How long before we see NIL deals at the college level affecting rookie salaries in the NFL? With Cam Coleman and many of the QBs this portal cycle making more than their NFL peers at what point does the NFL change their rookie contract model to compete with NIL for talent at their "prime"

I'd guess not as the NFL has no problem with a guy staying in school a year longer.

And there won't be a push from ownership to increase rookie salaries that they finally got under control.

Also, NFL has a salary cap that they have to live under.

I'm sure the NFL is perfectly fine with donors taking the mystery out of who's playing for playing because they love the game vs who's just wants to get paid.

NFL busts should go down

Micro level? Yes, may impact a couple of specific teams targeting specific guys at a specific expected draft position that means they don't get that particular guy the next year because the team and players position in the draft changes.

Macro Level? No, still more guys than spots will graduate and the elite of the elite will still fill the draft.

Panama Red said:

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I'd guess not as the NFL has no problem with a guy staying in school a year longer.

And there won't be a push from ownership to increase rookie salaries that they finally got under control.

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And on the flip side, NFLPA's job is to protect current employees. I do not see them lobbying for a system that encourages an expanded labor pool. Probably happy to let someone else pay the "kids" and extend the time their current employees have as union members.

JDCAG (NOT Colin) said:

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Panama Red said:

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I'd guess not as the NFL has no problem with a guy staying in school a year longer.

And there won't be a push from ownership to increase rookie salaries that they finally got under control.

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Tend to agree.

I think the NFL will be perfectly content to get more film on these guys to help reduce their risk on draft day.

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we'll see

the Falcons had 6 years of film on Michael Penix...

My son played high school with an sec receiver that is projected third round. He's appealing to get a fifth season. The nil money is better.

Serious question… are there any guys on our '25 roster that we should pay to keep for their Sr or RS Sr year instead of letting them go to the NFL draft?

Who has eligibility remaining? And once they declare, is it binding?

As others have said, NFL won't care at all. They eventually run out of eligibility and don't have a choice.