NFL Draft Paychecks: How Much Do Picks Actually Make?

The 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay wasn’t just a career launchpad — it was a financial rollercoaster, depending on when a player heard their name called. While all draft picks sign four-year rookie deals based on a pre-set slotting system, where you’re picked drastically affects how much you get paid.

Day 1: Big Money, Especially Up Top

The 32 players selected in the first round will split an eye-popping $693.9 million in total contract value. But nearly half of that money — 48% — goes to just the top 10 picks. The difference between going No. 10 and No. 28? Millions.

Day 2: The Steep Drop-Off

Friday’s Day 2 picks — which include Rounds 2 and 3 — face a sharp decline in earnings. The 39th overall pick, the seventh pick in the second round, is the last player to clear $10 million in total contract value. From there, contracts drop fast.

The final player selected on Day 2? He’ll earn $5.98 million over four years. Still solid — but that’s a 56% drop from the final first-rounder’s contract.

Even with the pay cut, Friday’s group still raked in a combined $469.3 million, averaging $7.3 million per player.

Day 3: Slight Dip, But More Consistent

Surprisingly, players drafted on Day 3 — Rounds 4 through 7 — don’t take as steep a financial hit as those late on Day 2. Take Kobee Minor, this year’s Mr. Irrelevant (the final pick of the draft): his deal is worth $4.3 million, just a 28% drop from that final Day 2 contract. For teams looking for value and players chasing opportunity, late-round picks still carry respectable paychecks.

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Bottom Line: Timing Is Everything

The NFL Draft is as much about finances as football dreams. While every pick gets a shot at NFL glory, those early selections come with life-changing money. For others, the journey to a second contract becomes the real payday chase.

Whether you go first overall or in the 7th round, the key is making the most of the opportunity — and proving you’re worth a lot more the second time around.