10 worst NFL contracts ahead of this season...guess who?
Ranking 10 Worst Contracts in NFL Ahead of 2026 Season
Brad GagnonJun 12, 2026
Some major extensions will likely still be signed, and some blockbuster deals will likely still be reworked. But generally speaking, we have a broad sense of what the NFL's financial scene will look like in 2026.
With that in mind, and with offseason work heating up, we have an opportunity to take a look at deals that are particularly problematic.
Here are the NFL's 10 worst contracts entering the 2026 season.
Contract information courtesy of Spotrac
10. Carolina Panthers Edge Jaelan Phillips
1 of 10
9. Minnesota Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson
2 of 10
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AP Photo/Abbie Parr
The Contract: 4 years, $66 million with $40.2 million guaranteed (extension signed in 2023)
The Problem: The nearly 29-year-old has scored just three touchdowns since the start of 2024 and has fallen short of 500 yards in each of the last two seasons. His body might not have a lot left.
The Kicker: Hockenson is the third-highest-paid tight end in the sport and carries the top salary-cap hit at the position in 2026, despite the fact the team reworked his deal in March. There's also no more wiggle room as he's entering a contract year.
8. Las Vegas Raiders Edge Maxx Crosby
3 of 10
7. Baltimore Ravens Edge Trey Hendrickson
4 of 10
6. Kansas City Chiefs DL Chris Jones
5 of 10
5. Pittsburgh Steelers Edge T.J. Watt
6 of 10
4. San Francisco 49ers Edge Nick Bosa
7 of 10
3. Tennessee Titans OT Dan Moore Jr.
8 of 10
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin
9 of 10
1. Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson
10 of 10
Please God, just one Lombardi before I die.
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
JustInTime wrote:
6'7" and 240?!
S hit, I'd go play in the NBA if I was blessed with that.
Hurry-up Vikings, we ain't getting any younger!
He’s on the LSU hoops team too.
“Hell is empty and all the devils are here”
Shakespeare
Hock's contract is done after this season, correct? I like him, but he's just a guy.....and Detroit knew it. I can take him or leave him honestly.
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