As Madubuike can attest, fortunes can be made because of performance in a contract year. With the NFL regular season two-thirds of the way over, here are five players who have made good use of their contract year.

"Darnold’s price might continue to go up as teams evaluate the draft and available free-agent quarterbacks," The Athletic's Dianna Russini wrote. "Front office executives believe that his experience and performance in Minnesota this season will make Darnold’s market competitive in March."

Sam Darnold is “excited” about Daniel Jones’ next NFL chapter in Minnesota. On Wednesday, the same day it was reported the former Giants quarterback is signing with the Vikings, the team’s current signal-caller said he’s “very happy to be teammates with Jones,” who was released by Big Blue last Friday after five-and-a-half rollercoaster seasons.