All-Value Defence

By: Josh Frey-Sam

Is Micah Parsons the best non-QB value in the NFL?

There’s a strong argument to suggest that’s the case.

We’re talking about a perennial all-pro and Defensive Player of the Year candidate coming in a little north of $4.2 AAV.

It’s a matter of when, not if Parsons gets a hefty raise (the Cowboys would be smart to get him crossed off their list before they run into another CeeDee Lamb situation), but until that happens, he’s one of the best football players on the planet taking home an average annual pay that ranks 80th in the league at his position.

Let’s break down the rest of the best defensive values in the league

EDGE 1 - Micah Parsons, DAL

EDGE 2 - TJ Watt, PIT

Another candidate for a contract extension very soon. Watt, like Parsons, is one of the best at what he does but is not being paid like it.

Coming in at an AAV of $28M, Watt’s salary doesn’t look too bad at first glance, until you see Myles Garrett is checking in at $40M/ year.

IDL 1 - Vita Vea, TB

The best two-gapper in the world? For my money, yes.

The Bucs are just a different defence when Vea is on the field. He’s a difference maker in every sense, which makes his $17.75M AAV (14th among DTs) a tremendous value.

IDL 2 - Jalen Carter, PHI

Remember when Jalen Carter had “character issues” and fell in the Eagles’ lap at the 9th overall pick?

That worked out pretty well. Imagine if Howie Roseman had never taken that chance.

You could make the argument for one other player — Saquon Barkley — but Carter, in my opinion, is the best player on the best team in the world right now.

I wouldn’t be shocked to see him awarded with a massive contract extension this summer, but for now he’s coming in at $5.4M AAV (42nd among DTs).

LB 1- Zaire Franklin, IND

The NFL’s tackle leader in 2024, and the runner-up in 2023.

Franklin is a machine in the middle of the Colts’ defence and is checking in at a little over $11M AAV, which is eighth among ILB.

LB 2 - Robert Spillane, NE

You know who’s AAV is ninth among ILB? One of the newest New England Patriots, Robert Spillane, who just signed for an even $11M AAV.

Spillane was an incredible get for Mike Vrabel and the Pats. He was 10th in total takcles in 2023 and third last season.

CB 1 - Trent McDuffie, KC

How can you not be a fan of McDuffie?

It felt like he held the Chiefs secondary together at points last season. A first-team all-pro in 2023 and a second-teamer last year, McDuffie’s stats won’t jump off the page, but he is without question one of the top shutdown corners in the league.

He’s going to make a bag real soon, but right now his $3.49M AAV ranks 49th at the position.

CB 2 - Christian Gonzalez, NE

Stud.

Gonzalez is going to be a ton of fun to watch this season now that Carlton Davis is also in Foxborough. Another guy that will be receiving a major pay bump sooner than later, but currently he’s at $3.7M AAV, which ranks 45th.

Safety- Xavier McKinney, GB

The NFL’s reigning interception leader.

McKinney was a revelation for the Packers last season and one of the clear gems of free agency.

His $16.7M AAV, which ranks eighth, is looking pretty good right about now.

Thanks for reading and, as always, have a great day.

Josh