Fansided
Fansided

2017 NFL Free Agency: 10 Players In Line For Huge Paydays

By Erik Lambert

Sep 19, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Philadelphia Eagles strong safety Malcolm Jenkins (27) breaks up a pass intended for Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) during the second half at Soldier Field. Philadelphia won 29-14. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Philadelphia Eagles strong safety Malcolm Jenkins (27) breaks up a pass intended for Chicago Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) during the second half at Soldier Field. Philadelphia won 29-14. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
10 of 10
Next
Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) is pushed out of bounds by Arizona Cardinals strong safety Tony Jefferson (22) during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) is pushed out of bounds by Arizona Cardinals strong safety Tony Jefferson (22) during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Tony Jefferson (S, Arizona Cardinals)

Turns out Cooper isn’t the only defensive back the Cardinals may have to pay up in order to keep. Young safety Tony Jefferson is establishing himself as one of their most reliable secondary tacklers. He’s tremendous around the line of scrimmage. Already he has 21 tackles on the season. Given how often he’s been near the football, it’s just a matter of time before he produces a big play. At just 24-years old, his value is spiking in a big way.

A number of other key players are lined up for new deals. The team also has pretty solid depth at safety. Odds are this may be the last season Jefferson plays in Arizona. It’s a numbers game, both in terms of playing time and money. Like most young players Jefferson is seeking a maximum contract. Based on their cap situation there is just no way the Cardinals will be able to give him one. So that could put one more intriguing name on the safety market.

Home/NFL Free Agency