Draft evening replace: The Titans made it official. At 8:15 p.m. ET on Thursday, they chose Miami (FL) quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 total decide.
The 2025 NFL Draft will get underway at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 24, however we already know the primary participant that can come off the board. Sudden issues do occur, however the Tennessee Titans are anticipated to select Miami (FL) quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 decide.
Because of the NFL’s collective bargaining settlement, we are able to determine the final construction of Ward’s rookie contract. He gained’t signal it instantly, however provided that rookie contracts are successfully negotiated by way of the CBA, we must always anticipate him to signal earlier than coaching camp. Non-quarterbacks would possibly signal earlier, however quarterbacks will usually take a bit longer into July forward of coaching camp.
When Ward does signal his contract, it’ll doubtless be price north of $40 million. Spotrac is projecting the contract to have a complete worth of $43,010,000. They venture cap numbers of $7,820,000, $9,775,000, $11,730,000, and $13,685,000. However, Over The Cap is projecting a complete worth of $48,839,586. They venture a signing bonus portion of $32,159,700, with annual salaries of $840,000, $3,059,981, $5,279,962, and $7,499,943.
Spotrac’s whole quantity appears extra in step with what Ward will find yourself getting. Final 12 months’s No. 1 decide, Caleb Williams, signed a deal price $39,486,058. He obtained a signing bonus price $25,537,132 for the primary 12 months, and $9,929,106 in roster bonus cash throughout the second, third, and fourth seasons. That is just like what Bryce Younger signed on his rookie deal the 12 months prior, albeit barely increased attributable to annual inflation.
The most important negotiating level is often round offset language. This language covers when a participant is launched earlier than the top of his contract and indicators with one other crew. If there may be offset language, the longer term crew’s contract will offset no matter assured cash the primary crew nonetheless owed the participant. Offset language is one thing groups at all times need in offers and gamers by no means need. If Ward is delayed signing his rookie contract, it’ll doubtless be attributable to offset language.
