Daniel Faalele’s Breakout Season
At a towering 6-foot-8 and weighing 380 pounds, the offensive guard transformed from a reliable career tackle into a dominant force on the field. Beginning his NFL journey with few starts and a transition period at right guard, Faalele secured a starting role during training camp and the preseason. The 2022 fourth-round pick not only started every game, but his consistent performance helped him earn Pro Bowl alternate honors. His efforts translated to a significant pay raise of $1,020,871, a figure that nearly matched his season salary, underscoring his rapid development and impact. Faalele’s robust presence on the offensive line created critical opportunities for his teammates, as exemplified by his role in opening running lanes during key plays.
Ar’Darius Washington’s Defensive Evolution
Measured at 5-foot-8 and 180 pounds, the safety emerged as a stabilizing and playmaking force after taking over a starting position previously held by a veteran defender. Washington’s contributions helped reshape a struggling passing defense into one of the league’s most efficient units in the latter part of the season. Starting the final 10 regular-season games and both playoff contests, he formed an impressive tandem with his counterpart safety, strengthening the team’s secondary. With career-high numbers that include 64 total tackles, five tackles for loss, a sack, two interceptions, and multiple pass deflections, Washington demonstrated his ability to change the course of a game. His performance secured him a pay raise of $876,554, nearly matching his season salary and marking a substantial upgrade in his career earnings as he enters restricted free agency.
