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
Denver Broncos
Derek Wolfe
Pos: DE | Exp: 5th season
2016 stats: 28 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 3 passes defensed
2016 cap hit: $6,800,000
The Broncos signed Wolfe just before their postseason run last season, inking him to a four-year, $36.7-million contract. Big numbers, but in hindsight, the deal looks great for Denver. Wolfe excelled in the playoffs, racking up 2.5 sacks and helping the Broncos win the Super Bowl. Denver allowed Malik Jackson to walk in free agency, a player similar in production to Wolfe. However, Jackson is set to earn over $5 million a year more over the course of his deal, highlighting the steal the Broncos got with Wolfe.
Kansas City Chiefs
Spencer Ware
Pos: RB | Exp: 3rd season
2016 stats: 511 rushing yards, 313 receiving yards, 3 TDs
2016 cap hit: $958,333
With Jamaal Charles eased back into the lineup to start the season, Ware was handed the starting role. He exceeded all expectations and looks like the Chiefs' running back of the future, especially considering his minuscule contract value compared to Charles'. Ware is contracted through 2018 with an average salary of $1.8 million, making him one of the biggest non-rookie bargains in the league.
Oakland Raiders
Michael Crabtree
Pos: WR | Exp: 8th season
2016 stats: 47 catches, 569 receiving yards, 6 TDs
2016 cap hit: $11,000,000
Michael Crabtree is on pace for his first 1,000-yard season since 2012 and looks revitalized as part of an explosive Raiders offense. After an $11-million cap hit this season, Crabtree doesn't cost Oakland more than $8.25 million in any of the remaining three years of his deal. Despite being the 1B to Amari Cooper's 1A, Crabtree is an anomaly in an expensive receiver market.
San Diego Chargers
Casey Hayward
Pos: CB | Exp: 5th season
2016 stats: 38 total tackles, 11 passes defensed, 4 INTs, 1 TD
2016 cap hit: $5,133,333
Signed during the 2016 offseason, Hayward has played like one of the league's best cornerbacks. However, following a few down years, the Chargers didn't have to break the bank to sign him. The 27-year-old will earn an average of just over $5 million in the next two seasons, likely the tail end of his prime.
(Contract details courtesy: Spotrac)
