So I still see 2 year contracts, I thought that was over?

I was under the impression that 2 year contracts were over, but I saw Best Buy selling iPhones last week for a lower price if you get a 2 year contract thru a carrier. Verizon who i've been with for a while has the retail price of the iPhone, or pay $27-31 for 24 months. You also have the Apple deal where you lease thru them to upgrade every year if i'm not mistaken.

My main question is for advice on where to buy a new iPhone these days, but my side question would be why I still see 2 year contracts everywhere?