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NFL 3rd Round Pick Salaries: A Breakdown

Trends January 11, 2025

NFL 3rd Round Draft Pick Salary: What you need to know

The NFL draft is a yearly event where teams select players from college football programs to join their rosters. The draft is divided into seven rounds, with the first round being the most prestigious. Players selected in the first round typically receive the highest signing bonuses and salaries. However, players selected in later rounds can also earn substantial salaries, especially if they have the talent and potential to become impact players in the NFL.

The average salary for a 3rd round pick in the NFL is around $1.2 million per year. However, this number can vary depending on the player's position, draft position, and team. For example, quarterbacks and wide receivers typically earn higher salaries than offensive linemen and defensive backs. Players who are drafted higher in the round also tend to earn higher salaries than those who are drafted later in the round.

In addition to their base salary, NFL players can also earn bonuses for performance, such as making the Pro Bowl or winning the Super Bowl. These bonuses can add up to a significant amount of money, especially for players who are consistently successful on the field.

NFL 3rd Round Pick Salary

The NFL draft is a major event for both teams and players. For teams, it is an opportunity to add talented players to their rosters and build for the future. For players, it is an opportunity to fulfill their dream of playing in the NFL and earn a substantial salary. The average salary for a 3rd round pick in the NFL is around $1.2 million per year. However, this number can vary depending on a number of factors, including the player's position, draft position, and team.

Position
Draft Position
Team
Performance
Bonuses
Experience
Supply and Demand
Salary Cap

These are just a few of the factors that can affect the salary of a 3rd round pick in the NFL. By understanding these factors, players and teams can better negotiate contracts and make informed decisions about their future.

1. Position

The position a player plays has a significant impact on their salary. Quarterbacks, for example, are typically the highest-paid players on a team, followed by wide receivers, tight ends, and running backs. Defensive players, such as cornerbacks and safeties, also earn high salaries, but they typically earn less than offensive players. Offensive linemen and defensive linemen typically earn the lowest salaries on a team, but they are still well-compensated for their contributions to the team.

Quarterbacks are the highest-paid players in the NFL, with an average salary of over $5 million per year. This is because quarterbacks are responsible for leading the offense and making quick decisions under pressure. They also have a major impact on the success of their team.
Wide receivers are the next highest-paid players in the NFL, with an average salary of over $3 million per year. Wide receivers are responsible for catching passes from the quarterback and scoring touchdowns. They also need to be able to run routes and create separation from defenders.
Tight ends are paid slightly less than wide receivers, with an average salary of over $2 million per year. Tight ends are responsible for catching passes from the quarterback, blocking for the running backs, and sometimes even rushing the passer.
Running backs are paid slightly less than tight ends, with an average salary of over $1.5 million per year. Running backs are responsible for carrying the ball and scoring touchdowns. They also need to be able to block for the quarterback and catch passes out of the backfield.
Cornerbacks are the highest-paid defensive players in the NFL, with an average salary of over $2 million per year. Cornerbacks are responsible for covering wide receivers and preventing them from catching passes. They also need to be able to tackle well and make interceptions.
Safeties are paid slightly less than cornerbacks, with an average salary of over $1.5 million per year. Safeties are responsible for covering tight ends and running backs and preventing them from catching passes. They also need to be able to tackle well and make interceptions.
Offensive linemen are paid the lowest salaries of any offensive players, with an average salary of under $1 million per year. Offensive linemen are responsible for protecting the quarterback and creating running lanes for the running backs. They also need to be able to block for the wide receivers and tight ends.
Defensive linemen are paid slightly more than offensive linemen, with an average salary of over $1 million per year. Defensive linemen are responsible for pressuring the quarterback and stopping the running backs. They also need to be able to tackle well and create turnovers.

The position a player plays is just one of the many factors that can affect their salary. However, it is one of the most important factors, and it can have a significant impact on a player's career earnings.

2. Draft Position

The draft position of a player can also have a significant impact on their salary. Players who are drafted in the first round typically receive the highest signing bonuses and salaries. However, players who are drafted in later rounds can also earn substantial salaries, especially if they have the talent and potential to become impact players in the NFL.

Top 10 Picks
Players who are drafted in the top 10 of the first round typically receive the highest signing bonuses and salaries. This is because these players are considered to be the most talented andin the draft. They are also more likely to be starters and make an immediate impact on their team.
First Round
Players who are drafted in the first round, but not in the top 10, typically receive lower signing bonuses and salaries than those drafted in the top 10. However, they still earn substantial salaries, and they are more likely to be starters and make an impact on their team than players drafted in later rounds.
Second Round
Players who are drafted in the second round typically receive lower salaries than those drafted in the first round. However, they can still earn substantial salaries, and they have a good chance of becoming starters and making an impact on their team.
Third Round
Players who are drafted in the third round typically earn lower salaries than those drafted in the first and second rounds. However, they can still earn substantial salaries, and they have a chance of becoming starters and making an impact on their team.
Later Rounds
Players who are drafted in the later rounds typically earn the lowest salaries. However, they can still make a significant contribution to their team, and some late-round picks have gone on to become stars in the NFL.

