Several College Football Players Will Take 'Pay Cuts' In The NFL
For years, the NFL gave college football stars the chance to earn life-changing money for them and their families. Now, those same athletes are turning down the chance to go pro due to the rise of NIL.
Several intriguing quarterback prospects turned down the NFL this year, including but not limited to Arch Manning, Dante Moore and LaNorris Sellers. Of course, they'll have the chance to go pro in 2027.
While discussing the 2026 draft class, Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman talked about student-athletes having to take pay cuts in the NFL. It sounds like an absurd concept, but it's a legit dilemma for some of the top college football stars.
"The biggest issue is that, for the first time in the history of the National Football League, you're taking players who are taking pay cuts," Roseman said. "So the character of those players, their passion and love of the game, comes to the forefront even more."
This was a hot topic when former Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Dolphins will pay him roughly $4.3 million over the course of his rookie deal. Although it wasn't confirmed, there were rumblings about Ewers receiving an NIL offer worth up to $8 million.
Quarterback prospect Ty Simpson is definitely taking a pay cut.
Former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson reportedly received an NIL offer this offseason from Miami that was worth $6.5 million. Even though he'll make less money as an NFL rookie, he declared for the 2026 draft.
"What started at low-to-mid seven-figure proposals quickly looked like we could maybe even approach eight figures at the finish line," said Simpson's agent, Peter Webb. "But Ty ultimately wanted to chase his dreams of playing in the NFL and make sure the last college jersey he ever wore had the iconic Alabama Crimson Tide logo."
The NFL Draft will begin next Thursday, April 23.
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This story was originally published April 15, 2026 at 2:49 PM.