Sorting Through Contract-Year Players

I generally hate singling out an entire group of players and branding the list a group of must-have fantasy options. You know, something like "hey, go draft all the 27-year-olds in fantasy baseball," or "third-year receivers always bust out." It's just too lazy of any fantasy analyst to blanket generalize an entire group without considering the circumstances to each individual situation.

Thus, many people out there believe there is one tried and true reality in sports: Players want to get paid. Well, of course players want to get paid. In the NFL, though, players are constantly under the microscope and don't have guaranteed contracts. More matters than just being in a walk year. What we'll do, then, is take a look at the contract-year players and examine how their motivation will translate into fantasy football success.

---

---

Value Greatly Increased

Philip Rivers, QB, Chargers -- So a guy who would play in New England's frigid January temperatures on a torn ACL for a chance at the Super Bowl is entering the final year of his contract? And he's playing on a squad that is slowly evolving into a passing team from LdT-heavy running. What's not to love?

Jason Campbell, QB, Redskins -- We'll see what kind of man Campbell is this season, that's for sure. In the offseason, he felt like used toilet paper, but now he's ready to be the Redskins' leader. He has further motivation to stick it to the Redskins when it comes to his contract -- whether he re-ups in Washington or parlays a big season into a big payday elsewhere.

Ronnie Brown, RB, Dolphins -- I already like him because he's due an increase in touches and he's in the second year coming off ACL reconstruction. Thus, the contract motivation is a third layer of rationale supporting a big season from Brown.

Jerome Harrison, RB, Browns -- Here is one to watch. Jamal Lewis is on his last legs. The Browns know they'll need to do something about their every-down back before next season. They already have the 26-year-old Harrison in-house, so why not see what they have? Plus, you know Harrison wants a No. 1 job. His motivation and work ethic will be sky-high. You don't want to take him as more than your RB5, but give him a look in the last few rounds as a high-upside guy.

Willie Parker, RB, Steelers -- Not only is Parker only 28 years old, but he doesn't have a ton of tread on his tires and he's fighting off Rashard Mendenhall. Oh, he's also reportedly motivated to make up for an injury-prone off-year in 2008 anyway.

LenDale White, RB, Titans -- Now that LenDale's cut out Patron tequila intake, he's become a slender, 30-pound lighter version of his 2008 self. At 228, he's still plenty big enough to get into the end zone in short-yardage situations. Now, though, he'll be agile enough to shake free a few more times in the open field. Chris Johnson's presence matters, but the Titans will be running the ball plenty, and expect LenDale to improve in terms of yardage and yards-per-carry.

Mark Clayton, WR, Ravens -- In addition to Clayton playing for money after his decent '08 campaign, there will be a growth in rapport with second-year quarterback Joe Flacco. Plus, the Ravens are dealing with Derrick Mason's one-year impersonation of Brett Favre. Thus, both sides have incentive to expand Clayton's role in the offense.

Vincent Jackson, WR, Chargers -- As Rivers continues to grow as an elite passer, Jackson benefits. Last year was just a sneak peek as to what these two are capable of doing.

Value Somewhat Increased

Chad Pennington, QB, Dolphins -- We saw Pennington respond in a big way last season when he was motivated to show the Jets they made a mistake. The Dolphins ended up in the playoffs with Favre and the Jets watching from home. Now, he'll be motivated for a payday. Remember, though, the Dolphins don't win on the strength of Pennington's arm.

Kyle Orton, QB, Broncos -- They aren't many who think the Broncos will be good, and they have two first-rounders next year. Translation: Orton has an unbelievable amount of motivation to have a good season in Denver. Still, there's a definite ceiling on his talent due to an inability to accurately throw the deep pass.

Chris Brown, RB, Texans -- There are plenty of reasons to believe Brown's more important than most give him credit for. First of all, the Texans are looking for a change-of-pace back to the dynamic Steve Slaton, yet they haven't signed Edgerrin James or Deuce McAllister. That means they are content with what they have. At 28, Brown has had a low workload and has plenty left in the tank. When he gets on the field, he'll be anxious to prove that for possible 2010 suitors. There's no reason to take him as anything more than a last-round flier, but keep your eye on him as the season grows nearer.

LeRon McClain, RB, Ravens -- Still part of a three-headed monster. He'd probably like a gig of his own, but the opportunity for a huge amount of carries to showcase himself simply won't be there.

Jerious Norwood, RB, Falcons -- He's always made plays when on the field. Any increase in production will be due to extra touches, not necessarily bringing it to get paid. We expect that to happen.

Pierre Thomas, RB, Saints -- It's a big year for Thomas. His value initially increased late last season due to his heightened role in the offense. This year, he'll have a full year to prove he's worth a large salary as an every-down back.

Leon Washington, RB, Jets -- With the presence of Shonn Greene in New York, it's double motivation for Washington. But, with Greene and Thomas Jones in the mix, will he get enough touches to make said motivation pay fantasy dividends?

