Just a few weeks ago, the “experts” were predicting that one, maybe two, eligible quarterbacks would go in the first round of the upcoming NFL Draft. As April 25 approaches, those estimates have been revised to as many as six quarterbacks to go in the first round this year. It is no secret that there the NFL has quite a few teams that are, or should be, in the market for a new quarterback.
It’s a bit of a crap-shoot to be sure. Look back on all of the first-round, highly touted prospects that crashed and burned when they actually got onto a professional football field. On the other hand, we have also seen a few guys who were relative unknowns who came on, took over and make history. How about Drew Brees… he went to the Chargers as number 32… of the second round.
Why may so many QB’s go in the first round? There is a provision in the NFL rule book that allows teams to retain control of a new rookie for 5 years if drafted in the first round. Actually the latest version of the rule states that all first-year players will be given a four-year contract. However, the teams have the option of extending that contract to five years for first round picks.
The NFL Commissioner’s office has put in place a rookie contract slotting system to curtail exorbitant contracts awarded to yet unproven players. This collective bargaining agreement was ratified two years ago and also stipulates that all undrafted rookies will sign three year contracts.
The collective bargaining agreement also states that the year-five option on these contracts will equal the average salary of the veterans at the same position… which means that a quarterback drafted in the top ten this year would be receiving a salary in excess of $12 million in his fifth year.
The standard four-year deal is worth about $23 million or $5.75 million per year.
So, the biggest fans of the latest version of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) are quarterbacks E.J. Manuel, Matt Barkley, Tyler Wilson, Ryan Nassib, and Geno Smith. All five of these guys are likely to find employment rather quickly once the draft gets started.
Look for the Panthers, the Saints, the Bears or the Patriots to perhaps step up and claim one of these guys in the first round as reliable backups to their stars.
