The NFL is no stranger to the concept of a contract year. Many players find themselves entering the final year of their contract and are therefore seeking to impress their current team or attract new suitors. This year is no exception, as there are several notable players set to become free agents after the 2021 season. Here are some of the most prominent NFL players in a contract year.
1. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers – The reigning NFL MVP is entering the final year of his contract and has made it clear that he is unhappy with the front office in Green Bay. The Packers have yet to offer him a contract extension, leaving the door open for other teams to make a run at the star quarterback.
2. Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers – Rodgers` top target is also in a contract year, and he has expressed a desire to become the NFL`s highest-paid wide receiver. The Packers have reportedly offered him a contract extension, but the two sides have yet to reach an agreement.
3. Saquon Barkley, New York Giants – The former Offensive Rookie of the Year is looking to bounce back after suffering a season-ending injury in 2020. Barkley is a talented running back with the potential to be one of the league`s best, but he will need to prove that he can stay healthy to secure a long-term deal.
4. Allen Robinson, Chicago Bears – Robinson has been one of the most consistent wide receivers in the NFL over the past few seasons, but he has yet to receive a long-term deal from the Bears. The team placed the franchise tag on him for the second consecutive year, but Robinson has made it clear that he wants a multi-year contract.
5. Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Godwin played a key role in the Buccaneers` Super Bowl run last season, but he is currently on a one-year franchise tag. The Buccaneers are reportedly trying to work out a long-term deal with him, but there is no guarantee that they will be able to keep him beyond this season.
6. Marcus Maye, New York Jets – Maye has emerged as one of the league`s best safeties over the past few seasons, but the Jets have yet to offer him a long-term deal. He is currently playing on the franchise tag, and it remains to be seen if the two sides will be able to reach an agreement.
7. JuJu Smith-Schuster, Pittsburgh Steelers – Smith-Schuster is one of the league`s most popular players, but he is still looking for a long-term deal from the Steelers. The team offered him a one-year deal this offseason, but he reportedly turned it down in hopes of securing a more lucrative contract next year.
In conclusion, these are just a few of the many NFL players in a contract year who will be looking to impress their current teams or attract new suitors. It will be interesting to see how these players perform in what could be their final season with their current team. As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on their performances and speculating about where they might end up next year.