Assessing the value of C.J. Ham heading into free agency
By Dean Jones
What will it cost to re-sign Ham?
Locking C.J. Ham up to a long-term deal is one thing that is actually within the realms of possibility for the Vikings this offseason.
This is due to the lack of demand at the position and its overall importance, but Ham’s progression from a reserve to an impressive contributor is deserving of a new contract.
First, Minnesota has real salary cap concerns that must be addressed before anybody gets more money or an improved deal. They are slightly under the cap after Everson Griffen opted out of his deal, but more sacrifices are needed to secure the Vikings’ short and long-term chances of success.
Whether Ham falls into this bracket or not remains to be seen. An offer of around $1.5 million annually on a three-year deal might be enough to get the fullback to commit to the franchise during his prime years.
The life of a fullback is short given the impact they face on almost every play. Ham has relatively low mileage for a player operating at the position, which is going to help him during contract discussions.
Kyle Juszczyk’s $21 million deal with the San Francisco 49ers is the largest current fullback contract ($5.25 million yearly average). If Ham wants something similar to this in Minnesota, he is not going to get it.
Somewhere in the region of $7 million in total value should get the job done and allow Ham to continue his career with the Vikings.