10 NFL Legends Who’d Get Massive Contracts in Today’s Market

It’s no secret that today’s NFL players are cashing in big-time, especially if they can sack quarterbacks, throw bombs, or run past defenders like they’re standing still. But imagine if some of the game’s all-time greats hit the open market in the current era of monster deals and salary cap booms.

These legends might’ve played in different decades, but their talents would make front offices drool today. We’re talking about generational game-changers who’d basically have agents demanding private jets and ownership stakes.

10. Deion Sanders

Deion Sanders
Deposit Photos

Prime Time wasn’t just a shutdown corner—he was a full-blown entertainment package. In today’s NFL, teams would be tossing bags at him just for the swagger alone.

9. Walter Payton

Walter Payton
Openverse

Sweetness could do it all: run, catch, block, and make defenders miss like they were on skates. A do-it-all back like that today? He’d be getting CMC money and then some.

8. Randy Moss

Randy Moss
Wikimedia Commons

You didn’t cover Moss, you just tried to survive him. In today’s pass-heavy league, he’d be putting up video game numbers and commanding wide receiver 1A contracts.

7. Reggie White

Reggie White
Flickr

The Minister of Defense was a nightmare for offensive lines. If he hit free agency now, teams would be emptying the vault just to get a meeting with him.

6. Tony Gonzalez

Tony Gonzalez
Flickr

Imagine having a 6’5″ tight end with hands like glue and the footwork of a wideout. Every GM would be tripping over themselves trying to lock him down long-term.

5. Lawrence Taylor

Lawrence Taylor
Flickr

LT didn’t just change the game—he scared the living daylights out of quarterbacks. With edge rushers now commanding QB-level paychecks, he’d be in his own tax bracket.

4. Jerry Rice

Jerry Rice
Wikimedia Commons

Yes, the GOAT himself. If he were torching defenses today, you can bet he’d reset the wide receiver market every single season.

3. Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning
Wikimedia Commons

The sheriff with the golden arm and a football IQ off the charts. He’d have teams lined up offering blank checks and begging him to name his price.

Read More: 15 Former NFL WRs Who Would Thrive in the Modern Game

2. Barry Sanders

Barry Sanders
Provided by Richard Bartlaga

Nobody made defenders look sillier than Barry. In today’s league, where explosive plays are king, he’d be getting a Brinks truck backed into his driveway.

Read More: 15 NFL Contract Disasters That Teams Wish They Could Erase

1. Tom Brady

Tom Brady
Openverse

Sure, he ended up doing just fine, but if prime Brady hit the market today, he’d make Mahomes’ deal look like a rookie contract. Seven rings, unmatched leadership, and ice in his veins? That’s a billion-dollar brand right there.

Read More: 15 NFL Players Who Were Born a Decade Too Soon

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