Nick Fairley, defensive tackle, New Orleans Saints
Staying motivated to play his best ball has always been an issue for Nick Fairley, who was rewarded by the Saints with a four-year deal worth almost $30 million. He signed a one-year deal last offseason to play in New Orleans and showed up big inside, racking up 43 total tackles and 6.5 sacks.
In 2014, Fairley’s final season with the Detroit Lions, he was largely ineffective during the first half of the season before suffering an MCL injury that ended his campaign. He then signed with the then St. Louis Rams for the 2015 season, proving almost invisible on that defensive line-heavy squad before landing in the Bayou.
In his six seasons as a pro, the Auburn product has had three solid seasons and three that can only be described as disappointments.
Now, it’s worth pointing out that Fairley’s contract wasn’t massive. And it escalates in value every year. So clearly, the Saints are still asking Fairley to prove it. It’s a smart strategy, because given his past it won’t be surprising whatsoever if the defensive tackle ends up disappointing again.