With the 2024 NFL Draft in the rearview mirror and rookie minicamps underway, it is finally time for the newest members of the NFL family to get their just rewards. All 257 talented and determined draft picks, along with their savvy agents, now turn their attention to their respective front offices in order to secure their first official NFL contracts.
Thanks to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), rookie contracts are now more closely tied to the player’s draft position, leaving little room for negotiation. However, there are still important discussions that must take place before the ink is dry. Each contract contains a fully-guaranteed fifth-year team option, with its value varying based on a number of factors, such as position, playing time, and Pro Bowl selections.
Nate Wiggins, a former standout cornerback for Clemson University and the newest member of the Baltimore Ravens, was the first first-rounder to sign his rookie deal, paving the way for many others to follow suit. Below, Kosport Magazine will break down the details of every first-round pick’s rookie contract once they are reported.
Kosport Magazine’s Take:
It’s an exciting time for these young athletes as they embark on their professional careers. The guaranteed money and potential for long-term security is life-changing. It is also a reminder of the immense talent and dedication that is necessary to reach the pinnacle of the football world. We look forward to seeing these rookies make an impact on the field and continue to shape the future of the NFL.
Player-by-Player Breakdown:
| Pick | Player | Team | Rookie Contract |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
QB Caleb Williams |
Chicago Bears |
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2 |
QB Jayden Daniels |
Washington Commanders |
|
|
3 |
QB Drake Maye |
New England Patriots |
|
|
4 |
WR Marvin Harrison Jr |
Arizona Cardinals |
|
|
5 |
OT Joe Alt |
Los Angeles Chargers |
|
|
6 |
WR Malik Nabers |
New York Giants |
|
|
7 |
OT JC Latham |
Tennessee Titans |
|
|
8 |
QB Michael Penix Jr |
Atlanta Falcons |
|
|
9 |
WR Rome Odunze |
Chicago Bears |
|
|
10 |
QB J.J. McCarthy |
Minnesota Vikings |
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|
11 |
OT Olu Fashanu |
New York Jets |
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|
12 |
QB T.J. Finley |
Cleveland Browns |
Kosport Magazine would like to congratulate all of these young talents on their achievements and wish them the best as they begin their journeys in the NFL. We can’t wait to see what they will accomplish in the years to come.
The future stars of the NFL
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Kosport Magazine presents the top 25 pick signings in the 2022 NFL Draft. From Bo Nix to Jordan Morgan, these players have officially signed to their teams and are ready to make an impact on the field.
1. QB Bo Nix
Bo Nix, the highly coveted quarterback from Auburn, has officially signed with the Denver Broncos. The 4-year, $18.61 million deal is fully guaranteed, making it a big win for both Nix and the Broncos.
2. TE Brock Bowers
The Las Vegas Raiders secured their offensive line with the signing of Brock Bowers. The 4-year, $18.1 million deal, including a $10 million signing bonus, solidifies Bowers as a key player for the team.
3. OT Taliese Fuaga
The New Orleans Saints added depth to their offensive line with the signing of Taliese Fuaga. The 4-year, $17.3 million deal, including a $9.4 million signing bonus, shows the Saints’ commitment to protecting their quarterback.
4. EDGE Laiatu Latu
The Indianapolis Colts invested in their defense by signing Laiatu Latu. The 4-year, $17 million deal, including a $9.2 million signing bonus, showcases the Colts’ confidence in Latu’s abilities on the field.
5. DT Byron Murphy II
The Seattle Seahawks added strength to their defensive line with the signing of Byron Murphy II. The 4-year, $16.1 million deal, including an $8.5 million signing bonus, proves Murphy’s worth to the team.
Kosport Magazine’s Take:
These top 5 picks are loaded with talent and potential, making them the future stars of the NFL. All eyes will be on them as they take the field and showcase their skills. Stay tuned for more updates from Kosport Magazine on the 2022 NFL Draft signings.
New Rookie Class Joining the NFL: Risk versus Reward
The NFL Draft is an exciting time for football fans and teams as they anxiously await the arrival of the newest class of rookies. This year, as always, there are high expectations for these young players, but just like any business venture, there is a certain level of risk involved. As the saying goes, with great risk comes great reward. And the NFL Draft is no different.
Kosport Magazine takes a closer look at some of the top picks from this year’s draft and the potential risk versus reward that comes with each player. From highly-touted quarterbacks to dynamic wide receivers, this class has a lot of potential.
Kosport Magazine’s Take: A Promising Group
One of the most talked about picks from this year’s draft is quarterback Graham Barton, who was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Barton’s college career at Clemson showed potential, but there are concerns about his ability to transition to the professional level. However, with the right coaching and development, Barton could turn out to be a big payoff for the Buccaneers.
Another player generating buzz is EDGE player Darius Robinson, who was picked up by the Arizona Cardinals. Robinson’s speed and strength make him a promising addition to the Cardinals’ defensive line, but some question marks surrounding his injury history make him a riskier choice. Only time will tell if Robinson will live up to his potential, but the Cardinals are optimistic about his future.
Wide receiver Xavier Worthy was highly sought after by teams in this year’s draft, and he ultimately landed with the Kansas City Chiefs. With his speed and agility, Worthy has the potential to be a game-changer for the Chiefs’ offense. However, some concerns about his route-running and consistency make him a riskier pick. But if Worthy can overcome these weaknesses, he could be a valuable asset to the team.
Offensive tackle Tyler Guyton was selected by the Dallas Cowboys, and while his size and athleticism are impressive, there are concerns about his consistency and technique. The Cowboys are willing to take a chance on Guyton and develop him into a reliable player, but there is a level of risk involved with this pick.
On the other hand, cornerback Nate Wiggins was picked up by the Baltimore Ravens. Wiggins has raw talent and potential, but he will need significant development and coaching to thrive in the NFL. The Ravens have a strong track record for developing young players, so they may have struck gold with this pick.
The San Francisco 49ers selected wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, who has the speed and physicality to excel at the professional level. However, some concerns about drops and inconsistencies in his college career make him a riskier choice. But with the right coaching and support, Pearsall could prove to be a valuable asset for the 49ers.
Lastly, Xavier Legette was picked up by the Carolina Panthers and has the potential to be a dynamic receiver in their offense. However, his injury history and some concerns about his route-running skills make him a bit of a gamble. But if Legette can stay healthy and refine his technique, he could be a game-changing player for the Panthers.
In the end, the NFL Draft will always be a risk versus reward game. Teams must carefully weigh their options and do their due diligence on potential draft picks. While there is no guarantee of success, this year’s rookie class has the potential to make a significant impact on their respective teams.
