LB A.J. Klein

Estimated average annual salary: $5.75 million

Projected compensatory pick: 6th round

Klein turned in one of his best years as a pro, and is looking to cash in on what may be his last opportunity to sign a big-money deal. He’s a starting-quality linebacker in this league and deserves to be paid like it after posting a stat line of 67 combined tackles (5 for loss of yards), 2.5 sacks and 5 hits, and a triple crown of one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. The Saints can probably compete with any contract offers he’ll receive, but it’s worth noting that they traded for Klein’s replacement, Kiko Alonso, last season. Questions surround whether Alonso will accept a pay cut from his $8.7 million cap hit and if his body can hold up after his third career ACL tear.

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