How much do undrafted NFL rookies make?
Even before the NFL Draft is finished, teams are contacting prospective undrafted free agents. NFL franchises usually begin to reach out to undrafted rookies during the sixth round of the draft. Many teams already have a list of players they believe will go undrafted before the draft begins.
What happens after the NFL Draft?
Undrafted free agents (UDFA) can agree to deals immediately after the draft, while other players are invited to the teams' rookie minicamps. If a player impresses during minicamp, they may be offered a deal.
How much do undrafted NFL rookies make?
The NFL’s league minimum salary in 2021 is $660,000, which is what most UDFA sign for.
The length and size of UDFA deals can vary. For example, Duke running back Deon Jackson signed a three-year $2,470,000 contract with the Indianapolis Colts, with $45,000 guaranteed. Purdue’s Lorenzo Neal signed a three-year deal with the Saints for $2,425,000 and no guaranteed money.
Of course, for the UDFA to make the league minimum salary, they have to make the team which is no easy task. A lot of UDFA make NFL franchises practice squads, where they can earn north of $100,000 per season.
Some well-known NFL UDFA
Several high-profile, undrafted free agents have gone on to have noteworthy and hall of fame careers. Below is a selection of a few UDFA you may recognize.
QB - Kurt Warner - St. Louis Rams/Arizona Cardinals
LB - James Harrison - Pittsburgh Steelers/Cincinnati Bengals/NE Patriots
TE - Antonio Gates - San Diego Chargers
WR - Doug Baldwin - Seattle Seahawks
QB - Tony Romo - Dallas Cowboys
WR - Wes Welker - New England Patriots/Denver Broncos/LA Rams
K - Adam Vinatieri - New England Patriots
RB - Priest Holmes - Baltimore Ravens/Kansas City Chiefs