The draft position of a player is just one of the many factors that can affect their salary. However, it is one of the most important factors, and it can have a significant impact on a player's career earnings.

3. Team

The team a player is drafted to can also have a significant impact on their salary. Teams in larger markets, such as New York and Los Angeles, typically have more money to spend on player salaries than teams in smaller markets. Additionally, teams that are competing for a Super Bowl title are more likely to pay their players higher salaries than teams that are rebuilding.

Market Size
The size of the market a team is in can have a significant impact on player salaries. Teams in larger markets, such as New York and Los Angeles, typically have more money to spend on player salaries than teams in smaller markets. This is because teams in larger markets generate more revenue from ticket sales, merchandise sales, and television contracts. As a result, teams in larger markets can afford to pay their players higher salaries.
Team Success
The success of a team can also have an impact on player salaries. Teams that are competing for a Super Bowl title are more likely to pay their players higher salaries than teams that are rebuilding. This is because teams that are competing for a championship are more likely to be able to generate revenue from ticket sales, merchandise sales, and television contracts. As a result, teams that are competing for a championship can afford to pay their players higher salaries.
Salary Cap
The salary cap is a limit on the amount of money that a team can spend on player salaries. The salary cap is set by the NFL and is the same for all teams. As a result, teams have to be careful about how they spend their money on player salaries. Teams that exceed the salary cap are subject to penalties.
Team Needs
The needs of a team can also have an impact on player salaries. Teams that have a need at a certain position are more likely to pay a player at that position a higher salary. For example, a team that needs a quarterback is more likely to pay a quarterback a higher salary than a team that already has a good quarterback.

4. Performance

Performance is one of the most important factors that can affect an NFL player's salary. Players who perform well on the field are more likely to earn higher salaries than players who do not perform as well.

Individual Statistics
One of the most important factors that can affect a player's salary is their individual statistics. Players who put up big numbers are more likely to earn higher salaries than players who do not. For example, a quarterback who throws for a lot of touchdowns and yards is more likely to earn a higher salary than a quarterback who does not throw for as many touchdowns and yards.
Team Success
Another factor that can affect a player's salary is the success of their team. Players who play on successful teams are more likely to earn higher salaries than players who play on unsuccessful teams. This is because successful teams are more likely to generate revenue, which can be used to pay players higher salaries.
Playoff Success
Players who perform well in the playoffs are more likely to earn higher salaries than players who do not perform as well in the playoffs. This is because playoff success is a good indicator of a player's ability to perform under pressure.
Awards
Players who win awards are more likely to earn higher salaries than players who do not win awards. This is because awards are a sign of a player's talent and ability.

Performance is a key factor that can affect an NFL player's salary. Players who perform well on the field are more likely to earn higher salaries than players who do not perform as well.

5. Bonuses

Bonuses are an important part of an NFL player's salary. They can make up a significant portion of a player's total earnings, and they can be used to reward players for good performance or for signing with a particular team.

There are many different types of bonuses that NFL players can earn. Some of the most common types of bonuses include:

Signing bonuses: These bonuses are paid to players when they sign a contract with a new team. Signing bonuses are typically the largest type of bonus that a player can earn.
Performance bonuses: These bonuses are paid to players for achieving certain performance goals, such as making the Pro Bowl or winning a championship.
Roster bonuses: These bonuses are paid to players for simply being on the team's roster. Roster bonuses are typically smaller than signing bonuses and performance bonuses, but they can still be a significant part of a player's salary.

Bonuses can have a significant impact on a player's salary. For example, a player who signs a contract with a large signing bonus may earn more money in the first year of their contract than they would if they had signed a contract with a smaller signing bonus. Similarly, a player who earns a large performance bonus may earn more money in a single season than they would if they had not earned any performance bonuses.

Bonuses are an important part of the NFL salary structure. They can help teams to attract and retain talented players, and they can reward players for good performance. When evaluating a player's salary, it is important to consider not only their base salary, but also the bonuses that they are likely to earn.

6. Experience

Experience is a valuable asset for any NFL player, but it can be especially important for third-round picks. These players are typically not as highly touted as first- and second-round picks, so they need to find ways to stand out. Experience can help them do that.

Players with more experience are more likely to be familiar with NFL schemes and playbooks. They are also more likely to have developed good habits on and off the field. This can give them a leg up on less experienced players, especially in close games.

There are several ways that players can gain experience. Some players get a lot of playing time in college, while others play on special teams or practice squads. Some players even spend time in other leagues, such as the CFL or Arena Football League. No matter how they get it, experience is a valuable asset for any NFL player.

Here are a few examples of how experience can help NFL players:

In 2019, third-round pick Terry McLaurin led the Washington Redskins in receiving yards. McLaurin had the benefit of playing in a pro-style offense at Ohio State, which helped him to be prepared for the NFL.
In 2018, third-round pick Darius Leonard led the Indianapolis Colts in tackles. Leonard had the benefit of playing on a talented defense at South Carolina State, which helped him to develop good tackling technique.
In 2017, third-round pick Alvin Kamara led the New Orleans Saints in rushing touchdowns. Kamara had the benefit of playing in a spread offense at Tennessee, which helped him to develop good vision and elusiveness.

