Breaking Down NFL Rookie Contracts Under Current CBA

The first ever virtual NFL Draft just wrapped up, where 255 prospects were drafted and even more signed with teams immediately thereafter. With one simple signature, the lives of these young men will be changed forever, with a big pay day right around the corner. But how much can your team’s rookie expect to be paid? Let’s breakdown the NFL rookie contracts under the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

CBA’s Impact on NFL Rookie Contracts

Before the 2011 CBA, rookie contract negotiations used to be much more complicated and extensive. There were negotiations on contract language, structure, bonuses, voids and much more. Now teams have been given all the leverage. Rookie contracts are more cookie cutter with very little room to haggle.

Aside from simply reducing the compensation for rookies, the actual negotiating terms have been simplified or taken away altogether. All contracts for drafted rookies are now four years in length, with no re-negotiations of contracts until after three years. Players drafted in the first round also have a fifth-year team option.

The four-year contract’s value, with its combined salary and guaranteed signing bonus, is tied to the value of the salary cap. This means that the 2020 first overall pick will be paid more than the 2019 first overall pick.

Projected NFL Rookie Contracts

The value of each drafted rookie’s contract is already set, as determined by their draft position. While we do not know the exact amount, we have a pretty good idea, as we can compare past rookie contracts with the increase in salary cap to determine the rough amount.

Below, the projected contracts for drafted rookies are listed, as calculated by Spotrac. Again, these contracts are valued for four years. There are a couple notable takeaways from reviewing these contracts. First, Joe Burrow projected to make about $1 million more than Kyler Murray. Second, the contract value disparity among first-round rookies is vast, with the top overall pick expected to sign for over $25 million more than the 32nd overall pick.

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Following the second round, the salary disparity begins slowing down.

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