10 players to watch entering their contract seasons

For some football players, nothing is more motivating than the prospect of making more money.

The NFL's a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately league, so there's no better way to cash in than having a big season right before your contract expires.

Every March, the market value for each position gets reset when the latest high-level performer breaks the bank.

Here are 10 players to watch this season who could turn out to be next year's Olivier Vernon (five years, $85 million), Brock Osweiler (four years, $72M), or Malik Jackson (six years, $90M).

Drew Brees, Saints

The future Hall of Famer is entering the final year of his contract with a $30-million cap hit after spending the bulk of the offseason in a stalemate with the Saints regarding an extension. Brees has become an adopted son of New Orleans since his arrival, and it'd be a shock if the team let him leave. The 37-year-old will do his best to prove he can still perform at an elite level - and get paid as such.

Jason Pierre-Paul, Giants

JPP couldn't get the deal he wanted this offseason, coming off a campaign hampered by his infamously injured hand, so he signed a one-year bridge contract. He's insisted he'll return to his old form this season, despite the injured paw. If he's right, and he's close to his former double-digit-sack self, the 28-year-old could be the most coveted pass-rusher on the market in 2017.

Le'Veon Bell, Steelers

There's no doubt Bell has talent. It's all the other stuff that's bogged down his value. Though he'll likely look to become one of the highest-earning running backs in the league, he'll only have one full 16-game season under his belt by the end of 2016 after a series of suspensions and injuries. In the 13 games he's eligible for this season, look for Bell to do everything in his power to undo any off-field concerns.

Stephon Gilmore, Bills

Gilmore and the Bills discussed an extension this offseason, but agreed to let the season play out and revisit a deal at season's end. The 25-year-old is looking to be paid among the elite at his position, but his production through four seasons doesn't match up with his preferred payday. Gilmore will look to earn the stats and recognition he believes his talents should command this year and then get paid as such.

Chandler Jones, Cardinals

The Patriots said goodbye to their top pass-rusher in March, sending him down to Arizona - likely due to concerns about not being able to pay the man the money he deserves in free agency. Jones, 26, has had two seasons with double-digit sacks through four years and is poised for his best year yet. He'll command top dollar whether or not he hits the open market in 2017.

Dont'a Hightower & Jamie Collins, Patriots

The Patriots lost Jerod Mayo to retirement last winter and risk losing a pair of athletic linebackers from their defense next March. Hightower and Collins are both every-down players who are competent in both run and pass defense with All-Pro potential - and experience. Bill Belichick will want to bring back both, but he won't be bullied into overpaying, so these playmakers could reach the open market if they impress too much.

Michael Brockers, Rams

While he may not have racked up the sacks, this former 14th overall pick has been an effective, consistent starter on the Rams' defensive line for the past four seasons. Robert Quinn is the highest-paid player on the team and defensive tackle Aaron Donald looks to be in that range soon. If Brockers continues at his current pace, the team will have to make a tough decision - heavily invest in the d-line or say goodbye to a valuable piece?

Alshon Jeffery, Bears

Jeffery will be on his second go-around with a contract year after picking up the one-year franchise tag this offseason. The Bears want to see more from Jeffery before deciding on a long-term deal after the 26-year-old played in just nine games last season due to injuries. His back-to-back 1,100-plus-yard, 85-catch seasons in 2013 and 2014 put him on pace to be among the highest-paid players at his position, but a shaky 2015 creates question marks.

Eric Berry, Chiefs

Berry's holdout this preseason was among the quietest in recent memory. He spent the offseason unsigned before agreeing to terms with the Chiefs on his franchise tag Sunday. The 2016 Comeback Player of the Year watched as his team locked up first overall draft flop Eric Fisher to a long-term deal while he got nothing this offseason. After defeating cancer a year ago, Berry knows how to motivate himself. He'll likely want to be paid in the range of Earl Thomas' four-year, $40-million deal in 2017.