3 veterans deserving of a raise
One of football's most dependable foot soldiers was rewarded for his recent play and years of service Saturday when the Miami Dolphins signed veteran defensive end Cameron Wake to a two-year, $19-million contract extension.
Wake earned the pay raise by dominating opposing offensive linemen for eight years in Miami and for making a successful recovery from an Achilles injury in 2015.
Following in his footsteps, here are three other dutiful players also deserving of some extra coin:
Julian Edelman - Patriots
Contract: 1 year remaining, $3 million
A veteran of eight seasons, Edelman has grown into one of Tom Brady's favorite targets over the past four years. With monstrous tight end Rob Gronkowski on the sidelines, Edelman led the team in receptions and receiving yards in 2016.
His performance in Super Bowl LI left much to be desired, as he hauled in five passes for 87 yards, was outperformed by a running back, and came up inches short on multiple tosses from Brady. However, his night was rescued by his circus catch on the Patriots' final drive of regulation.
New England isn't known to hand hefty contracts to players over the age of 30, but Edelman has less mileage on his tires than most receivers entering their ninth season. He deserves a commitment - likely short on term - from the Patriots.
Casey Hayward - Chargers
Contract: 2 years remaining, $3.25 million per
Hayward signed a three-year deal just last offseason, but he's already outplayed the $15.3-million contract.
The Chargers were both smart not to break the bank on the cornerback and lucky to sign him at such a discount, as he would go on to lead the NFL in interceptions in 2016.
Hayward made just $1 million in base salary, and he'll earn $3.25 million in the upcoming two seasons. He ranks as the 33rd-highest-paid cornerback. What a deal.
Brent Grimes - Buccaneers
Contract: 1 year remaining, $6 million
Grimes owns the most lucrative contract of any player on this list, but he still deserves an even larger salary.
The Buccaneers signed the corner to a two-year, $13.5-million deal in free agency last year, hoping to see whether the veteran of nine prior seasons could still get it done.
Grimes was arguably the team's best defender in 2016. He led the league in passes defensed with 24, added four interceptions, and made multiple game-saving plays deep in Tampa territory which helped the Bucs improve their record to 9-7.
He'll be 34 and entering his 11th season this September. He's also the team's best corner and only the 22nd-highest-paid player at his position.