How Much Money does a 1st Round Pick in the NFL Draft Get?

By Jason Bolton January 13, 2024 07:00

The National Football League (NFL) draft is an annual event where NFL teams select eligible college football players. One of the most intriguing aspects of the draft is the financial aspect, particularly the contracts awarded to first-round picks. The amount of money a first-round pick in the NFL draft receives is determined by various factors, including their position in the draft, the current salary cap, and the collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and the NFL Players Association.

Determining Factors for a 1st Round Pick's Contract

Draft Position

The position a player is drafted in significantly influences the financial terms of their contract. Generally, the higher a player is selected in the first round, the more lucrative their contract will be. The first overall pick traditionally receives the most substantial contract, followed by subsequent picks in descending order.

Rookie Wage Scale

In 2011, the NFL implemented a rookie wage scale as part of the collective bargaining agreement to control the escalating salaries for unproven rookies. The wage scale assigns each draft slot a specific salary cap number, which determines the maximum contract value for each pick.

Contract Length and Signing Bonus

The length of the contract and the signing bonus are crucial factors in determining the total value of a first-round pick's contract. While first-round picks typically receive four-year contracts, the specific terms can vary based on negotiations between the player's agent and the team.

Financial Terms for a 1st Round Pick

Guaranteed Money

First-round picks are often awarded substantial amounts of guaranteed money in their contracts. This guaranteed money provides financial security for the player, as it is paid out regardless of on-field performance or injuries.

Salary Cap Implications

The contracts of first-round picks have implications for their team's salary cap. The allocation of signing bonuses, base salaries, and other bonuses is structured to ensure that the team remains within the confines of the NFL's salary cap regulations.

Offsetting Language and Team Options

Contracts for first-round picks may include clauses such as offsetting language and team options. Offset language allows a team to reduce the guaranteed money owed to a player if they are released and sign with another team. Team options provide the team with the flexibility to extend a player's contract after a certain period, usually after the third or fourth year of the initial deal.

Recent Examples of 1st Round Pick Contracts

2021 NFL Draft

In the 2021 NFL Draft, the first overall pick, Trevor Lawrence, signed a four-year contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars worth $36.8 million, fully guaranteed, including a $24.1 million signing bonus. The 32nd overall pick, Joe Tryon, signed a four-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers worth $11.1 million, including a $6.3 million signing bonus.

2020 NFL Draft

In the 2020 NFL Draft, the first overall pick, Joe Burrow, signed a four-year contract with the Cincinnati Bengals worth $36.2 million, fully guaranteed, including a $23.9 million signing bonus. The 32nd overall pick, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, signed a four-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs worth $10.8 million, including a $5.3 million signing bonus.

The financial terms of contracts for first-round picks in the NFL draft are influenced by various factors, including draft position, the rookie wage scale, and negotiations between the player's representation and the team. These contracts often include substantial amounts of guaranteed money, signing bonuses, and clauses that impact both the player and the team. The financial implications of these contracts extend beyond the individual player, affecting the team's salary cap and long-term roster planning.