• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, September 3, 2025
The biggest names in sports media. All in one room. Get your ticket now!

Pricey Contracts, Stadium Talks Will Heat Up NFL Offseason

The 2025 NFL offseason is almost here. Decisions on big contracts and stadium talks are set to be the dominant off-field storylines.

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

With Super Bowl LIX in the books, the NFL offseason is officially underway. 

And with more than 200 days until the Eagles kick off the 2025 regular season, decisions on pricey contracts for some star players, and negotiations for new stadium projects, are set to play out this spring and summer.

Quarterback Money

The deadline for NFL teams to place the franchise tag on a player is March 4. 

The most expensive candidate is Sam Darnold, who led the Vikings to a 14–3 record during the regular season while playing on a one-year, $10 million contract. Using the franchise tag on Darnold would cost roughly $40 million. An extension could be worth as much as $160 million over four years. Minnesota has rising second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who tore his meniscus during the preseason after being selected 10th in the 2024 NFL Draft. 

Meanwhile, 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is finally eligible for a contract extension, entering the fourth year of his rookie deal. Purdy, the last pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, made $2.88 million during his first three seasons, but based on other young QBs who signed recent deals, could be in line for a four-year extension worth around $200 million.

Skill Players at A Premium

Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons is set to make $24 million playing on his fifth-year club option. But Dallas is hoping to extend Parsons, and potentially make him the highest-paid player at his position (potentially a four-year, $180 million deal), after giving huge deals to quarterback Dak Prescott and receiver CeeDee Lamb last offseason. 

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has been vocal about his desire to see the team re-sign both of its top receivers, no matter the cost. Tee Higgins earned $21.8 million while playing on the franchise tag this season, and is seeking a long-term deal. Ja’Marr Chase, entering the final year of his rookie deal, is likely looking for an extension close in value—if not higher than—the four-year, $140 million contract Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson signed last year.

Stadium Status

Several teams beyond the Chiefs will continue efforts to seal funding for new stadiums, too.

The Browns and the city of Cleveland are suing each other over the franchise trying to move out of its downtown venue and build a $2 billion dome in suburban Brooke Park. In Chicago, the Bears are seeking a new enclosed stadium that could cost close to $5 billion, but getting public funding has been a major issue thus far.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

The cast of ESPN College GameDay begins their show prior to the NCAA football game between the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Texas Longhorns at Ohio Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025. The show is the final one for Lee Corso.

OSU Sophomore Wins $250K in McAfee ‘GameDay’ Kicking Contest

The former NFL punter started offering prize money for kicks in 2023.

NFL’s 16-Game International Slate of Games Nears Reality

The league will play a record seven games outside the U.S. this season.
Aug 30, 2025; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) drops back to pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half at Ohio Stadium.

On This Year’s CFB Rosters, Even Backup QBs Make Six Figures

The going rate for backup quarterbacks is in the mid-six-figures.

NFL on Nielsen’s Latest Measurement Upgrade: ‘More Work to Be Done’

The league calls its relationship with the agency a “protracted journey.”

Featured Today

Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) and wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) celebrate their touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field.

TV Ratings Just Changed Again. The NFL Will Be the Big Winner

Nielsen’s new viewership system will have a big impact on sports.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) after a touchdown catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.
August 30, 2025

The Most Expensive Roster Year in College Football History

The House settlement created revenue-sharing—and a big NIL loophole.
August 26, 2025

‘You’re Going to Get Beat Up’: The Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad

A select group suits up weekly to take on the defending champs.
August 24, 2025

The Honey Deuce Effect: How Tennis Perfected the Signature Cocktail

Sold every 1.5 seconds, they total more than $12 million in sales.

Liverpool’s $598M Transfer Spree: End of the Title Race Already?

A deal for Swedish striker Alexander Isak highlights a record outlay.
September 1, 2025

The Big Money Behind Minor League Baseball’s Renaming Revolution

Teams are rebranding for local pride—and huge revenue.
September 1, 2025

Osaka Ousts Gauff As American Presence at US Open Dwindles

Gauff’s exit shifts spotlight to Pegula, Anisimova, and Fritz at US Open.
Sponsored

Gareth Bale on MLS vs EPL, Retirement & Buying Cardiff City

Gareth Bale shares his post-soccer business playbook.
Dallas Wings
August 29, 2025

WNBA Teams Desperate to Expand Rosters Amid ‘Extreme Hardship’ 

The Wings are scrambling to field eight players Friday night.
August 29, 2025

Who Are the Richest MLB Owners?

MLB owners are among the wealthiest people in the U.S.
August 28, 2025

Selig Backs MLB Salary Cap, but Warns Against Labor Fight

The league’s former commissioner cites salary-cap success in other leagues.
May 24, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban celebrates after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves in game two of the western conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center.
August 28, 2025

Mark Cuban on Why NBA Expansion Isn’t Imminent

Cuban said the next CBA could help solve some expansion issues.