The NFL offseason is fully under way at this point and people have forgotten about the whooping that occurred by the Eagles on the Chiefs. NFL free agency doesn’t get as much love as the NBA’s free agency, but still it can be pretty important and potentially get teams over the hump.

For example, the Eagles picked up Zach Baun last year as a free agent and he became an important contributor in their run while becoming an All-Pro. He’s expected to make some good money this year in free agency due to how he played this past year and the same can be said for the following players..

Sam Darnold, Quarterback

It’s crazy to think a year ago, this would be some sort of alternate reality where Sam Darnold has become a hot commodity and potentially one of the higher paid quarterbacks in the league. After putting up 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions and leading the Vikings to a 13-4 record… it’s not a huge surprise. You can say what you want, but the matter of the fact is that Darnold played like a franchise quarterback and will most likely get paid like one.

Projected contract: 3-year/$120M w/ Las Vegas Raiders

Milton Williams, Defensive Tackle

Milton Williams flashed throughout the season and especially during the Super Bowl against the Chiefs. He made the Chiefs guards look dispensable and showed a glimpse of what he could do with more snaps. It wouldn’t surprise me to see a team bank on his potential and give him a huge contract.

Projected contract: 5-year/$75M w/ Cincinnati Bengals

Trey Smith, Offensive Guard

Trey Smith has proven to be a reliable guard for the Kansas City Chiefs early on his career. Although he’s been a bit shaky at times in pass-protection, he provides his true value in the run game and has proven to be an elite run-blocker, even earning Pro-Bowl honors this past year doing so.

He’s going to get paid like a top guard in the league and it wouldn’t surprise me at all to see it.

Projected contract: 4-year/$80M w/ Washington Commanders

Tee Higgins, Wide Receiver

Arguably the most talented player in free agency, Higgins has proven he’s capable of being a #1 receiver in the league and most likely will get paid like one. The Bengals have already franchise tagged him and are expected to re-sign him to a long term deal..

What could that look like?

Projected contract: 4-year/$110M w/ Cincinnati Bengals

Chris Godwin, Wide Receiver

Chris Godwin is a quarterback’s best friend, he’s consistent, got great hands, and just always gets open. He’s been underrated over the past years, but prior to his injury this season.. he was lighting it up (Trust me, he was on my fantasy team).

Projected contract: 3-year/$66M w/ New England Patriots

Josh Sweat, Defensive End

Josh Sweat had a monster game in the playoffs with 2.5 sacks and showed a glimpse of his impact on a team. Pass rush is extremely important and it was shown more than enough in this year’s Super Bowl. If you can get a premier defensive end that’s capable of consistently being a thorn to opposing quarterbacks, you pay him the money.. every time.

Projected contract: 4-year/$90M contract w/ Detroit Lions