Record QB Haul Comes With High Hopes, Big Money, and No Guarantees

As reported by multiple sources, including Front Office Sports, the six quarterbacks taken in the first round are slated for huge paydays:

No. 1, Bears: Caleb Williams

• Contract: $38.54 million (all figures via Spotrac estimations over four years). After transferring from Oklahoma, the USC star earned $10 million through NIL deals while in college, according to The Athletic. Major brand partners have included Dr Pepper, Nissan, Wendy’s, Postmates, and Topps—all of which have benefited from the more than 500,000 social media followers Williams boasts.

No. 2, Commanders: Jayden Daniels

• Contract: $36.85 million. The 2023 Heisman Trophy winner soared up NFL draft boards while leading LSU to a 10–3 record in the regular season. Along the way, and since leaving school, he’s racked up deals with Raising Cane’s, Bisquick, Neiman Marcus, Beats by Dre, and Powerade.

No. 3, Patriots: Drake Maye

• Contract: $35.77 million. After the UNC standout’s successful 2022 season, a rival ACC coach claimed two schools offered Maye $5 million in NIL money to transfer. Tar Heels coach Mack Brown seemingly confirmed the rumor: “It’s uncomfortable for him,” Brown said. Still, Maye has put together an endorsement portfolio involving the likes of Raising Cane’s, Lowe’s, and Bose.

No. 8, Falcons: Michael Penix Jr.

• Contract: $22.88 million. Washington’s former quarterback was able to ink a deal with school uniform partner Adidas, as well as pacts with Seattle-based Amazon, Panini, Beats by Dre, Sharpie, and Starry soda while leading the Huskies to last season’s national title game.

No. 10, Vikings: J.J. McCarthy

• Contract: $21.85 million. Despite often playing second fiddle to Michigan’s strong defense and run game during last season’s national championship run, McCarthy was able to collect 465,000 Instagram followers and lock in endorsements with the Brady Brand, Bose, Beats by Dre, and Topps—and he even recently promoted the new Bob Marley movie on social media.

No. 12, Broncos: Bo Nix

• Contract: $18.61 million. Already 24 years old, the former Oregon Duck and Auburn Tiger is the oldest quarterback of the first-round draftees. Nix became the first college athlete to sign a sponsorship deal with Google Shopping, and he also struck deals with 7-Eleven, Topps, Bose, Bojangles, Old Spice, and USAA.

Read the complete story HERE

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Author: David Keech

David Keech is a retired teacher and works as a sportswriter, sports official and as an educational consultant. He has reported on amateur sports since 2011, known as 'KeechDaVoice.' David can be reached at [email protected]