Undrafted NFL players secure bigger contract guarantees than late-round draftees

For many players, being selected in the NFL Draft is a career milestone. But for an increasing number, it’s better to go undrafted. Several undrafted free agents have secured contracts with guarantees that surpass those offered to players taken in the late rounds of the draft.

According to a league source, the following undrafted players have agreed to terms on three-year contracts with guarantees of $200,000 or more:

• Ryan Schernecke (Tackle) – $282,500 from the New York Giants
• Thaddeus Dixon (Cornerback) – $282,500 from the New York Giants
• Caden Barnett (Guard) – $277,500 from the Chicago Bears
• Jalon Daniels (Quarterback) – $272,500 from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Alan Herron (Tackle) – $272,500 from the New Orleans Saints
• Quentin Moore (Tight end) – $270,000 from the Washington Commanders
• Bishop Fitzgerald (Safety) – $267,500 from the Tennessee Titans
• Aian Keenaaina (Defensive lineman) – $267,500 from the Detroit Lions
• Lander Barton (Linebacker) – $264,500 from the Los Angeles Chargers
• Caulin Lacy (Receiver) – $258,000 from the New York Jets
• Eric Rivers (Receiver) – $250,000 from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Elijah Culp (Cornerback) – $247,500 from the Arizona Cardinals

Last year, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Will Howard, selected 185th overall in the sixth round, received a guarantee exceeding $247,500. However, all players taken later in the draft received smaller guarantees through the league’s standard slotting process.

For the 12 players listed above, the financial advantage of being undrafted is clear. Their three-year contracts not only provide greater upfront guarantees but also offer a faster path to restricted free agency. Additionally, these players had the freedom to choose their teams rather than being assigned to a franchise.

“For the players getting in excess of $200,000 in guarantees, it’s better to be not drafted than to be taken late in round six or in round seven.”

Nine other undrafted players have also secured guarantees exceeding $100,000, further highlighting the growing financial benefits of bypassing the draft.