The movie "Jerry Maguire," which follows the trials and tribulations of life as a sports agent, will forever be remembered for the memorable 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 contracts loaded with dead presidents. So when a player is in a contract year, he has extra incentive to succeed on the gridiron. As a result, that player could also have added draft value in the world of fantasy football.
Here's a look at the most notable players who are slated to become free agents in 2014.
Josh Freeman, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Freeman is entering a very important season, as he needs to prove that he can win games on a consistent basis ahead of free agency. If not, the Buccaneers could decide to go in a different direction. While he showed flashes of statistical brilliance in 2012, he was anything but consistent. Over his final six starts, Freeman failed to score even 13 fantasy points on four different occassions. Clearly the potential to become a more reliable fantasy option is present, but fantasy owners can't consider Freeman more than a No. 2 quarterback and matchup-based starter in 2013 drafts.
Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons: Ryan is coming off the best statistical season of his entire career, throwing for 4,719 yards with 33 total touchdowns while also finishing among the top eight overall players based on fantasy points. The Falcons are certain to keep their offensive leader around for a long time, but he could still have some extra motivation if he weren't extended and remains slated to become a free agent after the 2013 season. Much like Romo, Ryan could slide a round or two in countless drafts based on the immense depth at the top of the fantasy quarterback position.
Michael Vick, QB, Philadelphia Eagles: Vick, the top fantasy quarterback in 2010, has seen his production and value both slide over the last two seasons. And while he's no longer an elite option from a fantasy perspective, Vick has seen a slight increase in appeal as the projected No. 1 quarterback in the offense of new coach Chip Kelly. Now playing on a one-year deal for all intents and purposes, Vick will have a lot of incentive to put up solid totals. His proneness to injuries is a cause for concern and keep him from being a fantasy starter, but Vick is intruiging nonetheless.
Maurice Jones-Drew, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars: Jones-Drew is coming off an injury-plagued season that saw him hold out of training camp before missing 10 games with an injured foot. Barring any setbacks in his return, "Pocket Hercules" will return to work and be singing for his supper out there on the gridiron. At the age of 27 and coming off a season that saw him record minimal carries, he should be fresh and in line to rebound in the stat sheets. He'll also be motivated to have a successful year with the hope that he'll land one more big contract before his career winds down.
Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland Raiders: It's tough to promote McFadden, as he's become a virtual lock to miss at least a few games every year due to injuries. In fact, he's never played in even 14 games in a single season during his pro career and has missed a combined 13 contest since 2011. So despite being motivated in a contract year and coordinator Greg Olsen's assertion that he will be highlighted in the offense, it's tough to trust McFadden as more than a No. 2 fantasy running back in 2013. He'll be a risk-reward selection at some point in the fourth or fifth round in most drafts.
Eric Decker, WR, Denver Broncos: Decker posted a career year in 2012 with Peyton Manning running the offense in Denver. After putting up just 50 catches in his first two seasons at the NFL level, the Minnesota product recorded 85 catches, 1,064 yards, scored 13 touchdowns and finished seventh in fantasy points among wide receivers. As long as Manning is calling the shots, Decker is going to be a legitimate starting option in fantasy land. So while it will be tough to duplicate the same number of end-zone visits again, he will be tough to pass on in the fourth round as a No. 2 wideout.
James Jones, WR, Green Bay Packers: Jones might have had his best statistical season one year too early, as he's now heading into a contract year. Regardless, the fact that he scored 14 touchdowns and finished among the top 20 players at his position in 2012 does have his value on the rise. Jones is also expected to be in a position to see even more opportunities moving forward, as the Packers are not expected to retain the services of veteran Greg Jennings. I'm not sure that makes Jones more than a No. 3 or 4 fantasy wideout, but there is a lot to like about Jones and his chances to find continued success.
Jeremy Maclin, WR, Philadephia Eagles: Maclin has failed to meet statistical expectations in recent seasons, as injuries and an inconsistent level of production have kept him from being a reliable fantasy option. He has some good things on his side this season, though, as Maclin will be a part of what is expected to be an explosive offense under new coach Chip Kelly. He is also in a contract year, so there's even more motivation for him to fill up the stat sheets. Target Maclin as a No. 3 fantasy wideout who could push for No. 2 numbers if everything falls into place this season.
Hakeem Nicks, WR, New York Giants: Nicks has the talent to be a No. 1 fantasy wideout, but his proneness to injuries has put a dent in his value. After all, he missed several games in 2012 and finished out of the top 50 wideouts based on fantasy points. Nicks should be motivated this season, though, as he is entering a contract year and will need to prove that he can be leaned on as Eli Manning's top option in the Giants' pass attack. Also keep in mind that Victor Cruz is a restricted free agent in 2013, so the G-Men will need to make a decision on both of their top receivers.
Jermichael Finley, TE, Green Bay Packers: Finley was a major disappointment last season, finishing with 667 yards and ranking just 19th in fantasy points at his position. He continued to drop too many passes, and his two touchdowns left a lot to be desired - even teammate Tom Crabtree had more end-zone visits (3). On a positive note, Finley did finish strong and should now see more targets with Greg Jennings no longer in the pass attack. With the potential for a big contract also on the line, Finley should be considered a borderline No. 1 or 2 fantasy tight end. He'll have late-round value.
Jimmy Graham, TE, New Orleans Saints: Graham led all tight ends in fantasy points last season with 152.20 and is set to be a prominent selection once again in 2013 drafts. Of course, that assumes he has no setbacks in his return from an offseason wrist operation. Once he's back at 100 percent, Graham will be motivated to continue his success in the stat sheets as he'll become a free agent in 2014. It's hard to envision a scenario where the Saints would let such a talented member of their offense hit free agency, so keep tabs on his contract situation throughout the summer.
Other notables
Jay Cutler, QB, Chicago BearsDonald Brown, RB, Indianapolis Colts
Dexter McCluster, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Marcel Reece, RB, Oakland Raiders
Ben Tate, RB, Houston Texans
Anquan Boldin, WR, San Francisco 49ers
Kenny Britt, WR, Tenenssee Titans
Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Indianapolis Colts
Brandon LaFell, WR, Carolina Panthers
Mario Manningham, WR, San Francisco 49ers
Santana Moss, WR, Washington Redskins
Golden Tate, WR, Seattle Seahawks
Mike Williams, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Detroit Lions
Sebastian Janikowski, K, Oakland Raiders
Michael Fabiano is an award-winning fantasy football analyst on NFL.com and NFL Network and a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association (FSWA) Hall of Fame. Have a burning question on anything fantasy related? Tweet it to @Michael_Fabiano or send a question via Facebook!












