No one needs an economics education to understand the common ground tied to second NFL contracts — where young players with bright futures find financial security, and teams save future dollars by signing them to contract extensions. Arizona tight end Trey McBride is among a dozen notable names in that category.
McBride, who just turned 25, caught two touchdowns and exploded for career highs in both receptions (111) and yards (1,146) to earn his first Pro Bowl selection in 2024. He’s a critical cog in an offense with Kyler Murray, Marvin Harrison and James Conner that produced 5.9 yards per play last season, seventh in the league.
Baltimore made a pair of first-round selections in the 2022 draft, safety Kyle Hamilton (14th overall) and center Tyler Linderbaum (25th). The Ravens need to determine whether they will exercise fifth-year options on either or both prior to the May 1 deadline. The Cowboys and Bills, respectively, exercised their fifth-year options on Micah Parsons and Gregory Rousseau. Both players are expected to enjoy massive paydays in the next six-plus months.
All told, 12 notable players late in their rookie contracts could sign lucrative extensions before free agency begins March 12, or before the season kicks off on Sept. 4.
- DB Christian Benford, Buffalo
- OLB Nik Bonitto, Denver
- WR Ja’Marr Chase, Cincinnati
- RB James Cook, Buffalo
- S Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore
- C Tyler Linderbaum, Baltimore
- TE Trey McBride, Arizona
- WR Puka Nacua, L.A. Rams
- OLB Micah Parsons, Dallas
- QB Brock Purdy, San Francisco
- DE Gregory Rousseau, Buffalo
- WR Khalil Shakir, Buffalo
Meanwhile, clubs have completed these notable 16 extensions, which will help them over the next month as they face important salary-cap and roster decisions before free agency.
- WR Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco
- T Garrett Bolles, Denver
- T Spencer Brown, Buffalo
- RB James Conner, Arizona
- OLB Jonathon Cooper, Denver
- OLB Josh Hines-Allen, Jacksonville
- RB Chuba Hubbard, Carolina
- WR CeeDee Lamb, Dallas
- QB Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville
- T Walker Little, Jacksonville
- QB Jordan Love, Green Bay
- S Julian Love, Seattle
- OL Quinn Meinerz, Denver
- WR DJ Moore, Chicago
- QB Dak Prescott, Dallas
- CB Pat Surtain, Denver
In another transaction of note, the Bears reportedly will finalize an extension with general manager Ryan Poles, according to Courtney Cronin. While the organization doesn’t publicly confirm contract details, Cronin wrote last week that Poles’ current contract runs through the 2026 season. He’s expected to sign an extension that aligns with the new, five-year deal signed by head coach Ben Johnson.
For more information on the Cardinals and NFL free agency, visit the Arizona team page and free agency page at ProFootballPost.com.
Discover more from Pro Football Post
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.