Mind Uncharted Explore. Discover. Learn.
The 2011 collective bargaining agreement (CBA) brought about significant changes in how NFL draft picks are compensated. One of the major changes was the implementation of a rookie wage scale, which reduced salaries for early first-round picks. This rookie wage scale has remained in place under the 2020 CBA, with minor tweaks to the system.
Under the rookie wage scale, all contracts for draft choices are four years in length. This is a departure from the previous system, where four-year deals in the first round were virtually nonexistent. Most first-round picks, except early draft quarterbacks, had five-year deals. For example, players like Matthew Stafford and Sam Bradford, who were selected first overall in 2009 and 2010 respectively, signed six-year contracts.
Teams now have the option for a fifth year with first-round picks, which must be exercised after the third year of the rookie contract. The window for exercising fifth-year options begins after a player’s third NFL regular season and must be picked up prior to May 3.
Another change brought about by the 2011 CBA is the timing for when draft picks can sign contract extensions. Previously, draft pick contracts could be renegotiated before the conclusion of a player’s third NFL regular season. However, under the new agreement, draft pick contracts cannot be renegotiated until after a player’s third regular season.
Since 2014, when first-round picks became eligible for contract extensions, only 26 first-rounders have signed extensions within this time frame. The number of extensions per year has averaged around 2.89. It is worth noting that some anomalies exist, such as Vita Vea, the 12th overall pick in the 2018 draft, who did not sign a new deal until just before the 2021 regular season.
The timing of contract extensions has varied across the years, with some years having no extensions signed by first-round picks. The high point for early extensions was in 2020 when six first-round picks from 2017 signed extensions before their fourth season.
Overall, less than half of the 32 NFL teams have done early extensions for their first-round picks since 2014. The Rams lead the way with four extensions, followed by the Cowboys and Texans with three each.
There is also a trend towards extending the contracts of quarterbacks early, with six quarterbacks receiving early extensions. However, no first-round safeties or tight ends have received new deals after three seasons, and opportunities for early extensions are limited for tight ends in general.
As for the 2020 first-round picks, none of them have signed multiyear extensions this offseason. However, based on historical trends, it is expected that around three of these picks will receive new deals before the start of the regular season.
The most logical candidates for early extensions from the 2020 class are Joe Burrow, the No. 1 overall pick who has been a standout for the Cincinnati Bengals, and Justin Herbert, the No. 6 overall pick who has impressed as the Los Angeles Chargers’ quarterback. Reports suggest that the Bengals are prioritizing a new deal for Burrow, and it is likely that he will become the league’s highest-paid player. Negotiations with Herbert’s camp are ongoing, and a hold-in is not out of the question if a deal is not reached by the start of training camp.
In conclusion, the 2011 CBA brought significant changes to how NFL draft picks are compensated, including the implementation of a rookie wage scale and changes to the timing of contract extensions. Since then, several first-round picks have received early extensions, with quarterbacks being the most common recipients. The 2020 first-round picks have yet to sign multiyear extensions, but it is expected that a few of them will do so before the start of the regular season.
