a year in non-contract years8.3 and counting in contract yearsRay Edwards and Albert Haynesworth only produced in contract years and then shut it down when they got their long term deals, you probably wanted them too.
