“Bama in the NFL: Contracts, Careers, and Current Players’ Prospects”
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — True or false, the combined NFL earnings of all former University of Alabama football players coached by Nick Saban exceed $3 billion?
False, but they’re on track to reach that milestone very soon. Playing under Coach Saban and for the Crimson Tide has been incredibly lucrative for numerous players. As of the 2023-24 season, 165 players have earned a total of $2.26 billion in league compensation. This includes a range from major contracts to smaller earnings from brief stints in the NFL.
Here’s the breakdown:
– 17 players have earned over $50 million in their NFL careers.
– 59 players have surpassed the $10 million mark.
– 126 players have received some form of NFL compensation.
Note that these figures exclude recently drafted players and those with new contract extensions due to the current offseason status. For instance, quarterback Jalen Hurts recently signed a lucrative five-year, $255 million contract with the Philadelphia phillies, including a $23,294,000 signing bonus and $179.4 million guaranteed, averaging $51 million annually. His teammate, offensive lineman Landon Dickerson, inked a four-year, $84 million deal with a $20,095,000 signing bonus, $50 million guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $21 million. (He celebrated by purchasing a new lawn mower).
Former Crimson Tide wide receivers also had a significant offseason. Jaylen Waddle, at just 25 years old, secured a three-year, $84.75 million extension with $76 million guaranteed from the Miami Dolphins. Calvin Ridley signed a four-year free-agent contract worth $92 million with the Tennessee Titans ($50 million guaranteed), while Jerry Jeudy landed a three-year, $52.5 million deal with the Cleveland Browns after a trade, including $41 million guaranteed. DeVonta Smith of the Eagles signed a three-year, $75 million extension ($51 million guaranteed).
The guaranteed money from these contracts for quarterbacks and wide receivers alone totals approximately $450 million. Additionally, running back Josh Jacobs signed a four-year, $48 million deal with the Green Bay Packers, and Derrick Henry secured a two-year, $16 million contract with the Baltimore Ravens ($9 million guaranteed), among others.
Bama in the NFL: Contracts, Salaries, and Status of Former Crimson Tide Players
Two significant contracts are anticipated before the 2024 season begins in approximately two months. Patrick Surtain II of the Denver Broncos, aged 24, is expected to redefine the cornerback market and become one of the highest-paid players in NFL history at his position. Another player to watch is Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who is entering the fifth-year option of his rookie contract valued at $23.17 million. Depending on developments, he could secure a deal similar to or even better than Hurts’ recent contract.
Additionally, the 10 Crimson Tide players selected in the 2024 NFL Draft were projected to sign four-year contracts totaling $94.9 million. Some of these deals have already been finalized, including first-round picks JC Latham ($26.04 million) and Terrion Arnold ($14.34 million). Linebacker Dallas Turner remains unsigned but is expected to earn approximately $15.7 million, based on the predetermined rookie contract values set by the collective bargaining agreement before the draft.
The top 50 players in career earnings according to Spotrac.com and overthecap.com data as of June 2024 are listed in The Saban 250, with rankings shown on the left-hand side.
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