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Are No.1 Picks in the NFL Draft Earning Less? Here's What the Data Shows
A 2026 first overall pick could get a four-year, $54.6 million deal, far below several pre-2011 top-pick contracts after inflation.
- The NFL Draft kicks off Thursday in Pittsburgh, where projected No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza could sign a four-year, $54.6 million deal with the Las Vegas Raiders.
- Prior to the 2011 collective bargaining agreement, NFL teams negotiated massive, unrestricted rookie contracts for top picks, including Michael Vick's $62 million deal and JaMarcus Russell's $61 million contract.
- The rookie wage scale introduced 15 years ago widened the gap between top draft picks and veteran stars; Bradford's contract is worth $118.5 million in today's dollars, while Joe Burrow earned $9 million in 2020.
- Under current rules, the final pick in the first round will receive a $16.1 million contract, providing teams with predictable costs and replacing the negotiation-heavy model that previously defined rookie compensation.
- Festivities for the 2026 NFL Draft run through Saturday at Point State Park in Pittsburgh. Fans must use the NFL One Pass app to gain entry and watch each draft pick.
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19 Articles
19 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources19
Leaning Left0Leaning Right0Center18Last UpdatedBias Distribution100% Center
Bias Distribution
- 100% of the sources are Center
100% Center
C 100%
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