10 NFL Rookie Football Players Who Entered The League With Most Expensive Contracts in 2024

Professional athletes are among the highest paid workers in the world. In the United States, NFL players, particularly the superstars, have the most lucrative contracts among athletes who play for a living. A professional American football player usually earns multi-million dollar paychecks after he has proven his worth in the league, usually by exhibiting consistent high level performance in each game as the years roll by and providing significant, and positive impact for the team.

That said, some teams are more than willing to break salary records just to acquire rookies who are untested and inexperienced, with only their unrealized potential and impressive performance at the college level to carry them. Some have proven a rare find, like diamonds in a haystack. However, a lot of these rookies were not able to deliver the goods as predicted and fizzled in the face of media frenzy, high expectations, and the realizations that they just did not have enough to be worth the contracts they signed. Here are the 10 NFL rookies who started their careers with the most lucrative deals.

#10 Aaron Curry, Seattle Seahawks: $60 million

A celebrated lineback back in Wake Forest, Aaron Curry signed with the Seattle Seahawks for a 6-year stint worth a whopping $60 million. Observers believe he was the best linebacker in the 2009 NFL draft and his presence with the Seahawks was seen as a huge boost to the organization’s roster. But Curry never really became the player he was predicted to be and retired from the league after three seasons.

#9 JaMarcus Russell, Oakland Raiders: $61 million

The overall first pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, JaMarcus Russell came to the league riding in a lot of hype. A quarterback who was expected to provide the Oakland Raiders the leadership they need, Russell was not just a bad deal – he was a complete bust. He only recorded 4,083 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions for the team and participated only in 25 games during his three-year stay. After three years with the Raiders, Russell was cut. Despite staging a comeback this season, it looks like Russell is nowhere near the quarterback he was painted to be.

#8 Jason Smith, Saint Louis Rams: $61 million

Another highly touted rookie who immediately faded when his career began, Jason Smith was a popular offensive option in college. His performance led him to be the second overall pick in 2009 NFL Draft. A lot was expected from Smith but his transition from college to the pro was plagued by injuries, hampering his performance on the football field and dramatically marring his career. He was released by the Rams in 2012 and went to the New York Jets. From there, he bounced from team to team, praying for a spot.

#7 Reggie Bush, New Orleans Saints: $62 million

Reggie Bush was the total package when he came out of USC. He was big, strong, and athletic. Bush was everything the New Orleans Saints wanted so they signed him in 2003. Still active, Bush is now spending his 9th season a pro. His consistency as a receiving type-back, versatility as a running back, as well as his good hands, make his run with the NFL a good one.

#6 Gerald McCoy, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $63 million

Gerald McCoy is one of the few high paid rookies who actually displayed brilliance right from the get go. The third overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, McCoy, who played as defensive tackle out of Oklahoma, immediately went to work in his first season and has been churning excellent performances ever since. A great defender who disrupts the opposing team’s offensive attacks, McCoy’s effectiveness at the defensive end has earned him a spot to the Pro Bowl in 2012 and 2013. The man has earned his pay, no question about it.

#5 Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions: $64 million

Nicknamed “Megatron”, Calvin Johnson has had a great run with the Detroit Lions since he joined the team in 2007. Considered by many as one of the best wide receivers in the league today, Johnson averages 1,333 yards per season and has recorded 66 touchdowns. Among the highlights of his career is his record-breaking 1,964 receiving yards in 2012. The feat has surpassed that of Jerry Rice’s. Johnson is a tough defensive assignment. His offensive skills have a huge impact for the Lions’ offense overall, making him a valuable asset to the team.

#4 Ndamukong Suh, Detroit Lions: $68 million

One of the highest paid NFL rookies of all time, Ndamukong Suh has provided the Detroit Lions all the goods and more for their money. The defensive tackle was selected second overall in the 2010 NFL Draft by the Lions and he proved to be a great addition to the team performance wise. He is a huge obstacle for the opposition and a nightmare for anyone who stands in his way. His performances earned him the Rookie of the Year honors in 2010 and made him part of the Pro Bowl selection in the same year, as well as in 2012 and 2013. Although he certainly earned his keep, Suh has temper issues and has a reputation for being very physical when it comes to altercations.

#3 Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons: $70 million

Another rookie who definitely proved he is worth the contract he was offered, Matt Ryan is a consistent solid quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons since 2008. His $70-million six year contract with the organization was a record setting offer, to which Ryan continuously upholds his end of the bargain. Aside from winning the Rookie of the Year awards in 2008, he has been named to the Pro Bowl twice in 2010 and 2012. His averages with the Falcons are very impressive – 3,912 passing yards per season and a 63.7 percent completion rate. All he now lacks is a Super Bowl title.

