NFL's Rising Stars: Standout Performers Earning Bargain Salaries in 2025

March 28, 2025
NFL's Rising Stars: Standout Performers Earning Bargain Salaries in 2025
  • Following the peak of the 2025 free agency, an evaluation reveals several NFL players who are significantly underpaid despite their impressive performances.

  • Among them is Philadelphia Eagles' linebacker Nakobe Dean, who is coming off a standout season with 128 tackles but is earning just $5.2 million on his rookie contract.

  • Pittsburgh Steelers' wide receiver George Pickens is another example, averaging over 900 yards per season while making only $1.7 million, far less than many of his peers.

  • Seattle Seahawks' Jaxon Smith-Njigba also stands out, having had a Pro Bowl season with over 1,130 yards, yet his salary is under $5 million for the next two years.

  • Miami Dolphins' running back De'Von Achane is set to earn just $1.5 million in 2025 after a strong sophomore season where he accumulated 1,499 scrimmage yards and scored 12 touchdowns.

  • Cincinnati Bengals' Chase Brown, a fifth-round pick, had a breakout year with 1,350 scrimmage yards but will earn only $1.1 million in 2025.

  • New York Giants' linebacker Micah McFadden is under a $1 million average annual value after back-to-back seasons with over 100 tackles.

  • Indianapolis Colts' Josh Downs is another emerging talent, contributing significantly on offense while under contract for two more years at $3 million.

  • Chicago Bears' Gervon Dexter has also made a name for himself as a pass-rushing talent on a bargain $1.5 million contract.

  • San Francisco 49ers' quarterback Brock Purdy, who holds the highest passer rating in NFL history, remains underpaid as a seventh-round pick.

  • Kansas City Chiefs' cornerback Trent McDuffie, a two-time All-Pro, is in the final year of his rookie deal earning $4.5 million, which is considered low for his contributions.

  • Dallas Cowboys' Tyler Smith, a two-time Pro Bowler, is currently making $4.3 million, a figure expected to rise soon given his performance.

Summary based on 1 source


Get a daily email with more NFL stories

More Stories