LockerRoomDaily

With all the focus on blockbuster trades and nine-figure deals, it’s easy to overlook the true engine of a championship roster: value. Not every game-changer makes $30 million a year – and the smartest front offices know it.

Here are five of the most underrated contracts in the NFL right now. These are the deals no one’s talking about…but probably should be.

1. Poona Ford (DT, Rams) – 3 Years, $29.6M

You don’t replace Aaron Donald – but this might be the next best thing.

Poona Ford steps into LA after grading as PFF’s No. 3 run defender with the Chargers. At just under $10M a year, the Rams landed a 315-pound trench-warrior who posted 23 pressures and 3 sacks in 2024 while clogging lanes like a human boulder.

With LA finishing 20th in run defense EPA last year, Ford’s impact could be immediate and massive. Sneaky steal.

2. Jeremy Chinn (S, Raiders) – 2 Years, $16.26M

How does a safety with 117 tackles, 2 sacks, and a pick go for just $8.13M/year?

Chinn balled out in Washington but flew under the radar in free agency. Now he joins Patrick Graham’s aggressive Las Vegas defense with a chip on his shoulder and a role that should fit him perfectly as a downhill, hybrid enforcer.

For context: the Panthers gave Tre’von Moehrig $17M AAV. Raiders might’ve just doubled their value for half the price.

READ MORE: NFL’s Worst Contracts in Last 5 Years

3. Kevin Zeitler (G, Titans) – 1 Year, $9M

At 35, Zeitler is still better than most linemen in their prime.

He ranked 3rd among all guards per PFF in 2024 – allowing just 5 sacks and drawing 2 penalties. With 197 career starts and zero signs of fading, he’s exactly the kind of veteran lineman a young offense needs to stabilize and survive.

If you’re going to protect a project QB, this is how you do it. Cheap, smart, elite.

4. Kristian Fulton (CB, Chiefs) – 2 Years, $20M

The Chiefs quietly patched up one of their biggest weaknesses with this move.

Fulton had 51 tackles, 7 PDs, and an INT for the Chargers last year – then flipped to a division rival on a deal that ranks just 25th in CB AAV. He’ll give KC options behind or alongside Jaylen Watson, and serve as crucial depth with upside.

Bonus: poaching from an AFC West opponent never hurts.

5. Joey Bosa (EDGE, Bills) – 1 Year, $12.6M

Yes, he’s missed time. But the upside is still monster.

Bosa has 72 career sacks and remains one of the league’s most technically sound pass rushers when healthy. In Buffalo’s win-now window, they don’t need him for 17 games – they need him on third-and-long in January.

At just $12.6M, this is a bet on pedigree and timing. If it hits, it could change the AFC playoff race.