For the second straight year, contract valies for the incoming rookie class of the NFL draft are rising considerably. This is perhaps to be expected since the covid-induced stalling of pay rises is still being corrected, and the salary cap has gone up by 10% to $224.8 million this season.
As per the league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), drafted players in the first round acquire contracts that last for four years, with the option of a fifth season.
Bryce Young’s rookie deal
As the 1st overall pick, Alabama’s Bryce Young was taken by the Carolina Panthers and is expected to sign a contract worth around $41.2 million. His 4-year rookie deal includes a $27 million signing bonus.
That’s $3.9 million more than last year’s No. 1 pick, Travon Walker.