In a league where contracts and cap space determine a team’s ability to build a championship roster, securing players on team-friendly contracts is a game-changer. The NFL’s salary cap system ensures that no team can simply outspend others to secure the best talent, creating a level playing field. As a result, general managers aim to structure deals that provide exceptional value, allowing them to build around top-tier players while maintaining flexibility.
Let’s take a look at the top five most team-friendly contracts currently in the NFL.
5. Jahlani Tavai – New England Patriots (Average Annual Value: $5 million)
Linebacker Jahlani Tavai’s deal with the New England Patriots is among the smartest contracts for a non-skilled position player. At 28, he has built a reputation as one of the league’s most dependable linebackers. Over the course of 94 career games, he has recorded 235 solo tackles, 185 assists, 5.5 sacks, and 4 interceptions. Therefore, in 2024, the Patriots locked him in with a three-year, $15 million contract, representing an incredible value for a player of his talent.
Tavai hasn’t slowed down in 2024, either. Over 16 games, he’s tallied 58 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, and 1 interception, proving himself as a crucial defensive leader. His performance is one of the reasons the Patriots remain competitive during their rebuild. With such a team-friendly deal, Tavai delivers exceptional value and could continue to anchor the defense for years at a cost far below what similar players earn.
Also Read: How Does The NFL Salary Cap Work? Everything You Need To Know
4. Marquise Brown – Kansas City Chiefs (Average Annual Value: $7 million)
Marquise “Hollywood” Brown joined the Kansas City Chiefs in 2024 on a one-year, $7 million deal, and it’s turning out to be a win for both sides. Before Kansas City, Brown showed his skills with the Ravens and Cardinals, racking up over 3,700 receiving yards and 28 touchdowns in six seasons.
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This season, Brown has put up 91 receptions, 1,009 yards, and 2 touchdowns in 16 games. Averaging 10.1 yards per catch and getting targeted 15 times a game, he’s quickly become a reliable option for Patrick Mahomes. For just $7 million, the Chiefs are getting top-tier production in an offense that amplifies Brown’s strengths. He’s the kind of player who could help power another Super Bowl run without breaking the bank.
3. Raheem Mostert – Miami Dolphins (Average Annual Value: $4.13 million)
At 32, Raheem Mostert is redefining what’s possible for a veteran running back. Playing under Mike McDaniel’s zone scheme in Miami, Mostert led the NFL in rushing touchdowns and tied for total touchdowns in 2023. His numbers that year were outstanding: 278 carries, 1,012 rushing yards, and 18 rushing TDs. Despite those numbers, his $4.13 million average annual salary makes him one of the best values in the league.
Over a 10-year career, Mostert has piled up 3,791 rushing yards, 42 total touchdowns, and 111 catches for 899 yards. Even as he gets older, he’s stayed incredibly effective and remains essential to the Dolphins’ offense. His affordable contract gives the team the flexibility to strengthen their roster while still benefiting from his impact on the field.
Also Read: Top 5 Highest-Paid NFL Wide Receivers In 2024
2. Josh Allen – Buffalo Bills (Average Annual Value: $43 million)
Josh Allen has been the face of the Buffalo Bills for the past several years, guiding them to four consecutive AFC East titles. The 28-year-old quarterback has thrown for 26,434 yards and 195 touchdowns over seven seasons, earning two Pro Bowl selections. Many considered his most recent contract, a six-year, $258 million extension signed before the 2021 season, a market-setting deal at the time. However, with other quarterbacks like Trevor Lawrence and Joe Burrow surpassing him in annual value, Allen’s deal now looks like one of the best in terms of value for the Bills.
Allen has consistently performed at an elite level, finishing the 2024 regular season with 3,731 passing yards and 28 touchdowns. Moreover, he’s averaged 7.3 yards per pass attempt over his career and has rushed for over 4,000 yards and 65 touchdowns. Additionally, with a passer rating of 101.4 in the 2024 season, Allen remains one of the league’s top quarterbacks. His relatively lower salary allows Buffalo to continue to build a championship-caliber team around him, even as other quarterbacks are demanding record-breaking contracts.
1. Patrick Mahomes – Kansas City Chiefs Average (Annual Value: $45 million)
Many consider Patrick Mahomes as the best quarterback in the NFL, and his contract is among the most favorable for the Chiefs in terms of value. At 29 years old, Mahomes has already accomplished what most players only dream of: three Super Bowl victories, two MVPs, and three Super Bowl MVPs. Moreover, his career stats are stellar: 32,352 passing yards, 245 touchdowns, and a passer rating of 102.1 over 112 games. This performance has earned him six Pro Bowl selections and an Offensive Player of the Year award.
Despite being arguably the league’s best quarterback, Mahomes’ contract is surprisingly team-friendly. His 10-year, $450 million extension, signed in 2020, made headlines as the largest contract in American sports history at the time. However, the Chiefs cleverly restructured the deal in 2023, pushing $210.6 million in guaranteed money into the first four years, averaging about $52.7 million annually. This strategic front-loading has allowed the Chiefs to maintain a competitive roster while giving Mahomes more flexibility after 2026. In the 2024 season, he is on track for another strong year, boasting a 67.5% completion percentage, 3,928 passing yards, and 26 touchdowns through 16 games, proving that his contract is a steal.
Also Read: From Dak Prescott To Jordan Love: List Of Top 5 Highest-Paid QBs In NFL History
