As training camps are in full swing and the preseason set to kick off with Thursday's Hall of Fame Game, a number of NFL players find themselves racing against the clock. They aspire to secure contract extensions before the commencement of the regular season, particularly week one. New York Jets running back Breece Hall has expressed skepticism regarding his chances of receiving an extension this offseason, a privilege recently granted to teammates Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner. "I'm not really expecting it before the season," Hall stated to reporters on Saturday. He noted the significant changes within the organization, with a new head coach and general manager at the helm, highlighting that he was not drafted by the current regime, thus signaling that he may not be considered their priority.

While Wilson and Gardner also faced previous drafts that did not coincide with the current Jets decision-makers, their standing as high-performing players at premium positions affords them a level of security. For Hall, achieving a lucrative second contract may necessitate waiting until the 2026 free agency period, with the immediate need to deliver an impressive performance this season. Hall's situation is not isolated; several players preparing for unrestricted free agency in 2026 need to significantly impact their performance in the upcoming 2025 campaign, to enhance their market value.

Wilson has consistently proven himself, achieving three seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards, while Gardner has been recognized as a two-time first-team All-Pro. In contrast, Hall's performance, while respectable with over 1,300 scrimmage yards in each of the past two seasons, has lacked the extraordinary qualities typically needed to command high dollar amounts in free agency. Hall, who is 24, acknowledges the urgency he feels to elevate his game. "I've got a chip on my shoulder," he shared with reporters. "I feel like right now, OK, it's my last chance. For me, it's always been, 'he's got potential,' but now I want to be the product." To secure a substantial contract akin to the four-year, $48 million deal that Josh Jacobs received last offseason, Hall must demonstrate not only explosiveness but also notable consistency in his performance as a ball-carrier, particularly following his ACL tear in 2022.

In his rookie season, Hall averaged 5.8 yards per carry, but his figures diminished to 4.5 and 4.2 yards per carry in the subsequent two seasons. If he can rise to the occasion and manage a substantial workload effectively, he may position himself as one of the league's elite young running backs. In contrast, a subpar season could result in him being offered a short-term 'prove-it' deal similar to the contracts signed by Najee Harris or Javonte Williams this offseason, which amounted to $5.3 million and $3 million, respectively. Looking ahead to next year's free agency, the market is expected to feature a plethora of talented wide receivers, including notable names like Mike Evans, Courtland Sutton, Jauan Jennings, and Jakobi Meyers. The depth of this player pool could create challenges for others, such as Houston Texans receiver Christian Kirk, who enjoyed a significant payday in 2022 with a four-year, $72 million deal from the Jacksonville Jaguars, only to see his status fluctuate in the ensuing seasons.

Kirk's most recent two years have been marred with injuries, including a core muscle injury that sidelined him for five games in 2023 and a broken collarbone that limited him to just eight games last season. Complicating matters, Jacksonville's quarterback Trevor Lawrence also faced his own injury struggles, contributing to unsatisfactory offensive statistics for the Jaguars. Following these setbacks, the Jaguars opted to trade Kirk to the Houston Texans, a transaction that yielded only a 2026 seventh-round pick for Jacksonville. In Houston, Kirk will have the opportunity to regain his status as a premier slot receiver, though this goal will not come without its challenges. The Texans are implementing a restructured offensive line and have a young roster of receivers, necessitating Kirk to earn his position in training camp.

If Kirk can successfully claim the slot role, maintain good health, and emerge as a primary target for quarterback C.J. Stroud, he may enter free agency as one of the top pass-catching options at age 29. Historically, elite slot receivers enjoy a robust free-agent market—evidenced by Cooper Kupp's recent three-year, $45 million deal. Conversely, should Kirk encounter a lackluster season, he might only attract a one-year deal in the range of $1.5 to $2 million, akin to the contracts signed by Braxton Berrios, Sterling Shepard, Robert Woods, and Van Jefferson this offseason. Another player facing a pivotal season is Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones, whose trajectory is subject to high volatility. The first-round pick from 2019 navigated through only one standout season with the New York Giants, which he leveraged into a four-year, $160 million extension, before being released less than two years later.

Following a brief tenure with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, Jones has found a new home in Indianapolis, where he has the opportunity to compete for the starting quarterback position. Should he secure that role and perform adequately, there lies the potential for him to earn a substantial salary in 2026. "I think there’s a real shot Jones could be angling for $40 million annually at this time next year," Fox Sports' Henry McKenna has noted. For Jones to enter 2026 as a highly valued quarterback, he must first conquer the competition with 2023 first-round selection Anthony Richardson for the starting role—or step in early enough in the season to present a compelling case for his abilities. Although Richardson has faced a shoulder injury this offseason, hinting at openings for Jones, the Colts are likely to favor the younger quarterback if the battle remains tight, given that Richardson was drafted fourth overall and shows substantial potential.

