NFL draft sees college players taking pay cuts amid NIL changes

In a historic shift, Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman may draft a player this weekend who will enter the NFL with a pay cut, a first in his notable career.

This trend is expected to continue as college football players, now benefitting from revenue sharing and NIL deals, may find themselves earning less in their rookie NFL contracts than they did in college.

Impact of NIL on Player Salaries

The minimum salary for an NFL draft pick in 2026 is set at $915,120. However, many players selected in the upcoming draft may have earned over a million dollars in college, particularly those from top programs spending up to $20.5 million on student-athletes.

Roseman noted that this situation highlights the character and passion of these athletes, stating, 'So the character of those players, their passion and love of the game come to the forefront even more.'

Top Draft Picks and Their Earnings

Quarterbacks dominate the list of players earning more than $1 million in college football. Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and Alabama’s Ty Simpson were first-round draft picks, with Mendoza selected first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders and Simpson at No. 13 by the Los Angeles Rams.

Mendoza is projected to receive a rookie deal exceeding $57 million, with nearly $10.5 million allocated for 2026. In contrast, Simpson's contract is expected to total approximately $25.4 million, including about $4.6 million in his first year.

Future Quarterbacks in the Draft

LSU's Garrett Nussmeier and Miami’s Carson Beck are anticipated to be the next quarterbacks drafted, likely in the second or third rounds. Both are expected to earn less in the NFL than they did as established college starters.

Other quarterbacks in a similar position include Drew Allar (Penn State), Taylen Green (Arkansas), Cole Payton (North Dakota State), Sawyer Robertson (Baylor), Cade Klubnik (Clemson), and Joey Aguilar (Tennessee).

Character and Age Considerations

While financial implications of NIL deals are significant, age is also a concern for NFL teams. Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta noted that 18% of the team's draft board consists of players at least 24 years old, a sharp increase from 4% in previous years.

DeCosta attributed this trend to the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of NIL payments, which may influence future drafting strategies.

Navigating Financial Awareness

Jacksonville Jaguars general manager James Gladstone commented on the financial awareness of younger players, stating, 'The fact that they’re not just being dumped a good chunk of cash for the first time when they enter the NFL. They now have some version of experience navigating that, and that can be a really helpful piece for sure.'

This newfound financial experience among players may alter the landscape of NFL drafts in the years to come, allowing them to manage their wealth more effectively.

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