NFL teams dole out record-breaking deals as training camps set to open
Get ready, football fans. The first NFL training camp of the 2025-26 season will open Wednesday, July 16. The Los Angeles Chargers and Detroit Lions get an early start to prepare for their Hall of Fame preseason matchup just two weeks from now.
Which player just signed a record-breaking deal?
Those teams will generate all the headlines in the coming days, but it’s the big contracts being given out right now that are opening some eyes.
The Chargers’ AFC West division rival made a big splash Tuesday, July 15. The Kansas City Chiefs signed right guard Trey Smith to a 4-year, $94 million extension. That makes him the highest-paid interior lineman in league history. The deal includes $70 million in guaranteed money, the most ever awarded to an NFL guard.
Who just got paid by the New York Jets?
The New York Jets are throwing the cash around, too. They just locked up their biggest playmakers on each side of the ball. On Tuesday, they signed wide receiver Garrett Wilson to a 4-year, $130 million deal. It’s the first time in NFL history a receiver has earned an average of over $31 million after playing only three seasons.
Wilson posted a message on X saying the contract means the world to him and he’s “excited to start a new version of the chase next week.”
Less than 24 hours later, his teammate Sauce Gardner became the highest-paid cornerback in league history. He signed a 4-year, $120.4 million extension. The two-time all-pro and 2022 defensive Rookie of the Year said during the team’s June mini-camp that he wanted to stay with the Jets. The hiring of new head coach Aaron Glenn, a former New York Jets cornerback, was a significant factor.
“I want to win, I want to be a part of changing the organization,” Gardner said. “We got a new regime, AG, his whole coaching staff that he brought in, (General Manager Darren) Mougey, just great guys. Mr. Johnson did a great job at getting those type of guys to be here, and I feel like they’re doing a great job and changing the culture for sure.”
Which players are unhappy with their contracts?
More than a few players are less than pleased with their contract situations. ESPN reports San Francisco wide receiver Jauan Jennings wants a new deal, or he wants to be traded. Coming off his most productive season in 2024, Jennings is set to make $7.5 million.
Washington receiver Terry McLaurin expressed his concern over contract talks with the Commanders on Tuesday. He believes the two sides are entering crunch time to get a new deal done. He also said “it takes two to tango” and plans to hold out of training camp if there is no progress on a deal.
“I’ve been pretty frustrated,” McLaurin said. ”I’m not gonna lie. Everything that has transpired up until this point has been disappointing and frustrating. I’ve wanted to continue my career here. I’ve created my life here. My wife and I bought our first home here, so this is someplace I’ve always wanted to be.”
Why is the big money flowing right now?
In February, the NFL informed teams that the salary cap would be set at $279.2 million for the coming season, higher than anticipated. Wide receivers were the big beneficiaries with players like Ja’Marr Chase, DK Metcalf and Chris Godwin all signing new deals.
Three more big-name players are also hoping for extensions with their current teams. Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson, Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end T.J. Watt and Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons are all paid to sack the quarterback. One of the three will set the market by signing first. They each have a week to decide if they’ll show up on day one of training camp.
Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