Jones' struggles mirror those of past quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, who both transformed their narratives to secure lucrative contracts. Should Jones falter or spend the majority of the season as a backup, he might find himself looking at a backup contract closer to the two-year, $8 million deal that Jameis Winston signed this past March. In terms of free agency, several starting-caliber left tackles are likely to enter the market in 2026. Yet, it would be remarkable to see Los Angeles Chargers standout Rashawn Slater venture into free agency, as the two-time Pro Bowler has been engaged in extension discussions with the Chargers since early in the offseason. Should Slater conclude his negotiations favorably before the spring, Kolton Miller of the Las Vegas Raiders would stand a good chance of becoming the most sought-after left tackle available.

Despite the fact that non-Raiders fans may not be intimately familiar with Miller, the 29-year-old has consistently proven to be a dependable starter. Pro Football Focus ranked Miller 14th among 140 offensive tackles for the 2024 season. Given the escalating financial stakes associated with even average tackles—exemplified by Dan Moore Jr.'s four-year, $82 million contract—Miller could significantly enhance his earnings above the current $18 million-per-year deal he holds. For this to occur, however, he must sustain his high level of performance, maintain good health, and hope Las Vegas' new signings provide him the visibility he requires. With recent changes, including a new head coach in Pete Carroll and an evolving quarterback situation with Geno Smith, the Raiders are likely to become more competitive, and this renewed relevance could expand Miller's market beyond Las Vegas.

Conversely, should the Raiders struggle to perform or should Miller's play decline, his financial outlook could take a hit. At 29, Cam Robinson boasts 101 starts in his NFL career and secured a one-year, $12 million deal this offseason. Additionally, it has been reported that Slater and the Chargers have agreed to a four-year, $114 million extension, as detailed by ESPN's Adam Schefter. Meanwhile, wide receiver George Pickens has consistently shown potential as an elite pass-catcher at 24 years of age, highlighted by a vertical threat that saw him exceed 1,100 receiving yards and lead the league with an 18.1 yards-per-catch average in 2023. Nonetheless, consistency issues and concerns regarding maturity have created challenges for the Pittsburgh Steelers, prompting them to trade Pickens to the Dallas Cowboys this offseason.

In the past, the Steelers have learned that off-field issues, similar to their experience with Antonio Brown, often worsen with financial incentives. Now in Dallas, Pickens has the opportunity to reshape his narrative, potentially thriving as Dak Prescott's No. 2 target opposite CeeDee Lamb. Reports suggest a developing chemistry between Pickens and Prescott, with the latter making notable progress in working with the new receiver. However, the onus is on Pickens to do more than merely post impressive statistics; he must navigate the emotional challenges of being a receiver, maintaining composure when the ball does not come his way, and avoiding detrimental conduct, such as altercations with adversaries that distract from the game. Establishing himself as a valuable contributor with both production and character could secure Pickens a lucrative contract as a top-end No. 2 receiver next offseason, potentially aligning with Tee Higgins' deal worth $28.8 million per year. Failing to demonstrate adequate growth, meanwhile, may leave him with minimal offers, such as a low-level 'prove-it' contract, similar to Diontae Johnson's $1.2 million deal signed this offseason.

Lastly, few players have seen their free-agent markets diminish as much as pass-rusher Haason Reddick over the last season. The two-time Pro Bowler was traded from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Jets but was acquired without a contract renewal, leading to a holdout that persisted into the season. Reddick participated in only ten games, finishing the year with a disappointing one sack. This downturn contrasted sharply with his performance in the previous four seasons, each of which saw him register double-digit sacks. Following the season, he was awarded a one-year, $14 million deal from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a respectable but not game-changing figure, especially compared to the substantial contracts offered to other players like Chase Young, who signed a three-year, $51 million deal.

With a fresh opportunity awaiting him, Reddick is eager to leave behind the challenges from his 2024 season in New York. "It's a fresh start," he asserted in March, emphasizing his determination to shift focus away from past performances. As he approaches his 31st birthday in September, there remains the potential for Reddick to command a notable long-term contract next offseason if he can reaffirm his status as an elite pass-rusher. Although he may not reach the salary levels of other stars like T.J. Watt, who recently penned a three-year, $123 million deal, there is a market for veteran pass-rushers who continue to deliver impactful performances. Ultimately, Reddick must demonstrate the ability to regain his form as a double-digit sack producer while playing a complete season to secure his financial future.