Playing on the final year of a contract is something that all NFL players despise.
But, it is a chance to make themselves more money if they can have a breakout year.
There are plenty of players that are playing under the pressure of an expiring contract in 2022.
Here are three names that could make themselves a ton of money with a productive season.
Baker Mayfield, Quarterback, Carolina Panthers
After having his fifth-year option declined by the Browns, and then traded to the Carolina Panthers.
No one is under more pressure this year than Baker Mayfield.
He will be an unrestricted free agent after this season so this may be his last chance to prove he is an NFL starting QB.
The Panthers have been looking for their franchise QB for years, and they hope Mayfield can help lead them back to the playoffs.
Baker Mayfield with a dart into double coverage 🎯
(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/ptepKrRVXC
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) August 27, 2022
The former first-overall pick has plenty of weapons in Carolina, including Christian McCaffery, D.J. Moore, and Robbie Anderson.
Staying healthy will be the most important thing for Mayfield if he wants to have a good season.
Last year, he suffered a separated shoulder and that significantly hindered his ability to throw the ball.
But, this season he looks fully healthy and ready to seek revenge on the Browns in week one.
This is most likely the final shot Mayfield will get as a starting quarterback, hopefully, he will make the most of it.
Tony Pollard, Running Back, Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys have been underutilizing Tony Pollard for years and now he is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Will this finally be the year he gets the ball in Dallas?
The Cowboys are still paying Ezekiel Elliott a ton of money to be their workhorse, which hurts Pollard’s value.
But, Pollard is far more explosive than Elliott and most other players in the NFL.
Pollard received only a 33.7% snap share in 2021, yet still recorded 719 rushing yards and 337 receiving yards.
Tony Pollard Touchdown!
(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/ouZgQduJzU
— Blogging The Boys (@BloggingTheBoys) December 3, 2021
He also ranked second in yards per touch in 2021 with 6.2 and third in breakaway run rate with 8.5% of his carries going for over 15 yards.
Another productive season from Pollard should see his price skyrocket in the open market.
Especially for a running back that will not have very many carries under his belt.
With Dallas being able to get out of Elliott’s contract after this season, Pollard could be in line for a payday and starting role with the Cowboys.
Kareem Hunt, Running Back, Cleveland Browns
Another running back in the same boat as Pollard is Kareem Hunt of the Cleveland Browns.
Hunt has shown the ability in the past to be an elite RB1, and he will be looking for that opportunity again in 2023.
The former third-round pick requested a trade in the offseason but Cleveland has no interest in moving the running back.
Hunt last played a full season with the Browns in 2020, where he accounted for over 1,000 total yards and 11 touchdowns.
He has an elite ability to avoid tackles and should be paid a lot more than the $1.3 million base salary he is getting in 2022.
Nick Chubb is seemingly the guy of the future in Cleveland but Hunt has everything necessary to be an RB1 for another team in 2023.
