The movie Jerry Maguire, which follows the trials and tribulations of life as a sports agent, will forever be remembered for the quote, "Show me the money!" That line also has quite a bit of relevance in the world of fantasy football. While a Super Bowl championship is the ultimate motivation for most players, professional sports is now a business that's based on exorbitant contracts. As such, when a player is in a contract year, he has extra incentive to find statistical success, and will also have added fantasy draft value. With that in mind, here's a look at 10 players who are slated to become unrestricted free agents in 2011.
Note: Our list doesn't include Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, who are expected to sign new deals with their current teams.
Donovan McNabb, QB, Redskins: McNabb will be motivated to produce on two fronts this season. First, he'll be geared up to make the Eagles rue their decision to trade him. Second, he'll be playing for a new contract. Considering that he's 33, it could be the last lucrative deal McNabb lands as an NFL player. The fact the the veteran also faces the most favorable schedule at the quarterback position makes him even more attractive as a low-end starter.
Joseph Addai, RB, Colts: Addai continued in his role as the Colts' top running back last season, and produced solid numbers for fantasy owners. With unrestricted free agency looming in 2011, he'll look to put up another productive campaign next season. Aside from contractual incentives, Addai will also need to continue his recent statistical output to fend off 2009 first-rounder Donald Brown. Overall, Addai is a No. 2 back.
Cedric Benson, RB, Bengals: A one-time bust as a member of the Bears, Benson has resurrected his career and fantasy value with the Bengals. He posted career bests in carries and rushing yards last season, and he'll be motivated to post even better numbers in 2010 with a contract on the line. In an offense that leans on the run, Benson could contend for a rushing title. He's worth a first- or second-round pick on draft day.
Ronnie Brown, RB, Dolphins: Brown is slated to be a restricted free agent with a first-round tender in 2011, so he's playing for a contract. The fact that he's missed major portions of two of the last three seasons due to injuries is a cause for concern, but when he's healthy he can be a serious asset. The epitome of a risk-reward player, Brown is a viable No. 2 fantasy back and worth a fourth- or fifth-round pick.
Pierre Thomas, RB, Saints: Thomas could turn into one of the best bargains in fantasy drafts this season. Not only is he destined to see a major role in the Saints offense, but he's also playing for a contract. While he will lose some opportunities as a pass catcher out of the backfield with Reggie Bush in the mix, Thomas should still see most of the early-down work and his share of goal-line touches.
DeAngelo Williams, RB, Panthers: Williams, who led all running backs in fantasy points in 2008, will be a popular second-round pick in most drafts. The explosive runner will remain atop the depth chart for coach John Fox, though his statistical upside is capped with Jonathan Stewart in the mix. Chances are that Williams will be a candidate to be franchised in 2011, but the veteran still has added incentive to perform.
Randy Moss, WR, Patriots: Moss, who will be 34 next year, is by no means guaranteed to be re-signed by the Patriots after the 2010 campaign. In fact, he's made it public that he doesn't think the team will retain his services. While he is getting long in the tooth, Moss is still an elite fantasy wideout. That was evident last season, when he finished second in points at his position.
Mike Sims-Walker, Jaguars: Sims-Walker put up career numbers across the board in 2009, but injuries were still a bit of an issue. He'll have extra motivation to stay on the field in 2001, though, as Sims-Walker will be playing for a contract. He'll remain the top option in the pass attack - the Jaguars didn't add a major wideout during the offseason - so Sims-Walker should see more than his share of targets. If he can avoid the injury bug, he'll be a No. 2 option.
Steve Smith, WR, Giants: Smith broke the Giants' single-season reception mark and become a tremendous option for fantasy owers in standard and PPR leagues in 2009. The Giants will no doubt look to re-sign Smith, but he will have motivation to succeed in the interim. Regardless, the Southern California product should be seen as a viable No. 2 fantasy wide receiver with additional value in scoring systems that reward points for receptions.
Vernon Davis, TE, 49ers: Davis is coming off the best season of his career with 965 yards and 13 touchdowns, so it could be hard to duplicate those impressive totals. However, he'll be more than geared up to have another strong statistical campaign with the prospect of a huge contract hanging in the balance. While you almost have to expect Davis' totals to slide a bit, he's still one of the top five tight ends in fantasy football.
Other notables: Ricky Williams, RB, Dolphins; Miles Austin, WR, Cowboys; Sidney Rice, WR, Vikings; Owen Daniels, TE, Texans; Zach Miller, TE, Raiders.
Michael Fabiano is an award-winning fantasy football analyst on NFL.com. Have a burning question for Michael on anything fantasy football related? Leave it in our comments section or send it to **AskFabiano@nfl.com**!
