This Thursday, the spotlight will be on the 2025 NFL Draft, an event that not only excites millions of fans, but also represents the starting point for young talent aspiring to reach one of the most prestigious leagues in world sport.
Although the NFL is known for its high salaries, players making the jump from college football do not immediately receive seven-figure salaries. Entry into the professional league imposes certain salary restrictions, especially for rookies.
Each new player signed must agree to a contract with a maximum duration of four years. In the case of those selected in the first round, teams have the option to extend that contract to a fifth year. On the other hand, players who join the league as undrafted free agents receive an initial three-year contract. These rules are part of the system designed by the league to maintain financial balance between teams.
A total shock! Titans change their No. 1 pick in 2025 NFL Draft and stuns Cam Ward and the league
The most lucrative deal for a rookie in Draft history dates back to 2010, when the St. Louis Rams selected Sam Bradford and offered him $78 million, of which 50 was guaranteed. From that year onwards, a new collective bargaining agreement was negotiated in 2011 to have more control in this regard.
How is the salary of rookies determined?
The figure for the deal for the NFL’s next players is governed by where they were selected with a maximum of $43.01 million for the first pick and a minimum of $4.28 million for the last picks from 248 to 257.
This is the tab for total earnings for rookies in the first round of the NFL Draft through pick 32:
- $43.01 million
- $41,108,290
- $39,898,136
- $38,515,052
- $36,094,688
- $31,772,616
- $28,314,964
- $24,857,308
- $24,684,224
- $23,733,556
- $22,264,062
- $20,189,458
- $19,670,812
- $18,806,406
- $18,460,658
- $17.4 million
- $17,077,566
- $16.6 million
- $16,386,036
- $16,299,602
- $16,213,156
- $16,040,266
- $15,867,390
- $15,521,620
- $15,348,744
- $15,175,838
- $15,002,980
- $14,916,532
- $14,222,886
- $13,855,552
- $13,547,846
- $13,349,728