NFL · 1 hour ago

The 10 Most Overpaid Players in the NFL Championship Games

Patrick Kelleher

Host · Writer

Value vs. Victory: Can Championship Dreams Survive These Cap Hits?
In sports, most big contracts will be considered "overpays." When a team really wants a free agent, they are going to go to lengths they were not originally comfortable with to secure the deal. While some of these cap hits do not justify their production, these four teams have made it this far for a reason. Whoever goes on to win the Super Bowl this season will not care whatsoever about the overpaid players on their team, because it will all be worth it.

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Championship Stakes: When Elite Paychecks Outpace On-Field Production
We have approached conference championship weekend, with the Patriots taking on the Broncos in the AFC and the Rams battling the Seahawks in the NFC. Looking at these four teams, which players are the most overpaid based on their current cap hit and production over the course of this season?

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Abraham Lucas: The Steep Price of an Inconsistent Blindside Guardian
Financial Breakdown

Position: RT Age: 27

Cap Hit %: 3.1% | Cash Total: $6,616,000

Dead Cap: $8.4m | Free Agent: 2029

Abraham Lucas has been steady on the right side of the Seahawks' line, but his pass-blocking struggles, in comparison to his cap hit, make him slightly overpaid.
Alaric Jackson: A $20M Investment Failing to Secure the Pocket
Financial Breakdown

Position: LT Age: 27

Cap Hit %: 8.34% | Cash Total: $20.375M

Dead Cap: $23m| Free Agent: 2028

While finding success as a run blocker this season, Alaric Jackson ranks just 26th of all tackles in pass blocking grade. While serviceable, his $20m cap hit suggests he should be near the top of the sport.
Christian Barmore: A Mega-Contract Anchoring a Static Defensive Front
Financial Breakdown

Position: DT Age: 26

Cap Hit %: 5.62% | Cash Total: $13.5m

Dead Cap: $21.8m| Free Agent: 2029

Christian Barmore, for his current cap hit, has been pedestrian when on the field this season, with PFF grading him 91st overall out of 134 defensive tackles. Barmore has a chance to prove all his worth this weekend.
Cooper Kupp: The Legacy Contract Weighing Down the Seahawks' Future?
Financial Breakdown

Position: WR Age: 31

Cap Hit %: 5.75% | Cash Total: $13.5m

Dead Cap: $4m | Free Agent: 2028

Cooper Kupp was brought on this past offseason as an expensive WR2 in this offense. As the season has progressed, Rashid Shaheed has become Sam Darnold's No. 2 option, leaving Kupp with a lack of targets and production. Once one of the league's top receivers, his $13.5m cap hit does not justify his current production.
Courtland Sutton: Paying a Veteran Premium for Secondary Production
Financial Breakdown

Position: WR Age: 30

Cap Hit %: 4.59% | Cash Total: $17.5m

Dead Cap: $39.425m | Free Agent: 2030

The Broncos extended Courtland Sutton to a new contract before this season to ensure Bo Nix would have his No. 1 target for years to come. While Sutton has produced this season, putting up over 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns, he has not been as dominant as in years past. His cap hits will become more lucrative as the contract progresses until 2030.
Dre Greenlaw: High-Stakes Linebacker Pay with Diminishing Returns
Financial Breakdown

Position: ILB Age: 28

Cap Hit %: 3.6% | Cash Total: $9m

Dead Cap: $4.33m | Free Agent: 2028

Dre Greenlaw has been a key signing for the Broncos' defense and has been very productive when he is on the field. Greenlaw's downfall over the past few seasons has been his lack of availability. However, when Greenlaw is on the field, the Broncos' defense can reach an even higher level.
Milton Williams: A $23M Interior Presence Struggling for Impact
Financial Breakdown

Position: DT Age: 26

Cap Hit %: 9.53% | Cash Total: $23m

Dead Cap: $39m | Free Agent: 2029

Milton Williams currently has the biggest single cap hit of anybody on the Patriots' roster. He is earning $23 million this season and is signed through 2029. Although the cap hit has not matched the production, Williams made the game-clinching play in the team's win against the Chargers weeks back. Now back to being healthy, Williams has the chance to prove he is worth the full investment.
Rhamondre Stevenson: Top-Tier Backfield Pay in a Committee System
Financial Breakdown

Position: RB Age: 27

Cap Hit %: 2.5% | Cash Total: $6m

Dead Cap: $8.05m| Free Agent: 2029

Rhamondre Stevenson has been a very stable back for New England over the past few seasons and fully earned his contract extension. Why this is considered an overpay is the fact that New England used its 2nd-round pick on TreVeyon Henderson in this past draft, with Stevenson and Henderson splitting the majority of reps. While it might be a hefty price for a committee back, Stevenson has proven vital to the Patriots' offense.
Talanoa Hufanga: The High-Cost Risk of Elite Safety Pay
Financial Breakdown

Position: S Age: 26

Cap Hit %: 4.44%| Cash Total: $12m

Dead Cap: $17m | Free Agent: 2028

The Broncos' defense has been among the best in the NFL over the past few seasons, with their secondary a primary reason. Talanoa Hufanga has helped anchor a unit with Pat Surtain that rarely gives up big plays. His $12M cap hit puts him among the upper echelon of safety salaries, despite only ranking 20th overall on PFF this season.
Uchenna Nwosu: The Massive Cost of Limited Edge-Rusher Stats
Financial Breakdown

Position: OLB Age: 29

Cap Hit %: 6.83% | Cash Total: $11.15m

Dead Cap: $8.508m | Free Agent: 2027

A free agent after next season, Uchenna Nwosu could be looking at another nice pay ahead of him. Despite Seattle's success on defense, Nwosu has not had the best season by his own standards, ranking 81st overall out of 115 linebackers on PFF. Nwosu can make up for it all if he makes key plays this weekend against the Rams.
Value vs. Victory: Can Championship Dreams Survive These Cap Hits?
In sports, most big contracts will be considered "overpays." When a team really wants a free agent, they are going to go to lengths they were not originally comfortable with to secure the deal. While some of these cap hits do not justify their production, these four teams have made it this far for a reason. Whoever goes on to win the Super Bowl this season will not care whatsoever about the overpaid players on their team, because it will all be worth it.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
Championship Stakes: When Elite Paychecks Outpace On-Field Production
We have approached conference championship weekend, with the Patriots taking on the Broncos in the AFC and the Rams battling the Seahawks in the NFC. Looking at these four teams, which players are the most overpaid based on their current cap hit and production over the course of this season?

Have all the intel you need? Free, actionable information is just one click away! Sign up for our daily newsletter, SportsGrid Daily.