Which players can reset markets in the free agency period?

Orlando Brown Jr., Kansas City Chiefs (Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports)
Orlando Brown Jr., Kansas City Chiefs (Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports)
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 01: Running back Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders warms up before a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium on January 01, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 49ers defeated the Raiders 37-34 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 01: Running back Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders warms up before a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium on January 01, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 49ers defeated the Raiders 37-34 in overtime. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Which players can reset markets in the free agency period?

Josh Jacobs, RB

Currently, the top contract for the running back position belongs to Christian McCaffrey.  His contract sits at $16,015,853 per year, which is the top number among all running backs.  The most expensive contract overall belongs to Ezekiel Elliott, who has a $90 million deal.

Could Josh Jacobs pass both of those numbers?  I think so.  I do not think Saquon Barkley will come close.  He’s a full year older than Jacobs, has injury history, and is in an interesting situation with his teammate, Daniel Jones.

The New York Giants likely want to pay both, but I think they’ll try to re-sign both under fair, non record breaking deals.

I do think Josh Jacobs can get a contract extension worth more than what CMC has on a per-year basis, which would reset the market, but I do not think he could hit or eclipse the $90 million that Elliott is signed for.