"By average per year (APY), Phillips is the eight-highest-paid edge rusher in football. He's the 11th-highest-paid defensive player overall and the 18th-highest-paid non-quarterback. His $80 million in guarantees ranks ninth among all pass rushers, too. This is one of the bigger contracts -- and, accordingly, bigger shocks -- of the cycle."
"But Mafe, who is already 27, got the same APY that Greg Rousseau (Bills) and George Karlaftis (Chiefs) got on their extensions despite being three years younger with comparable production. The belief is that Mafe's great pressure numbers will stay sticky and lead to increased sack totals in an expanded role."
"Of course, this is how it works. Karlaftis and Rousseau signed with their home teams on early extensions; Mafe, meanwhile, had plenty of suitors. Karlaftis and Rousseau got much bigger guarantees; Mafe, as is typically the case with the Bengals, didn't get nearly the same security."
NFL free agency has largely concluded with major deals settled during the legal negotiation period. The article focuses on awarding recognition for notable transactions beyond typical winner and loser categories, highlighting unusual market movements and contract structures. Edge rushers dominate the discussion, with Phillips securing an $80 million guarantee contract ranking ninth among pass rushers, while Mafe received comparable average-per-year compensation to younger players like Rousseau and Karlaftis despite being older. The contracts reflect how competitive bidding and team circumstances influence player valuations, with home-team extensions providing different guarantee structures than open-market signings.
Read at ESPN.com
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