Predictions
30 November, 2025
It’s time to shine a light on a select group of NFL icons. While these athletes have certainly impressed on the field, it’s finally time to recognize their prowess in dealing with some of the tightest wallets out there: NFL team owners. Welcome to the first-ever Bag Hall of Fame (BHOF).
I want to clarify that this isn’t about celebrating players who were overcompensated or didn’t deserve their earnings during their NFL careers. Frankly, most players, both past and present, are underpaid when you consider the risks involved in professional football. I see no joy in criticizing backup quarterbacks who’ve enjoyed a comfortable paycheck while seldom seeing the field.
Instead, this is about honoring those players who have skillfully maximized their negotiating power and earned their worth. Think of the players who took holdouts to new heights, those who put their confidence on the line and were richly rewarded for it. Some even managed to negotiate their own contracts, pocketing millions that might have otherwise gone to an agent.
For this inaugural class, I—the selection committee—am welcoming eight players who have already established themselves in the BHOF. Most are still active, but they’ve made enough of an impact to earn their spots without waiting five years. Many have claimed Super Bowl titles, and a few are already in the Pro Football Hall of Fame or are likely to join someday. Here’s our first class:
Kirk Cousins is a name that stands out when discussing this honor. Set to become the highest-paid backup quarterback in NFL history, he has raked in over $294 million throughout his career, with an additional $37.5 million guaranteed from the Falcons coming his way before the 2026 season kicks off. While he has often been underestimated as a dependable passer, it’s fair to say he has never quite reached the pinnacle of quarterbacking.
From 2016 to 2024, Cousins out-earned every other quarterback, with $291.3 million in earnings—$21 million more than the next best player. His journey wasn’t typical; he was drafted 100 spots after Robert Griffin III in 2012 and initially served mostly as an injury replacement. Yet, after a breakout season in 2016, his path to a starting role was paved.
The Washington franchise, however, was less than convinced. After a series of negotiations fell through, they opted to franchise tag him, offering just under $20 million. But Cousins responded with an impressive Pro Bowl season, throwing for nearly 5,000 yards and 25 touchdowns. The ongoing public negotiations, where team executives continually misnamed him, only added fuel to his fire.
Ultimately, Cousins hit free agency, securing a landmark contract with the Vikings: three years, $84 million, mostly guaranteed. He continued to negotiate favorable deals, maintaining his status as one of the highest-paid players in the league. Even after a difficult 2023 season, he signed a massive four-year deal with the Falcons, solidifying his place in NFL history.
Now, let’s discuss Dak Prescott, another impressive addition to this hall. Like Cousins, Prescott was a fourth-round pick who had to prove himself. After stepping up when Tony Romo was injured, he swiftly led the Cowboys to numerous successes. Yet, when it came time for his contract extension, the front office was more focused on Ezekiel Elliott.
Prescott played the final year of his rookie deal and eventually received the franchise tag. Despite suffering a significant ankle injury, he capitalized on the ticking clock of free agency, ultimately securing a record-setting four-year, $160 million deal. Prescott’s ability to negotiate no-trade and no-tag clauses granted him leverage, and he set records for average annual salary and signing bonuses.
He has since continued to command top dollar, securing a staggering four-year deal worth $240 million after a stellar 2023 season. His ability to navigate negotiations and maintain his value has made him one of the highest-paid players in the league.
The Bag Hall of Fame is a fascinating exploration of how NFL players navigate financial negotiations. The inductees not only showcase their on-field talent but also their business acumen in securing lucrative contracts. This trend reflects a broader shift in the NFL, where players are increasingly taking control of their financial destinies.
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