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How Much Do NFL Draft Picks Actually Get Paid?

Trends January 12, 2025

How much do draft picks actually make? A question that has been asked for decades. The answer, however, is not as straightforward as one might think. Draft picks are not paid a salary in the traditional sense. Instead, they receive a signing bonus, which is a one-time payment that is typically paid out over the course of several years. The amount of the signing bonus depends on a number of factors, including the player's draft position, his skill level, and his potential. In general, the higher the draft pick, the higher the signing bonus.

It is important to remember that signing bonuses are not guaranteed. If a player fails to meet expectations, he may be released from his contract and forfeit his signing bonus. Additionally, signing bonuses are subject to taxation, so players may not actually receive the full amount of the bonus.

Despite the risks, signing bonuses can be a life-changing amount of money for young players. For many, it is their first opportunity to earn a significant income. Signing bonuses can also help players to pay for college tuition, buy a house, or start a business.

Here is a table of the average signing bonuses for the top 10 picks in the NFL Draft over the past five years:

| Draft Position | Average Signing Bonus ||---|---|| 1 | $27.3 million || 2 | $22.8 million || 3 | $20.9 million || 4 | $19.2 million || 5 | $17.8 million || 6 | $16.5 million || 7 | $15.3 million || 8 | $14.2 million || 9 | $13.2 million || 10 | $12.3 million |As you can see, the signing bonuses for the top draft picks can be quite substantial. However, it is important to remember that these bonuses are not guaranteed, and players may not actually receive the full amount of the bonus.

How Much Do Draft Picks Get Paid

Draft picks are not paid a salary in the traditional sense. Instead, they receive a signing bonus, which is a one-time payment that is typically paid out over the course of several years. The amount of the signing bonus depends on a number of factors, including the player's draft position, his skill level, and his potential.

Signing Bonus
Draft Position
Skill Level
Potential
Taxes
Guaranteed Money
Performance Incentives

The signing bonus is the most important factor in determining how much a draft pick will make. The higher the draft pick, the higher the signing bonus. For example, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Bryce Young, received a signing bonus of $27.3 million. The No. 32 overall pick, Nolan Smith, received a signing bonus of $12.3 million.

In addition to the signing bonus, draft picks can also earn money through performance incentives. These incentives are typically tied to specific goals, such as playing time, statistics, or awards. For example, a player may receive a bonus for making the Pro Bowl or winning a championship.

It is important to note that not all draft picks are guaranteed to make a lot of money. Some players may not meet expectations and may be released from their contracts. Additionally, signing bonuses are subject to taxation, so players may not actually receive the full amount of the bonus.

1. Signing Bonus

A signing bonus is a one-time payment given to a draft pick by the team that selects them. The amount of the signing bonus is typically determined by the player's draft position, skill level, and potential. Signing bonuses are guaranteed money, meaning that the player will receive the full amount of the bonus even if they are released from their contract.

Role of Signing Bonuses
Signing bonuses play a major role in determining how much draft picks get paid. The higher the signing bonus, the more money the player will make in their career. Signing bonuses can also help players to negotiate better contracts down the road.
Examples of Signing Bonuses
The following are some examples of signing bonuses given to recent draft picks:
- Trevor Lawrence (No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft): $36.8 million
- Justin Fields (No. 11 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft): $18.5 million
- Micah Parsons (No. 12 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft): $17.5 million
Implications for Draft Picks
Signing bonuses can have a major impact on the lives of draft picks. For many players, it is the first time they have ever received a large sum of money. Signing bonuses can help players to pay off debts, buy a house, or start a business.

Signing bonuses are a key part of the NFL Draft. They play a major role in determining how much draft picks get paid and can have a significant impact on their lives.

2. Draft Position

Draft position is one of the most important factors in determining how much a draft pick will get paid. The higher the draft pick, the higher the signing bonus. This is because teams are more willing to invest in players who they believe have the potential to be stars. For example, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Bryce Young, received a signing bonus of $27.3 million. The No. 32 overall pick, Nolan Smith, received a signing bonus of $12.3 million.

There are a number of reasons why draft position is so important. First, teams have a limited amount of money to spend on signing bonuses. They want to make sure that they are spending their money on the players who have the best chance of being successful. Second, teams are more likely to be patient with players who are drafted high. They know that these players are still developing and that they may not be ready to contribute immediately. Finally, teams are more likely to give high draft picks playing time. This gives them the opportunity to prove themselves and to earn a bigger contract in the future.

