Fansided

10 biggest bargains in the NFL

By Parker Hurley

Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws the ball during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi
Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws the ball during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi /
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Oct 16, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) is hit by Buffalo Bills linebacker Lorenzo Alexander (57) after throwing a pass during the second half at New Era Field. Buffalo beat San Francisco 45-16. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) is hit by Buffalo Bills linebacker Lorenzo Alexander (57) after throwing a pass during the second half at New Era Field. Buffalo beat San Francisco 45-16. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Lorenzo Alexander

Through seven games, it may surprise some who is the leader in the NFL when it comes to sacks. Names like Justin Houston, Bruce Irvin, and Von Miller top the list of highest paid outside linebackers, but way down the list is Lorenzo Alexander, who leads the league with nine sacks.

To be fair, based on what the Bills paid the guy, they hardly expected to have signed the NFL sacks leader to this point either. The Bills signed Alexander, formerly on the Arizona Cardinals, to a one-year deal that gives the Bills a $600,000 cap hit.

Alexander is the definition of a surprise breakout. He is 33-years old, and before this season had amassed 16 starts in nine years. In that time he compiled nine sacks. Through seven games of his 2016 season, he has already matched his career sack total.

In terms of the future value of the deal, there is none. Alexander is most likely a one season wonder and next season the Bills will have a big decision to make. Alexander will be hoping to get paid for his on-field success, and some team will more than likely give Alexander more than the league minimum to attempt to rekindle this magic. On the other hand, this is a player who will be 34 years old, and until 2016, has not started more three games since 2010.

For the time being, the Bills should just sit back and be happy with the success of the hidden gem they found in Alexander. Getting nine sacks out of a player making less than $1 million is highly unlikely for a single season let alone just seven weeks to date.

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