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 choose.
The 2025 NFL Draft will get underway at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 24, however we already know the primary participant that may come off the board. Surprising issues do occur, however the Tennessee Titans are anticipated to choose Miami (FL) quarterback Cam Ward with the No. 1 choose.
Because of the NFL’s collective bargaining settlement, we are able to determine the overall construction of Ward’s rookie contract. He gained’t signal it instantly, however provided that rookie contracts are successfully negotiated by the CBA, we must always anticipate him to signal earlier than coaching camp. Non-quarterbacks would possibly signal earlier, however quarterbacks will typically take slightly longer into July forward of coaching camp.
When Ward does signal his contract, it’s going to doubtless be price north of $40 million. Spotrac is projecting the contract to have a complete worth of $43,010,000. They undertaking 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 undertaking 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 complete quantity appears extra according to what Ward will find yourself getting. Final yr’s No. 1 choose, Caleb Williams, signed a deal price $39,486,058. He obtained a signing bonus price $25,537,132 for the primary yr, 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 yr prior, albeit barely larger as a consequence of 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 staff. If there may be offset language, the long run staff’s contract will offset no matter assured cash the primary staff 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’s going to doubtless be as a consequence of offset language.