Of course, draft position is not the only factor that determines how much a draft pick will get paid. Other factors, such as skill level and potential, also play a role. However, draft position is a very important factor, and it can have a significant impact on a player's career earnings.

3. Skill Level

Skill level is one of the most important factors in determining how much a draft pick will get paid. The higher the skill level, the higher the signing bonus. This is because teams are more willing to invest in players who they believe have the potential to be stars.

Natural Ability
Some players are simply born with more natural ability than others. They have a better understanding of the game, they are more athletic, and they have a better feel for the ball. These players are more likely to be drafted high and to receive a large signing bonus.
Experience
Players who have more experience playing at a high level are more likely to be drafted high and to receive a large signing bonus. This is because teams know that these players are more likely to be able to contribute immediately. For example, a player who has played in the SEC or the ACC is more likely to be drafted high than a player who has played in a smaller conference.
Production
Players who have produced at a high level in college are more likely to be drafted high and to receive a large signing bonus. This is because teams want to draft players who they believe can make an immediate impact. For example, a player who has rushed for over 1,000 yards in college is more likely to be drafted high than a player who has rushed for less than 1,000 yards.
Potential
Teams also consider a player's potential when determining how much to pay them. This is because teams want to draft players who they believe have the potential to be stars. For example, a player who has all the physical tools to be a great player but who has not yet reached his full potential may be drafted high and receive a large signing bonus.

Skill level is a very important factor in determining how much a draft pick will get paid. Teams are willing to pay more for players who they believe have the potential to be stars. This is why it is important for players to develop their skills and to play at a high level in college.

4. Potential

Potential is one of the most important factors in determining how much a draft pick will get paid. Teams are willing to pay more for players who they believe have the potential to be stars. This is because teams know that star players can help them win games and championships.

Natural Ability
Some players are simply born with more natural ability than others. They have a better understanding of the game, they are more athletic, and they have a better feel for the ball. These players are more likely to be drafted high and to receive a large signing bonus.
Work Ethic
Players who are willing to work hard and put in the time to develop their skills are more likely to reach their full potential. Teams are more likely to invest in players who they believe are committed to their craft and who are willing to do whatever it takes to succeed.
Character
Teams also consider a player's character when determining how much to pay them. This is because teams want to draft players who are good role models and who will represent the team well on and off the field. Players who have a strong work ethic, who are coachable, and who are leaders are more likely to be drafted high and to receive a large signing bonus.
Injury History
Players who have a history of injuries are more likely to be drafted lower and to receive a smaller signing bonus. This is because teams are concerned about the player's ability to stay healthy and to contribute on the field. Players who have a clean injury history are more likely to be drafted high and to receive a large signing bonus.

Potential is a very important factor in determining how much a draft pick will get paid. Teams are willing to pay more for players who they believe have the potential to be stars. This is why it is important for players to develop their skills, to work hard, and to have a good character. Players who do these things are more likely to reach their full potential and to get paid the big bucks.

5. Taxes

Taxes play a significant role in determining how much draft picks get paid. Signing bonuses are subject to both federal and state income taxes, as well as payroll taxes. The amount of taxes that a draft pick will owe will depend on their income and the tax laws of the state in which they reside.

For example, a draft pick who signs a $10 million signing bonus will owe approximately $3.7 million in federal income taxes and $0.6 million in state income taxes (assuming a state income tax rate of 6%). In addition, they will owe approximately $1.2 million in payroll taxes, which include Social Security and Medicare taxes.

The high tax burden on signing bonuses can have a significant impact on a draft pick's financial planning. It is important for draft picks to understand their tax obligations and to plan accordingly. They should consider setting aside a portion of their signing bonus to cover taxes. They may also want to consult with a financial advisor to help them develop a tax-efficient financial plan.

6. Guaranteed Money

Guaranteed money is a key component of how much draft picks get paid. It is the portion of a player's contract that is guaranteed to be paid, regardless of whether the player is injured, cut, or otherwise unable to play. Guaranteed money is typically paid out over the first few years of a player's contract.

The amount of guaranteed money in a player's contract is typically determined by the player's draft position, skill level, and potential. Players who are drafted higher and have more skill and potential are typically able to negotiate for more guaranteed money in their contracts.

