5 NFL players who are currently on undeserving contracts

5 NFL players who are on bad contracts

Here are five players who currently have a contract that is hurting their team heading into the 2022 NFL season.

#3 - QB Sam Darnold, Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold

Sam Darnold is set to make just under 19 million dollars in the 2022 season. That's a large salary cap hit, especially considering he lost his job as the starting quarterback during the 2021 season. Darnold completed less than 60 percent of his passes while throwing just nine touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He has a 4-7 record as a starter for the Panthers.

#4 - TE Jonnu Smith, New England Patriots

New England Patriots tight end Jonnu Smith

The New England Patriots signed Jonnu Smith in the 2021 offseason with expectations that he would be a key part of their offense. It didn't work out that way. He recorded less than 300 yards, despite playing in 16 regular-season games. He will make nearly 14 million dollars for the 2022 season, the third most among all NFL tight ends.

#5 - S Landon Collins, Washington Commanders

Washington Commanders safety Landon Collins

Landon Collins has had one of the worst contracts in the league since joining Washington. They signed him as one of the highest paid safeties of all time, despite being a box safety who has always been a liability in coverage. He allowed eight touchdowns in coverage in the 2021 season, tied for the most by any player.

He's also had a difficult time staying healthy, and has been prone to missing games due to injuries every season he's played in Washington. Although he is only slated to make around 12 million dollars next season, his contract runs until 2024 and his salary will increase with each passing year. One imagines Washington will not be too thrilled at that fact, seeing as their star safety is underperforming.