Hunter’s Lucrative Deal: Full Bonus Up Front

Rookie Contract Terms and Conditions

A unique aspect of the latest rookie contract negotiations has emerged, centered on the payment structure. The agreement reached by the Jaguars’ receiver and defensive back, Travis Hunter, sets a notable precedent in the NFL.

Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reports that Hunter will receive his full signing bonus upfront, totaling $30.57 million. He is the first non-quarterback to achieve this with the full bonus paid immediately after not being drafted as the first overall pick.

Teams frequently stagger these payments, sometimes delaying a portion for almost a year. Getting the full amount upfront offers immediate financial advantages, allowing the player to generate interest while they are inactive. In 2023, NFL teams had an average of $10.5 million in dead money, indicating the high stakes involved in player contracts (Spotrac 2024).

Contractual Nuances

The Jaguars’ decision reflects their appreciation for Hunter, who is ready to work tirelessly. His contract won’t offer extra compensation for playing both ways; the drafting position solely dictates the overall financial terms.

The fifth-year option and franchise tag decisions for Hunter will hinge on the position where he plays the most snaps. It will get particularly interesting when his second contract comes up after the 2027 season.

“If he’s playing both ways on a full-time basis, will have every right to be paid for both of his jobs.”

— Source close to the situation

The Jaguars invested heavily in Hunter, trading multiple draft picks to move up in the first round. They saw him as a dual-threat talent, and now they will need to adjust to a Collective Bargaining Agreement that doesn’t address double pay for dual roles.

An update from a league source takes issue with the claim that Hunter is the first non-quarterback to get the full signing bonus upfront. The source said that Nick Bosa and Chase Young both also received their full signing bonuses in advance.