2017 NFL Free Agency: 5 Players Who Improved Their Stock

Aug 12, 2016; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul (90) in the second half at MetLife Stadium. The Miami Dolphins defeat the New York Giants 27-10. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports /

The first week of the season is almost in the book but already 2017 NFL free agency is beginning to take shape with who could be getting a big payday.

Being a big name next year is one thing but it’s being a big name who played well the previous season that gets the cash. A number of players who sit in the final year of their current deals or on the franchise tag knew they needed to start 2016 off right. Here are five names who didn’t disappoint in the openers.

Alshon Jeffery (WR, Chicago Bears)

He took a big gamble on himself when he elected to accept the franchise tag for 2016 rather than negotiate a long-term extension with the Chicago Bears. So far Alshon Jeffery looks like he made the right decision. The guy was unstoppable for a good portion of the game against the Houston Texans, showcasing his rare ability to go up and get the football. He had 105 yards yards on just four catches and helped set up both Bears touchdowns.

Jason Pierre-Paul (DE, New York Giants)

People will look at the stat sheet and say Jason Pierre-Paul didn’t have a sack, so how could he have had a good game in Dallas? Watch the film and it won’t take long to see. Pierre-Paul was in the backfield constantly. He abused Cowboys right tackle Doug Free a number of times. Only the mobility of Dak Prescott and a quick passing game prevented him from having multiple sacks.

Chandler Jones (OLB, Arizona Cardinals)

The Arizona Cardinals made a bold move trading for Chandler Jones from New England. Though they lost the opener, Jones showed he was worth the risk. He had five tackles in the game and also sacked Jimmy Garoppolo. After posting 12.5 sacks in 2015, he’s off to a good start this season and could cash in big if he finishes with double digits for the second-straight year.

Matt Kalil (OT, Minnesota Vikings)

Despite Adrian Peterson having a down afternoon, the Minnesota Vikings offensive line still managed to prevent quarterback Shaun Hill from being sacked. That reflects well on left tackle Matt Kalil. He struggled in 2015 and knew he needed to have a good year in 2016 with his contract set to expire. Given the demand for left tackles in this league, his timing could be perfect.

Bryan Anger (P, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Punters are people too. Just ask Andy Lee whom the Panthers traded a 4th round pick for. Field position matters more than ever in this modern game and good punters are valued highly. Bryan Anger is still young and showing he’s among the better ones in the league. Against the Falcons he averaged 49.4 yards per punt and had a net average of 45 yards. Three of the five kicks were fair caught and two were downed inside the 20 with total of 22 return yards. Not bad.

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