As training camps commence and the preseason approaches with the Hall of Fame Game, the opportunity for NFL players to secure contract extensions before Week 1 is dwindling. New York Jets running back Breece Hall, unlike teammates Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner, has expressed skepticism about receiving an extension this offseason. "I'm not really expecting it before the season," Hall stated during a recent press conference. He acknowledged the implications of having a new head coach and general manager, noting that he was not drafted by the current Jets regime, indicating that he may not be seen as a priority for an extension.

Despite Wilson and Gardner also being drafted prior to the arrival of the current management, both players have established themselves as top contributors at positions that typically attract higher financial investments. For Hall to achieve a lucrative second contract, he may have to wait until the 2026 free agency period while demonstrating considerable performance during the upcoming season. This situation is not unique to Hall, as numerous players in a similar position will have their future value shaped by their performances in the upcoming campaign. Wilson has delivered three consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons, while Gardner has distinguished himself as a two-time first-team All-Pro. In contrast, Hall, who managed to accumulate over 1,300 scrimmage yards in his first two seasons, is perceived by some as having underperformed.

The 24-year-old running back emphasized the pressure he feels to improve, stating, "I've got a chip on my shoulder. I feel like right now, OK, it's my last chance. For me, it's always been, 'he's got potential, he's got potential,' but now I want to be the product." To secure a position as one of the league's premier young running backs, Hall must exhibit improved explosiveness and consistency, building on a rookie campaign that featured an impressive average of 5.8 yards per carry, contrasted with averages of 4.5 and 4.2 yards in 2023 and 2024, respectively. A successful season could lead Hall to a contract comparable to that of Josh Jacobs, who received a four-year, $48 million deal. However, stagnation in performance could result in Hall settling for a short-term contract similar to the $5.3 million deal obtained by Najee Harris or the $3 million contract signed by Javonte Williams this offseason.

The 2026 free agency class is poised to include an array of talented wide receivers, including Mike Evans, Courtland Sutton, Jauan Jennings, and Jakobi Meyers, potentially complicating contracts for current players like Houston Texans receiver Christian Kirk. Having once signed a lucrative four-year, $72 million contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022, Kirk achieved a career-high 1,108 receiving yards that season. However, injuries have since hindered his performance, causing him to miss five games in 2023 and play only eight games the following season due to a broken collarbone. Consequently, Kirk was traded to the Texans this offseason, which yielded only a seventh-round pick for the Jaguars. In Houston, Kirk is presented with a chance to revive his career as a premier slot receiver, but this will require proving himself in training camp amid competition and a restructured offensive line.

Should Kirk secure the slot receiver role, maintain health, and forge a strong connection with quarterback C.J. Stroud, he could re-enter free agency at age 29 as one of the top available pass-catchers. Successful slot receivers tend to draw interest in free agency, as evidenced by Cooper Kupp's recent three-year, $45 million contract. Conversely, a disappointing season could result in Kirk finding himself with a one-year deal valued between $1.5 and $2 million, akin to contracts signed by other players like Braxton Berrios, Sterling Shepard, Robert Woods, and Van Jefferson this offseason.

Among players with uncertain contract trajectories, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones stands out. After a brief but notable tenure with the New York Giants, where he had a productive season that earned him a four-year, $160 million extension, Jones was released less than two years later. Following a short stint with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, Jones signed with the Colts this offseason with the opportunity to compete for a starting role. If he performs successfully, he could position himself to command a significant salary in 2026, potentially exceeding $40 million annually according to analysts.

However, for Jones to enhance his market value, he must outperform 2023 first-round pick Anthony Richardson for the starting position or step in early if Richardson struggles. Despite Richardson facing shoulder issues, the Colts are likely to lean toward the younger quarterback if both players perform similarly in camp. Jones' performance this season could lead him toward a redemption narrative similar to those of Baker Mayfield or Sam Darnold, reaping potential financial rewards. Conversely, if his performance falters or he becomes a backup, he might secure a deal comparable to the two-year, $8 million contract signed by Jameis Winston this March.

Several starting-caliber left tackles will also be available in 2026, although expectations are low for Los Angeles Chargers star Rashawn Slater reaching free agency, given the ongoing extension discussions throughout the offseason. Should Slater secure a lucrative new contract, Kolton Miller of the Las Vegas Raiders stands to become the most sought-after left tackle on the market. Despite limited notoriety outside of Raiders fans, Miller is a dependable starter, having earned recognition from Pro Football Focus by ranking 14th among offensive tackles for the 2024 season. As the market for even mediocre tackles continues to rise, Miller could command a significant increase from his current $18 million-per-year deal, provided he maintains his level of play, stays healthy, and benefits from increased visibility in Las Vegas under a new coaching staff.

The 29-year-old Cam Robinson boasts an extensive resume with 101 NFL starts and secured a one-year contract for $12 million this offseason. Meanwhile, the talent of wide receiver George Pickens has never been in question. Despite flashes of greatness, including surpassing 1,100 receiving yards with an outstanding 18.1 yards-per-catch average in 2023, consistency and maturity issues troubled his tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Consequently, the Steelers decided to trade him to the Dallas Cowboys this offseason. As noted by analysts, the organization has learned that financial incentives do not resolve challenges with player behavior; rather, they often exacerbate them.

Now assigned to the Cowboys, Pickens has the chance to reshape his narrative while thriving as the team's No. 2 receiver alongside CeeDee Lamb. Emerging chemistry with quarterback Dak Prescott suggests potential for success. However, Pickens must perform consistently, managing frustrations regarding target distribution and avoiding unsportsmanlike conduct. Should he excel in his role, he could enjoy a substantial payday next offseason, possibly matching deals similar to Tee Higgins' $28.8 million-per-year contract. Conversely, a lackluster season might lead Pickens to seek a modest "prove-it" deal akin to the $1.2 million agreement signed by Diontae Johnson this offseason.

Lastly, few players have experienced a downturn in their free-agency prospects quite like pass-rusher Haason Reddick. Following a trade from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Jets, Reddick famously declined to sign a new contract, resulting in a holdout that limited his appearances to ten games, where he finished with merely one sack. Historically, Reddick had recorded four successive seasons with double-digit sacks, and as a result of last season's dip in production, he signed a one-year, $14 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason, falling short of expectations for a multi-year deal. Reddick's past performance suggests the potential for a lucrative contract, should he regain his status as a standout pass-rusher. His age, barely surpassing that of T.J. Watt who signed a three-year, $123 million deal, places Reddick in an intriguing position if he can replicate past successes. However, if his performance continues to lag, he may find himself accepting a one-year contract valued around $5 to $6 million, similar to deals acquired by veterans like Calais Campbell and Von Miller this past offseason.