Questions have swirled about whether Quinn Ewers regretted skipping another year college to enter the NFL Draft early. However, a recently revealed endorsement deal is likely to quiet doubts about how much money he may have left on the table.
According to reports, Ewers turned down an offer reportedly worth up to $8 million to transfer to another college team.
Instead, the former Texas quarterback declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, where the Miami Dolphins selected him in the seventh round with the 231st overall pick. Ewers’ rookie contract will span four years, valued at $4.3 million.
Thankfully, the door remains open for players like Ewers to boost their earnings off the field through endorsements. On that note, Ewers announced a new exclusive partnership with trading card company Panini America.
According to reports, the deal is reportedly worth $3 million.
Last season, Ewers threw for 31 touchdowns and led Texas to the College Football Playoff semifinals. Despite that success, the Longhorns were set to hand the starting quarterback role to Arch Manning, leaving Ewers to consider using his remaining college eligibility elsewhere.
Feeling more than ready for the next step, Ewers opted to enter the professional ranks.
Though many experts projected him as a Day 2 draft pick, Ewers was one of several quarterbacks who fell further than expected during the draft.
Ewers’ new team, the Miami Dolphins, offer an intriguing opportunity.
He will compete with Zach Wilson to back up starter Tua Tagovailoa, who has appeared in 64 games over five NFL seasons and has dealt with more than his fair share of injuries.
Ewers recently recounted the disappointment of slipping so far in the draft.
When Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel called to inform him of the pick, McDaniel said he wanted to “take advantage” of other teams passing on him.
Reflecting on the entire experience, Ewers said: “Coming into it, definitely wasn’t expecting to go as late as I did. But at the end of the day, it’s what happened. And now I have an opportunity, and that’s really all that matters to me.
“Now I got an opportunity to go show everybody why it was a mistake that I was picked as late as I was.”
Ewers has been a high-profile quarterback for several years now, going back to his high school days in Texas. Unsurprisingly, some fans took enjoyment in watching him fall in the draft and poked fun at all the money he left on the table.
However, this Panini deal will help ease the blow. And as long as he holds up his end of the bargain, it’s safe to assume he’ll have a chance to prove he belongs in the NFL.
What are your thoughts on Ewers’ shocking draft slide???
