Introduction

The NFL's contract structure is complex, with deals that can either favor the team's salary cap or the player's bank account. This analysis highlights the most team-friendly and player-friendly contracts across six key positions: quarterback, running back, wide receiver, edge rusher, cornerback, and safety.

Quarterback

Team-Friendly Deal: Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks

• Contract Details: Three years, $100.5 million with $37.5 million fully guaranteed at signing and $55 million in total guarantees.
• Analysis: Darnold's deal is structured to allow the Seahawks flexibility, with minimal long-term commitments. If Darnold performs well, the Seahawks can retain him at a reasonable cost; if not, they can move on without significant financial repercussions.

Player-Friendly Deal: Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys

• Contract Details: Four years, $240 million with $129 million fully guaranteed at signing and $231 million in total guarantees.
• Analysis: Prescott's deal is heavily player-friendly, with a massive signing bonus and extensive guarantees. The Cowboys have limited flexibility to move on from Prescott without incurring substantial financial penalties.

Running Back

Team-Friendly Deal: Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers

• Contract Details: Four years, $48 million with $12.5 million fully guaranteed at signing and $12.5 million in total guarantees.
• Analysis: Jacobs' deal is a bargain for the Packers, with no long-term commitments beyond the first year. Jacobs delivered a strong performance, making this deal a win-win for both parties.

Player-Friendly Deal: Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders

• Contract Details: Four years, $35,895,812 fully guaranteed at signing, plus a fifth-year team option for 2029.
• Analysis: As a top draft pick, Jeanty's contract is fully guaranteed, offering him significant financial security before even playing a single NFL game.

Wide Receiver

Team-Friendly Deal: DK Metcalf, Pittsburgh Steelers

• Contract Details: Four years, $132 million with $60 million fully guaranteed at signing and $60 million in total guarantees.
• Analysis: Metcalf's deal is structured to allow the Steelers flexibility after the first two years, making it a team-friendly arrangement.

Player-Friendly Deal: Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals

• Contract Details: Four years, $161 million with $73.9 million fully guaranteed at signing and $112 million in total guarantees.
• Analysis: Chase leveraged his early success into a lucrative deal with extensive guarantees, making it one of the most player-friendly contracts in the league.

Edge Rusher

Team-Friendly Deal: Maxx Crosby, Las Vegas Raiders

• Contract Details: Three years, $106.5 million with $62.5 million guaranteed at signing and $91.5 million in total guarantees.
• Analysis: Crosby's deal is team-friendly due to its structure, allowing the Raiders to manage their salary cap effectively while retaining a top player.

Player-Friendly Deal: Danielle Hunter, Houston Texans

• Contract Details: Two years, $49 million with $48 million fully guaranteed -- plus a one-year, $35.6 million extension.
• Analysis: Hunter's deal is heavily player-friendly, with extensive guarantees and a structure that benefits him financially.

Cornerback

Team-Friendly Deal: Pat Surtain II, Denver Broncos

• Contract Details: Four years, $96 million with $40,688,565 fully guaranteed at signing and $77.5 million in total guarantees.
• Analysis: Surtain's deal is team-friendly, offering the Broncos flexibility while retaining a top-tier cornerback.

Player-Friendly Deal: Jaycee Horn, Carolina Panthers

• Contract Details: Four years, $100 million with $46.707 million fully guaranteed at signing and $72 million in total guarantees.
• Analysis: Horn's deal is player-friendly, with extensive guarantees and a structure that benefits him financially despite his injury history.

Safety

Team-Friendly Deal: Kerby Joseph, Detroit Lions

• Contract Details: Four years, $86 million with $24.381 million fully guaranteed at signing and $36.121 million in total guarantees.
• Analysis: Joseph's deal is team-friendly, allowing the Lions flexibility in managing their salary cap while retaining a key player.

Player-Friendly Deal: Antoine Winfield Jr., Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• Contract Details: Four years, $84.1 million with $45 million fully guaranteed at signing and $45 million in total guarantees.
• Analysis: Winfield's deal is player-friendly, with extensive guarantees and a structure that benefits him financially.

Conclusion

NFL contracts are a balancing act between team flexibility and player security. This analysis highlights the most team-friendly and player-friendly deals across key positions, providing insight into the complex world of NFL contract negotiations.