The NFL’s Most Controversial Contracts Heading into 2024

As the NFL gears up for another season, discussions surrounding player contracts are heating up. While franchises aim for lucrative partnerships with players, some deals have led to dissatisfaction and regrettable financial commitments. Here’s a look at the ten worst contracts heading into the 2024 NFL season and the potential ramifications for each team.

Examining the impact of these contracts across the league.

10. Daniel Jones, QB, New York Giants

The New York Giants find themselves tethered to Daniel Jones until at least the end of the 2024 season, thanks to his four-year, $160 million contract signed in 2023. Many critics questioned the move, given that Jones never elevated beyond being an average quarterback. After struggling with a knee injury last season, he enters 2024 with a daunting cap hit of nearly $47.9 million. The Giants are hoping the addition of wide receiver Malik Nabers will revitalize their passing game. If not, his release could hurt, with a $19.4 million dead cap hit looming in 2025.

9. Matthew Stafford, QB, Los Angeles Rams

Matthew Stafford has consistently proven his worth, but a hefty contract complicates the Rams’ future decisions. With $86.5 million in dead money tied to his contract this season and a total commitment through 2026, moving on from him is not an option the Rams can explore easily. While his performance remains steady, the looming age factor suggests that at some point, the Rams will have to face a difficult decision alongside dead money payments if performance dips.

Matthew Stafford continues to carry a heavy financial burden.

8. Miles Sanders, RB, Carolina Panthers

After a promising stint with the Philadelphia Eagles, Miles Sanders’ move to the Carolina Panthers has backfired. With a dismal 432 rushing yards in 2023, he lost his starting job to Chuba Hubbard, and the Panthers even spent a second-round pick on another running back. Sanders’ future in Carolina is tenuous, as he faces a potential release next offseason with minimal financial penalties.

7. JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR, New England Patriots

The talented JuJu Smith-Schuster struggled to make an impact in his first season with the Patriots, registering just 29 catches for 260 yards. With an inflated cap number of $10.3 million and a lack of production in 2023, his future looks challenging. If he doesn’t bounce back this season, his time in New England may be cut short, allowing the Pats to save substantial cap space moving forward.

6. Taysom Hill, TE, New Orleans Saints

While Taysom Hill is known for his versatility, that talent is overshadowed by his costly contract. After restructuring yet again, Hill finds himself with a $9.2 million cap number. If New Orleans opts for a post-June 1 cut, they could save ten million dollars but would still grapple with decisions surrounding his performance and his role in the team.

The Saints will need to reassess Hill’s role moving forward.

5. Von Miller, Edge, Buffalo Bills

Once an elite pass-rusher, Von Miller’s recent injury struggles have stalled his career. With a $15.2 million cap hit for 2024 and lackluster performance last season, the Bills must consider how to handle Miller’s diminishing returns without incurring substantial dead money penalties in the future. This year may be his last chance to prove his worth.

4. Jerry Jeudy, WR, Cleveland Browns

Cleveland’s investment in Jerry Jeudy raises eyebrows, as the injury-prone wide receiver needs to step up quickly. His contract carries potential penalties that could complicate future decisions and further highlight the risk associated with his deal. Time will tell if they made the right choice by extending him after bringing him in.

3. Derek Carr, QB, New Orleans Saints

Derek Carr’s contract has put the Saints in a bind, with a restructuring that heightened his cap hits for the next two years. While this adjustment opened space for 2024, it paints a bleak picture for New Orleans’ financial future until 2027 without a viable exit strategy. If Carr fails to produce, the Saints might find themselves in a challenging predicament.

Teams will need to evaluate their financial commitments closely.

2. Russell Wilson, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers

An unexpected twist saw the Pittsburgh Steelers benefiting from Russell Wilson’s minimum deal, a result of the Denver Broncos’ previous financial miscalculations. Wilson’s initial contract was a substantial five-year, $245 million extension, which resulted in enormous dead money when Denver decided to release him. Despite being a low-risk addition for Pittsburgh, the pact’s repercussions on Denver’s cap sheet remain severe.

1. Deshaun Watson, QB, Cleveland Browns

Cleveland’s decision to fully guarantee Deshaun Watson’s five-year, $230 million deal has raised countless eyebrows. While the hopes for Watson’s resurgence in 2023 brought optimism, ongoing restructures have only prolonged financial consequences on the Browns’ books. With substantial dead money if they attempt to cut ties, Watson’s future hinges not only on his performance but also on the organization’s ability to navigate a precarious financial situation. The question remains whether they can extract value from this monumental commitment.

Conclusion

As the teams brace for the new season, these contracts serve as a reminder of the risks and intricacies involved in the NFL’s financial landscape. Teams must balance immediate performance needs against long-term financial health wisely. Amidst the excitement of a fresh season, every franchise hopes that their investments yield positive returns rather than notorious liabilities.

Teams face difficult decisions as the new season looms.