These are just a few examples of how experience can help NFL players. By gaining experience, players can increase their chances of success in the NFL.

7. Supply and Demand

The law of supply and demand is a fundamental economic principle that describes the relationship between the quantity of a good or service that is available (supply) and the quantity of that good or service that is desired (demand). In the context of the NFL, the law of supply and demand can be used to explain the salaries of third-round draft picks.

Quantity Supplied
The quantity of third-round draft picks that are available is determined by the number of players who are drafted in the third round of the NFL Draft. The NFL Draft is a seven-round event, with 32 teams each selecting one player in each round. This means that there are a total of 224 players who are drafted each year, with 32 of those players being selected in the third round.
Quantity Demanded
The quantity of third-round draft picks that are demanded is determined by the number of teams that are looking to add talented players to their roster. All 32 NFL teams are looking to improve their team, and many of them will look to the draft to find players who can help them do that. Third-round draft picks are often seen as good value, as they are typically talented players who are available at a relatively low cost.
Equilibrium Price
The equilibrium price is the price at which the quantity supplied and the quantity demanded are equal. In the context of the NFL, the equilibrium price is the salary that third-round draft picks are paid. The salary of third-round draft picks is determined by the interaction of supply and demand. If the supply of third-round draft picks is high, then their salaries will be lower. If the demand for third-round draft picks is high, then their salaries will be higher.
Shifts in Supply and Demand
The law of supply and demand can also be used to explain how changes in supply and demand can affect the salaries of third-round draft picks. For example, if the number of players who are drafted in the third round of the NFL Draft increases, then the supply of third-round draft picks will increase. This will lead to a decrease in their salaries. Conversely, if the number of teams that are looking to add talented players to their roster increases, then the demand for third-round draft picks will increase. This will lead to an increase in their salaries.

The law of supply and demand is a powerful tool that can be used to understand the salaries of third-round draft picks in the NFL. By understanding the relationship between supply and demand, teams and players can make better decisions about how to allocate their resources.

8. Salary Cap

The salary cap is a limit on the amount of money that a team can spend on player salaries. The salary cap is set by the NFL and is the same for all teams. As a result, teams have to be careful about how they spend their money on player salaries. Teams that exceed the salary cap are subject to penalties.

The salary cap has a significant impact on the salaries of third-round draft picks. Teams with limited cap space may be less likely to spend a lot of money on a third-round pick. This is because they may need to allocate their cap space to other positions or to more experienced players.

For example, in 2020, the Jacksonville Jaguars had the least amount of cap space in the NFL. As a result, they were not able to sign their third-round pick, Laviska Shenault, to a long-term contract. Instead, they signed him to a one-year contract worth $1.2 million.

On the other hand, teams with more cap space may be more willing to spend a lot of money on a third-round pick. This is because they have more flexibility to allocate their cap space. For example, in 2020, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had the most amount of cap space in the NFL. As a result, they were able to sign their third-round pick, Antoine Winfield Jr., to a four-year contract worth $4.8 million.

The salary cap is a complex issue with a significant impact on the salaries of third-round draft picks. Teams need to carefully consider their cap situation when making decisions about which players to sign.

FAQs about NFL 3rd Round Pick Salary

Question 1: What factors can affect the salary of a 3rd round pick?

Many factors can affect the salary of a 3rd round pick, including their position, draft position, team, performance, bonuses, experience, supply and demand, and the salary cap.

Question 2: What is the average salary for a 3rd round pick?

The average salary for a 3rd round pick in the NFL is around $1.2 million per year. However, this number can vary depending on a number of factors.

Question 3: What is the highest salary ever paid to a 3rd round pick?

The highest salary ever paid to a 3rd round pick is $10.5 million per year, which was paid to Deebo Samuel by the San Francisco 49ers in 2022.

Question 4: What is the lowest salary ever paid to a 3rd round pick?

The lowest salary ever paid to a 3rd round pick is $400,000 per year, which was paid to several players in the 1970s.

Question 5: How can a 3rd round pick increase their salary?

3rd round picks can increase their salary by performing well on the field, earning bonuses, and gaining experience. They can also increase their salary by signing extensions or restructuring their contracts.

Conclusion

The salary of an NFL 3rd round pick can vary depending on a number of factors, including their position, draft position, team, performance, bonuses, experience, supply and demand, and the salary cap. However, the average salary for a 3rd round pick is around $1.2 million per year.

The NFL draft is a major event for both teams and players. For teams, it is an opportunity to add talented players to their rosters and build for the future. For players, it is an opportunity to fulfill their dream of playing in the NFL and earn a substantial salary. The salary of a 3rd round pick may not be as high as that of a 1st or 2nd round pick, but it is still a significant amount of money. With hard work and dedication, 3rd round picks can have long and successful careers in the NFL.