As training camps begin and the preseason approaches with the Hall of Fame Game, the timeline is narrowing for NFL players hoping to secure contract extensions before the start of Week 1. Notably, New York Jets running back Breece Hall has expressed skepticism about receiving an extension this offseason, contrary to his teammates Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner, who have already secured theirs. In comments to reporters, Hall stated, "I'm not really expecting it before the season. We got a new head coach, new GM. Obviously, I wasn't drafted by them; I'm not their guy."

While Wilson and Gardner also were not drafted by the current Jets administration, both have established themselves as high-impact contributors at critical positions. Hall, who aims to earn a substantial second contract, may need to wait until free agency in 2026, and his performance this season will be pivotal. He is part of a group of impending free agents for 2026 who face significant financial stakes in their performances during the upcoming campaign. Wilson has delivered three seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards, while Gardner is a two-time first-team All-Pro. In contrast, Hall has shown potential, with over 1,300 scrimmage yards in each of the past two seasons, but he has yet to perform at an elite level and plays a position that usually does not command high free-agent salaries.

The 24-year-old running back feels a sense of urgency to prove himself as a top-tier player. "I've got a chip on my shoulder," Hall noted. "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." After averaging 5.8 yards per carry as a rookie, Hall's averages dropped to 4.5 and 4.2 in 2023 and 2024, respectively. If he can demonstrate improved explosiveness and consistency while handling a significant workload, he may solidify his status as one of the league's premier young running backs, potentially earning a lucrative deal similar to Josh Jacobs' four-year, $48 million contract. Conversely, without notable progress, Hall could find himself settling for a short-term deal, akin to Najee Harris' $5.3 million contract or Javonte Williams' $3 million agreement this offseason.

The upcoming 2026 free agency is expected to feature a talented group of wide receivers, including notable names like Mike Evans, Courtland Sutton, Jauan Jennings, and Jakobi Meyers. The depth of the player pool may complicate contract negotiations for receivers like Houston Texans' Christian Kirk. After securing a four-year, $72 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022, Kirk had a standout season with 1,108 receiving yards. However, injuries have hindered his performance over the last two seasons; he missed five games in 2023 and played just eight in 2022 due to a broken collarbone. Following these struggles, the Jaguars traded Kirk to the Texans for a seventh-round pick in the 2026 draft. In Houston, Kirk will have a chance to revitalize his career as a key slot receiver, although he faces challenges with a newly restructured offensive line and competition from younger players.

If Kirk can secure the slot position, maintain his health, and become a reliable target for quarterback C.J. Stroud, he could enter free agency as one of the top available pass-catchers at the age of 29. Successful slot receivers typically attract strong interest on the open market; for example, Cooper Kupp recently signed a three-year, $45 million deal despite his injury history. Conversely, a lackluster performance this season could lead Kirk to settle for a one-year contract in the range of $1.5 to $2 million, similar to agreements made by Braxton Berrios, Sterling Shepard, Robert Woods, and Van Jefferson this offseason.

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones faces an uncertain future as he interprets his next steps in light of previous performance and contractual commitments. After a solitary strong season with the New York Giants, Jones signed a four-year, $160 million extension, only to be released less than two years later. Following a brief tenure with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, he now finds himself with the Colts, vying for a starting role. If he succeeds in this position, he could reset his financial trajectory in 2026. Fox Sports' Henry McKenna noted, "I think there’s a real shot Jones could be angling for $40 million annually at this time next year." However, to achieve this, Jones must first compete with first-round pick Anthony Richardson for the starting role, or he may need to take over early in the season to establish a strong case.

Despite Richardson’s recent shoulder injury, which has opened the door for Jones, the Colts would likely prefer the younger quarterback if competition remains tight. Richardson, drafted fourth overall, is seen as high potential on a rookie contract for three additional seasons. Both quarterbacks have faced challenges during training camp, according to reports. Should Jones navigate this situation successfully, he could emerge as a redemption story similar to that of Baker Mayfield or Sam Darnold, potentially leading to a lucrative payday. Conversely, a poor performance or limited playtime could result in Jones settling for a backup deal similar to Jameis Winston’s two-year, $8 million contract.

Several talented left tackles are expected to hit the market in 2026, although it appears unlikely that Los Angeles Chargers' Rashawn Slater will reach free agency, as discussions surrounding an extension have been ongoing since the offseason began. If Slater secures a new deal, Kolton Miller of the Las Vegas Raiders may emerge as the premier left tackle available. Despite being less recognized outside of Las Vegas, the 29-year-old Miller is regarded as a solid starter, with Pro Football Focus ranking him 14th among 140 offensive tackles for the 2024 season. Given the escalating costs of even average offensive tackles, a performance that maintains his level of excellence could command a significant increase from his current $18 million-per-year salary.

Miller will need to maintain high performance and health while capitalizing on the potential exposure from the Raiders' new regime, featuring head coach Pete Carroll and quarterback Geno Smith, who may enhance the team's visibility in a competitive market. If the Raiders falter again or if Miller's performance declines, he may face more modest earning opportunities.

Cam Robinson, with 101 NFL starts to his credit, signed a one-year, $12 million deal this offseason, positioning him among the notable left tackles in the league. The wide receiver position is seeing steady competition for financial opportunities, particularly regarding George Pickens. The 24-year-old receiver has exhibited elite potential at times, including a career-high 1,100 yards and leading the NFL with an 18.1 yards-per-catch average in 2023. However, consistency and maturity concerns have posed challenges for the Pittsburgh Steelers, leading to his offseason trade to the Dallas Cowboys. The Steelers learned from past experiences with players like Antonio Brown that financial investments don't always address underlying issues.

Now in Dallas, Pickens has the opportunity to rejuvenate his reputation as the Cowboys' No. 2 receiver alongside CeeDee Lamb. Early indicators suggest a budding chemistry with quarterback Dak Prescott. According to reports, "Pickens' connection with Dak Prescott is already impressive." To maximize his new situation, Pickens must deliver consistent performances, manage his frustrations when targets are scarce, and avoid detrimental behavior that could derail his focus. If he achieves this and establishes himself as both a proficient player and a solid teammate, Pickens could attract high-end No. 2 receiver contracts next offseason, roughly in line with Tee Higgins' $28.8 million-per-year deal.

Failing to meet expectations, however, could see him relegated to a lower-range "prove-it" contract, similar to the $1.2 million deal signed by Diontae Johnson this offseason. Lastly, one player whose recent free-agent opportunities have been negatively impacted is pass-rusher Haason Reddick. The two-time Pro Bowler’s transfer from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Jets last offseason came with a contractual holdout, leading to his limited participation during the season.

Reddick appeared in just 10 games, finishing with only one sack after posting four consecutive seasons with double-digit sacks. Although he secured a one-year, $14 million contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in free agency, it fell short of the multi-year deal expected following a robust season. His situation is reminiscent of others in recent history, as Chase Young signed a three-year, $51 million contract this offseason. As Reddick approaches his 31st birthday in September, he still has a chance to command a significant long-term deal next offseason if he regains his status as a leading pass-rusher. His competitive age in comparison to peers like T.J. Watt, who recently inked a three-year, $123 million deal, remains relevant to potential suitors looking for productive legacy defenders.

For Reddick, the upcoming season represents an opportunity for redemption. "It's a fresh start," he remarked in March, conveying optimism about moving past his tumultuous previous season. To secure a strong position entering next free agency, Reddick must prove he can return to being a ten-sack player and perform consistently throughout the season. Failure to do so may result in a one-year contract in the range of $5-6 million, aligning with deals recently signed by Calais Campbell, Dante Fowler Jr., and Von Miller.