Guaranteed money is important for draft picks because it provides them with financial security. It ensures that they will receive a certain amount of money, even if they are unable to play. This can be especially important for players who are coming from low-income backgrounds or who have family members who rely on their income.

However, it is important to note that guaranteed money is not always a good thing. In some cases, it can lead to players being overpaid. This can happen when a player's performance does not live up to expectations. In these cases, the team may be stuck paying a player a lot of money even if they are not contributing to the team's success.

Overall, guaranteed money is a key part of how much draft picks get paid. It provides players with financial security and can help them to negotiate better contracts. However, it is important to note that guaranteed money is not always a good thing. It can lead to players being overpaid if their performance does not live up to expectations.

7. Performance Incentives

Performance incentives are a key component of how much draft picks get paid. They are bonuses that are paid to players for achieving certain performance goals, such as playing time, statistics, or awards. Performance incentives can be a significant part of a player's overall salary, and they can provide players with a financial incentive to perform at a high level.

There are many different types of performance incentives. Some common examples include:

Playing time incentives: These bonuses are paid to players for reaching certain playing time thresholds. For example, a player may receive a bonus for playing in 50% of the team's games.
Statistical incentives: These bonuses are paid to players for achieving certain statistical goals. For example, a player may receive a bonus for rushing for 1,000 yards in a season.
Award incentives: These bonuses are paid to players for winning individual or team awards. For example, a player may receive a bonus for being named to the Pro Bowl or for winning the Super Bowl.

Performance incentives can be a valuable tool for teams to motivate players to perform at a high level. They can also help to reward players for their contributions to the team's success. However, it is important to note that performance incentives can also be a source of controversy. Some critics argue that performance incentives can lead to players being selfish and putting their own personal goals ahead of the team's goals.

Overall, performance incentives are an important part of how much draft picks get paid. They can provide players with a financial incentive to perform at a high level and can help to reward players for their contributions to the team's success. However, it is important to note that performance incentives can also be a source of controversy.

FAQs About How Much Draft Picks Get Paid

Question 1: How much do draft picks actually make?

The amount of money that a draft pick makes depends on a number of factors, including the player's draft position, his skill level, and his potential. However, even the top draft picks do not make as much money as some people might think. For example, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Bryce Young, received a signing bonus of $27.3 million. However, this money is paid out over the course of several years, and it is subject to taxation. Additionally, the player may not receive the full amount of the bonus if he is released from his contract.

Question 2: What is the highest signing bonus ever given to a draft pick?

The highest signing bonus ever given to a draft pick is $45 million, which was given to Kyler Murray by the Arizona Cardinals in 2019.

Question 3: Do draft picks get paid if they don't play?

Yes, draft picks get paid even if they don't play. However, the amount of money that they receive is typically less than what they would receive if they were playing.

Question 4: What happens if a draft pick is released from his contract?

If a draft pick is released from his contract, he may lose some or all of his signing bonus. The amount of money that he loses will depend on the terms of his contract.

Question 5: What are some of the benefits of being a draft pick?

There are a number of benefits to being a draft pick, including the opportunity to play in the NFL, the chance to earn a large signing bonus, and the opportunity to receive a college education. Additionally, draft picks often have access to resources and support that can help them succeed both on and off the field.

Summary of key takeaways or final thought

Draft picks do not make as much money as some people might think. However, they do have the opportunity to earn a large signing bonus and to receive a college education. Additionally, draft picks often have access to resources and support that can help them succeed both on and off the field.

Transition to the next article section

For more information about how much draft picks get paid, please visit the following resources:

Spotrac
Over the Cap
NFL Draft Tracker

Conclusion

The highest signing bonus ever given to a draft pick is $45 million, which was given to Kyler Murray by the Arizona Cardinals in 2019. However, even the top draft picks do not make as much money as some people might think. For example, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Bryce Young, received a signing bonus of $27.3 million. However, this money is paid out over the course of several years, and it is subject to taxation. Additionally, the player may not receive the full amount of the bonus if he is released from his contract.

It is important to remember that draft picks are not guaranteed to make a lot of money. Some players may not meet expectations and may be released from their contracts. Additionally, signing bonuses are subject to taxation, so players may not actually receive the full amount of the bonus.

Ultimately, how much a draft pick gets paid depends on a number of factors, including their draft position, skill level, and potential. While the top draft picks can make a lot of money, it is important to remember that not all draft picks are guaranteed to make a lot of money.