2014 Contract Players

Photo: Andrew Weber, USA Today Sports

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For many reasons, NFL players step up their game as they enter a contract year. With the chance to become an NFL free agent after the coming regular (and hopefully playoff) schedule, players try and put up as good of a personal performance as possible in the hopes of landing a starting job with their current or next team, a big contract, salary or signing bonus, or all of the above. With the NFL constantly in flux as far as personnel, the opportunity of landing a big contract that can set a player for life may only happen once.

For some of these reasons, fantasy football fans would love to know what players are potentially poised for a big year in the hopes of a "Show Me the Money" offseason. With that in mind, here is a list of the skill position players that will be free agents come next March. The tables for each position show which players are higher end players (highlighted) as well as those that will be restricted free agents (RFA) or exclusive rights free agents (ERFA). Those that are neither RFAs nor ERFAs are free to sign with any team in 2014.

Quarterbacks

NFL quarterbacks can last forever -- just ask Peyton Manning. Take note of two big names on the QB potential free agent list -- Matt Ryan and Jay Cutler. Both are starters this year and considered Top 20 quarterbacks (or better). Big seasons will likely earn both of them the Franchise Tag from Atlanta and Chicago, respectively, so that their clubs hold on to a franchise quarterback for at least one more year. Two other relatively big names (Michael Vick, Josh Freeman) could greatly boost their 2014 prospects with a big season this fall.

Running Backs

Running backs often get one shot at a big contract, as the position is extremely physical and many NFL rushers do not last beyond their initial rookie contracts. To get to free agency can be quite a financial boon -- just ask Michael Turner.

Here is a list of the bigger names at tailback that are potential free agents for the next offseason. Keep in mind that some of them may get the Franchise Tag and be retained by their team -- but they will still get top dollar at their position.

Some names of note to see on this list are Rashard Mendenhall (probable starter in Arizona), Ahmad Bradshaw (likely the top back for the Colts), Maurice Jones-Drew (feature rusher for Jacksonville) and Darren McFadden (top tailback for Oakland). All four have plenty of reasons to play well and prove to everyone that they are worth a big contract, especially McFadden. A big year with the Raiders will likely make him the top free agent running back next March.

Ben Tate, Toby Gerhart, and Marcel Reece all could have opportunities to shine either as backs in roles or committees, or even as a starter if the other top RB on their teams gets injured. Both Jonathan Dywer and Isaac Redman are poised to fill in with the Steelers if rookie Le’Veon Bell fails to step up as a featured back. Keep all of these rushers in mind as well if you are looking for upside.

Wide Receivers

The NFL is a pass-happy league now, and wide receivers are reaping much of the benefit. Many wideouts are now topping 80 catches and 1,000 years, so big seasons are out there to be had for top talent.

Some names of note to see on this list are Eric Decker, Victor Cruz, Hakeem Nicks, Jeremy Maclin and Kenny Britt, among many others. Cruz and Nicks are both looking for big deals before September if not by March. Maclin, Decker and Britt will headline a 2014 free agent wide receiver pool with big efforts, as will Emmanuel Sanders and Danario Alexander. With so many top wideouts that could hit the open market next Spring, big efforts should be out there this season for many of these high end targets.

Tight Ends

Tight ends are getting more and more valuable as teams incorporate at least one, if not two, in their modern passing games. Jimmy Graham headlines this list, and Brandon Myers is another tight end to watch if he has a big year with the Giants. Fred Davis is an interesting name, as he has had issues with the NFL drug policy, but a big year with quarterback Robert Griffin III III could make Davis a very hot commodity in March. Dustin Keller is another name to watch on this list as a big season in Miami -- or even a reasonable one -- will have other teams interested in him for next year and beyond. Baltimore has two big names in Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta who could see big spikes in value for next season as well.

Questions, suggestions and comments are always welcome to pasquino@footballguys.com.