NFL · 1 year ago

NFL Free Agency Follies: Top 5 Contracts That Raise Eyebrows

Zack Cook

Host · Writer

Brian Burns to the New York Giants
Although Brian Burns wasn't a prototypical free agent, he still fits the purpose of this article. Burns is a solid defender, and the New York Giants had every right to covet him. Still, we're not quite sure that Burns should be the fourth-highest-paid defender in the NFL. Burns will help elevate this Giants defense, but he doesn't come without his flaws, either. The Giants might have paid an acceptable price for Burns via trade, but they ultimately overpaid him in the contract they dished out afterward.

Contract: Five years, $141 million

New York Giants Super Bowl LIX Odds: +10000

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Calvin Ridley to the Tennessee Titans
There was undoubtedly a time after free agency opened when it looked like Calvin Ridley might not get the term or dollar value he sought. The Tennessee Titans changed that in one phone call, giving the former Jacksonville Jaguar nearly $100 million over four years. Ridley is a good receiver and should help make second-year quarterback Will Levis more comfortable. Still, he's not getting any younger and is about to hit 30 years old. It's hard to be bullish about this contract, and it feels like the Titans caved too early on signing him in a market that wasn't showing him a ton of long-term interest.

Contract: Four years, $92 million

Tennessee Titans Super Bowl LIX Odds: +13000

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Robert Hunt to the Carolina Panthers
One thing is clear: the Carolina Panthers needed to beef up their offensive line to protect their franchise quarterback, Bryce Young. Still, it feels like they were too pressed to get that done and ultimately overpaid guard Robert Hunt in free agency. Hunt will step in and play an impactful role for this team on the line, but we are not entirely sold on his $20 million AAV. Hunt is a likable player, and guards are breaking the bank, but this contract is a little more than we'd have been comfortable paying to secure his services.

Contract: Five years, $100 million

Carolina Panthers Super Bowl LIX Odds: +30000
Colby Parkinson to the Los Angeles Rams
There's more to the tight-end position than just overall production. With that being said, we're still left scratching our heads over the contract the Los Angeles Rams dished out to Colby Parkinson. Not only has Parkinson only started four games in his career, but the production hasn't been there to prove that he's a real starter at the position, which the Rams are paying him to be. You never quite know what Sean McVay is cooking on offense, but for now, this feels like an overpay.

Contract: Three years, $22.5 million

Los Angeles Rams Super Bowl LIX Odds: +3000
Darnell Mooney to the Atlanta Falcons
To this point in his NFL career, there have been plenty of inconsistencies surrounding wideout Darnell Mooney. The talent is there for him to stretch the field, but he hasn't been able to do so consistently, which is one reason his time in Chicago ran its course. With Atlanta's up-and-coming offense, Mooney has a chance to play a secondary role and potentially spark his career to new heights. For now, paying $13 million per year for the potential is a little rich for our taste.

Contract: Three years, $39 million

Atlanta Falcons Super Bowl LIX Odds: +3000
Brian Burns to the New York Giants
Although Brian Burns wasn't a prototypical free agent, he still fits the purpose of this article. Burns is a solid defender, and the New York Giants had every right to covet him. Still, we're not quite sure that Burns should be the fourth-highest-paid defender in the NFL. Burns will help elevate this Giants defense, but he doesn't come without his flaws, either. The Giants might have paid an acceptable price for Burns via trade, but they ultimately overpaid him in the contract they dished out afterward.

Contract: Five years, $141 million

New York Giants Super Bowl LIX Odds: +10000

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
Calvin Ridley to the Tennessee Titans
There was undoubtedly a time after free agency opened when it looked like Calvin Ridley might not get the term or dollar value he sought. The Tennessee Titans changed that in one phone call, giving the former Jacksonville Jaguar nearly $100 million over four years. Ridley is a good receiver and should help make second-year quarterback Will Levis more comfortable. Still, he's not getting any younger and is about to hit 30 years old. It's hard to be bullish about this contract, and it feels like the Titans caved too early on signing him in a market that wasn't showing him a ton of long-term interest.

Contract: Four years, $92 million

Tennessee Titans Super Bowl LIX Odds: +13000

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NFL Free Agency Follies: Top 5 Contracts That Raise Eyebrows

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