Stellar bargains: Five Vikings expected to outperform their contracts in 2018

With 218 catches for 2,705 yards and 16 touchdowns, there may not be another Viking who has outplayed his current contract more than receiver Stefon Diggs. He's made about $1.8 million in three NFL seasons, and is set to make $1.9 million at the end of his rookie deal.

That's why Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman is trying to re-sign Diggs to a long-term extension this summer. Assuming Diggs gets a healthy pay bump before Week 1, given the Vikings' track record for locking up home-grown talent, which other players are set to outperform their deals?

I'm glad you asked. Here are the top five other Vikings bargains, with the rank referring to their 2018 salary compared to other players at their position in the league.

1. Receiver Adam Thielen

2018 cap hit: $6,100,000

Position rank: 32nd (per OverTheCap.com)

The deal: Thielen has been outperforming his contract ever since he got $11 million guaranteed on a three-year extension after the 2016 season (when he had 89 career catches for 1,248 yards). He more than doubled his career numbers last season with 91 catches for 1,276 yards, establishing himself as one of the NFL's top receivers. The Vikings would be wise to revisit his contract soon and keep happy one of their top weapons.

2018 cap hit: $1,443,934

Position rank: 39th

The deal: Rookie contracts… With all the big-money deals to keep stars, the Vikings need contributors on bargain deals. There are fewer better examples in the NFL than Cook, who played 70 percent of the snaps last season before tearing his ACL in Week 4 and is again expected to play a heavy role in the offense under John DeFilippo. Cook is expected to be the engine driving the offense, with $84 million quarterback Kirk Cousins thriving off the run game as he did with impressive play-action numbers in Washington. Cook's workload this summer will be monitored as he eases back in.

3. Center Pat Elflein

2018 cap hit: $871,210

The deal: Elflein showed promise in an up-and-down rookie season. He'll be expected to take another step forward in 2018 while anchoring the middle of an all-too-often unstable offensive line. His ongoing recovery from ankle surgery this offseason hindered one of the items on his to-do list: hitting the weight room. What is certain is Elflein, an agile center, is expected to be a great fit for the Vikings' movement-based offense under DeFilippo.

4. Defensive end Brian Robison

2018 cap hit: $1,105,000

Position rank: 61st

The deal: Robison gave back about $2 million in a contract restructure this offseason to remain with the Vikings. The longest-tenured Viking is expected to retire after a 12th season in Minnesota. With how often Mike Zimmer likes to rotate defensive linemen, Robison is expected to again play a part-time role as one of the best values in the NFL. His year started by filling in for the injured Everson Griffen throughout spring practices. Robison should add to a current total of 60 sacks before calling it a career.

2018 cap hit: $10,000,000

Position rank: 6th

The deal: Smith has been under the radar for years, but he stepped into the national spotlight in 2017 with a first-team All-Pro selection and third consecutive Pro Bowl after leading a 13-3 team. His total contract makes him the fifth-highest paid safety at $10.25 million per season, but he's proven better than the deal he signed in June 2016. As big of a letdown as the NFC Championship loss was, it wasn't indicative of Smith's play, nor that of many members of the defense.

Honorable mention

Tackle Rashod Hill

Position rank: T-61st