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NFL free agency 2017: Five players whose value could skyrocket

By Matt Verderame

Oct 25, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones (95) points during the first half of a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones (95) points during the first half of a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 31, 2016; Honolulu, HI, USA; Team Rice strong safety Charles Woodson of the Oakland Raiders (24) on the NFL gold shield logo to commemorate Super Bowl 50 during the 2016 Pro Bowl against Team Irvin at Aloha Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 31, 2016; Honolulu, HI, USA; Team Rice strong safety Charles Woodson of the Oakland Raiders (24) on the NFL gold shield logo to commemorate Super Bowl 50 during the 2016 Pro Bowl against Team Irvin at Aloha Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Going into the 2016 NFL season, we zero in on five players who could see their value soar before hitting free agency.

After watching Malik Jackson go from a good player to a $90 million man, and Olivier Vernon turn a decent career into one of the more lucrative contracts in league history, players know more than ever that the money is available.

With television, merchandise and ticket revenues growing at exponential rates annually, the 32 NFL owners are ready to spend with an inflating salary cap demanding it. Going into the 2016 NFL season, there are ample players positioning themselves to cash in, whether it is with their current team or another that is willing to pay through the proverbial nose.

While no quarterbacks are expected to hit the market – the Indianapolis Colts will sign Andrew Luck – there are plenty of other high-profile stars who could go from rich to unfathomably wealthy.

For the purposes of this piece, we are assuming that every player on the franchise tag will be signed to a long-term deal before the July 15 deadline. While Von Miller and the Denver Broncos have hit a considerable snag, these contracts tend to be worked out when the pressure of finality is on.

Here are five players to watch for in 2016…

Next: 5. Stephon Gilmore

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