"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."

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.

The Vikings are on the verge of the playoffs with quarterback Sam Darnold, who NFL sources believe will not return to Minnesota.