NFL draft includes players taking a pay cut to go from college to pros

It might not take long to become a millionaire in the NFL. The minimum salary for a draft pick in 2026 will be $915,120.

But some college stars entering the league will be taking pay cuts.

With name, image and likeness payments on the rise in college and revenue sharing going into effect before the 2025 season, there are undoubtably players who will be drafted in the late rounds Saturday who topped the million-dollar mark last year and now will earn less in the pros.

Eagles general manager Howie Roseman says the financial component makes evaluating a player's “passion and love of the game” more important than ever before.