In the ever-evolving landscape of NFL contracts, the discussion around the best and worst deals often hinges on context. Deshaun Watson's five-year, $230 million deal with the Browns is a glaring example of a bad contract, as it is fully guaranteed and comes with immense consequences following his 11-game suspension. In stark contrast, Jalen Hurts’ five-year, $255 million deal, while initially appearing similar, is structured to be team-friendly, allowing ongoing flexibility for the Eagles’ salary cap.

Other notable contracts include Sam Darnold's three-year, $100.5 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks, which offers minimal guarantees, reflecting a team-friendly approach, while Dak Prescott’s four-year, $240 million contract with the Cowboys is incredibly player-friendly, featuring substantial guarantees and no franchise tag clause. The Packers also secured Josh Jacobs for four years and $48 million, a decent value considering the market, while Ashton Jeanty’s rookie deal underscores the pitfalls of high draft picks for running backs, burdening teams without commensurate risk.