#2 Matt Stafford, Detroit Lions: $72 million

The second most highest paid NFL rookie is not bad. Matt Stafford is above average. The Detroit Lions made Stafford the 1st overall pick in the NFL Draft in 2010, to which he responded with respectable and decent display of football. Stafford has shown he has the makings of a great quarterback, with his numbers in his 2011 campaign as evidence  – 5,038 yards and 41 touchdowns. However, what prevents Stafford from achieving greatness is that his offense is easily readable, making him prone to defensive interceptions. Unless Stafford is able to do something about it, he will never be deemed an elite.

#1 Sam Bradford, Saint Louis Rams: $76 million

The highest paid NFL rookie ever, quarterback Sam Bradford was drafted by the Saint Louis Rams in 2010 with the hopes of gaining success in the upcoming seasons. However, Bradford never lived up to the hype and failed to carry the Rams to the playoffs. Although his performances were decent at the very best, they were not enough to help struggling Rams hurl obstacles after obstacles. Bradford was out the whole season last year due to a torn ACL. But with him back for this season, Bradford is expected to perform and do what he was paid to do.

What are common misconceptions about NFL rookie contracts?

There are several misconceptions surrounding NFL rookie contracts that can lead to misunderstandings about players’ earnings and their career implications. Here are a few of the most common myths:

• All Rookie Contracts Are Huge: While some rookie contracts can be substantial, not every player receives a high-paying deal. The amount largely depends on the player’s draft position. First-round picks typically secure lucrative contracts, but later-round picks may receive significantly lower offers.
• Rookies Are Guaranteed to Make the Team: Signing a contract does not guarantee a rookie a spot on the team. Players still need to prove themselves during training camps and preseason games. Many high-draft picks can be released if they do not perform as expected.
• Rookies Automatically Get the Same Contract Terms as Previous Years: Each NFL draft class has unique market conditions. Factors such as salary cap changes and the league’s overall economics can affect contract negotiations. Therefore, rookies cannot assume they will receive contracts like past players.
• Rookie Contracts Are Just About Base Salary: While base salary is a crucial part of a contract, other components like signing bonuses, performance incentives, and guaranteed money play significant roles. These additional elements can greatly enhance a rookie’s total earnings.
• Rookies Don’t Need Financial Advice: Many young players believe they can handle their finances alone, but the NFL’s financial landscape can be complex. Seeking guidance from financial advisors is vital for managing newfound wealth, especially since many players face financial difficulties after retiring.

Key Insights

• High-Paid Rookies: NFL teams are willing to invest significant sums in rookies based on their potential and college performance. Not all highly paid rookies deliver on their potential, leading to varied career outcomes.
• Notable Successes: Some rookies like Matt Ryan, Calvin Johnson, and Gerald McCoy justified their high salaries with consistent and high-level performances. Successful rookies often become cornerstones of their teams and earn further accolades and honors.
• Major Disappointments: Several high-paid rookies, such as JaMarcus Russell and Jason Smith, did not meet expectations, highlighting the risk of large investments in unproven talent. Injuries and inability to transition from college to professional play are common reasons for underperformance.
• Financial Implications: Large contracts for rookies can impact team salary caps and long-term financial planning. Teams must balance the potential rewards of investing in top rookies with the risks of financial losses if the players do not perform as expected.

FAQ

1. Who is the highest paid NFL rookie ever? Sam Bradford is the highest paid NFL rookie ever, with a contract worth $76 million from the Saint Louis Rams in 2010.
2. Which NFL rookie had the most disappointing career? JaMarcus Russell, with a $61 million contract from the Oakland Raiders, is often cited as the most disappointing NFL rookie due to his poor performance and short career.
3. Have any highly paid NFL rookies exceeded expectations? Yes, players like Matt Ryan, Calvin Johnson, and Gerald McCoy have exceeded expectations, delivering consistent and high-level performances throughout their careers.
4. What are common reasons for the failure of high-paid NFL rookies? Common reasons include injuries, inability to transition from college to professional play, and failure to handle the pressure and expectations associated with large contracts.
5. How do large rookie contracts impact NFL teams? Large rookie contracts can affect team salary caps and financial flexibility, making it crucial for teams to carefully evaluate the potential of rookie players before offering substantial contracts.
6. Can a rookie’s performance impact their team’s overall success? Yes, a rookie’s performance can significantly impact their team’s success. A highly performing rookie can become a key player, while underperforming rookies can hinder the team’s progress and financial stability.
7. Why do teams invest heavily in unproven rookies? Teams invest heavily in unproven rookies based on their potential to become future stars and make a significant impact on the team’s performance and success.
8. Which teams have made multiple high-paid rookie investments? The Detroit Lions have made multiple high-paid rookie investments, including Calvin Johnson, Ndamukong Suh, and Matt Stafford.

By James Anthony

A senior FinancesOnline writer on SaaS and B2B topics, James Anthony passion is keeping abreast of the industry’s cutting-edge practices (other than writing personal blog posts on why Firefly needs to be renewed). He has written extensively on these two subjects, being a firm believer in SaaS to PaaS migration and how this inevitable transition would impact economies of scale. With reviews and analyses spanning a breadth of topics from software to learning models, James is one of FinancesOnline’s most creative resources on and off the office.