Undisputed Value is a series that identifies every NFL team's best contract, factoring in dollar value, term, and the player's past and future performance, among other criteria.
Players on rookie contracts aren't being considered.
AFC Best Contracts
East | North | South | West
NFC Best Contracts
East | North | South | West
Houston Texans
Whitney Mercilus
Pos: OLB | Exp: 5th season
2016 stats: 4.5 sacks, 30 tackles, 1 FF
2016 cap hit: $5,800,000
Despite the consuming shadow of J.J. Watt, Mercilus is beginning to be recognized as one of the league's best young pass-rushers. He posted his first double-digit sack season in 2015, and while his numbers have slightly declined this year, the Texans have him under contract for the next three seasons at far below market rate ($6.5M per year).
Indianapolis Colts
Jack Doyle
Pos: TE | Exp: 4th season
2016 stats: 31 catches, 318 yards, 4 TDs
2016 cap hit: $1,671,000
The Colts have made few smart front-office decisions of late, but allowing Coby Fleener to walk in free agency and giving Jack Doyle a prominent role is certainly one of them. Following injuries to Dwayne Allen and Donte Moncrief, Doyle has become Andrew Luck's favorite red-zone target, and is on pace for a career year. He's the 43rd highest paid tight end, but will cash in this coming offseason.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Prince Amukamara
Pos: CB | Exp: 6th season
2016 stats: 20 tackles, 2 passes defensed
2016 cap hit: $5,500,00
Amukamara's inability to stay healthy prevented him from reaching his full potential in five seasons with the New York Giants. The cornerback took a one-year "prove it" contract with Jacksonville, and while the length of the deal isn't ideal, it's more than balanced out by the below-market price. Amukamara has played at a solid level this season, but is just the 12th highest paid player on a team that has a ton of rookie contracts.
Tennessee Titans
Jurrell Casey
Pos: DE | Exp: 6th season
2016 stats: 3 sacks, 17 tackles
2016 cap hit: $8,120,000
Earning $9 million per year isn't obvious value, but when compared to the gigantic contracts comparable defensive lineman are getting, Casey is a steal. He's also 26 years old and under contract through 2018. He's been a quiet Pro Bowl-level player for some time, and would likely command much more if he played in a bigger market, or for a more successful franchise.
(Contract details courtesy: Spotrac)