Braylon Edwards, WR, Browns -- I would have had him in the above category, but it seems like he's already off to an indifferent start at camp. If he wakes up in time for the season, watch out.

Davone Bess, WR, Dolphins -- He responded after being an undrafted rookie, so he'll be ready to step up and earn a contract. He does have lots of competition, though.

Mark Bradley, WR, Chiefs -- A new coach who likes to air it out and a new quarterback who put up big numbers last year mean it's the perfect chance to build a good season and get that new contract. If the Chiefs had a ton of faith in Bradley, though, they wouldn't have brought in both Bobby Engram and Amani Toomer.

Chris Henry, WR, Bengals -- Well, he clearly wants a new deal, because he hasn't gotten arrested yet this offseason. I'll still believe it when I see it.

Domenik Hixon, WR, Giants -- He's going to have the chance to showcase himself, but he already had that in 2008. The Giants drafted Hakeem Nicks, too.

Kevin Walter, WR, Texans -- It's a cushy spot to be opposite Andre Johnson in that high-octane Houston offense.

Roddy White, WR, Falcons -- He's plenty motivated alright, motivated to get paid before the season. Maybe he knows he won't get as many targets with Tony Gonzalez in the fray? Buyer beware if he has an extended holdout.

Anthony Fasano, TE, Dolphins -- He broke out with a big season (for a tight end) last year. It's hard to see much more upside, but you know he's out to prove it wasn't a fluke.

Randy McMichael, TE, Rams -- He's coming off an injury, too, but there isn't a ton of upside here.

Billy Miller, TE, Saints -- You know he's already anxious to show he's worthy of being used more than Jeremy Shockey, so the contract shouldn't fuel much more incentive.

Contract Status Doesn't Change Value

Eli Manning, QB, Giants -- He's probably going to sign an extension before the season starts and the Giants won't be letting him walk anyway.

Kellen Clemens, QB, Jets -- He's fighting for a job this season, so it's not like his impending free agency adds incentive.

Daunte Culpepper, QB, Lions -- He'll be busy trying to fend off Matthew Stafford. Even if he does, he's smart enough to know it's Stafford's team beginning in 2010. Thus, it wouldn't have mattered if he was signed past this season.

Kevin Faulk, RB, Patriots -- He's a true professional, and we know what we're getting from him. Sure, he'll want a new contract, but it won't change how he plays.

Darren Sproles, RB, Chargers -- Most of the value Sproles possesses will be predicated on how LaDanian Tomlinson plays and is used in 2009. Plus, Sproles is the type of player who brings it every game regardless of the situation.

Ricky Williams, RB, Dolphins -- He's second banana behind Brown, and it's not like Ricky's ever been the best at self-motivation.

Steve Breaston, WR, Cardinals -- With Anquan Boldin back in the fold, it's hard to see Breaston having enough targets to drastically improve his numbers. The results will be more real (better blocking, better route-running) than fantasy.

Joey Galloway, WR, Patriots -- I like his value this season, but it's not because he's playing for a contract. He's already 37 and he'll be playing every year like it's his last at this point. He will benefit from the move to New England's offense, though.

Muhsin Muhammad, WR, Panthers -- At Moose's age, you're playing every year to avoid being a salary cap casualty anyway.

Ben Watson, TE, Patriots -- He has a role in the Patriots offense that isn't changing.

Coin Flips

Brandon Marshall, WR, Broncos -- He's already pushing for the contract to be restructured before the season. Mitigating factors are abound, too -- his off-field police record, his injury issues this past offseason, having to play for a new coach and losing Jay Cutler. Good luck!

Derrick Mason, WR, Ravens -- We already heard he was going to retire, which means money in 2010 isn't really on his mind. Thus, why would his impending free agency even matter?

Terrell Owens, WR, Bills -- Dude, it's T.O. He can be motivated or complaining at the drop of a hat. Why would anything ever change that?

Tony Scheffler, TE, Broncos -- Orton loves throwing to the tight end, but new head coach Josh McDaniels does not.

Others of Note

Charlie Batch, Brock Berlin, Brodie Croyle, Jon Kitna, Joey Harrington, Troy Smith, Mike Bell, Kenneth Darby, Quinton Ganther, Ryan Moats, Adrian Peterson (no, not him ... "the other one"), Antonio Pittman, Kolby Smith, Kenny Watson, Jason Avant, Arnaz Battle, Antonio Chatman, Sinorice Moss, Jerheme Urban, Troy Williamson, Alge Crumpler, Alex Smith (the tight end), L.J. Smith

Remember, fantasy value can be impacted by someone playing for a contract -- as long as he is in the right situation. Just don't be one of those guys who prints out a list of contract-year players and goes nuts drafting them. It's not a hard-and-fast method of judging who will have a good season.

Hat Tip: Fantasy Football Toolbox