With the NFL season among us, I wanted to take some time to focus on undrafted free agents looking to make a splash in their rookie season. More specifically, how does a dominant rookie year by an undrafted free agent followed by subsequent high level seasons impact contract negotiations and payouts?
As the saying goes, the past is the best indicator for the future, so let’s explore the rookie seasons of Justin Tucker and Everson Walls. Both logged superstar seasons out the gate, but how did they fair financially in the long run?
Two of the Best Undrafted Free Agents of All Time
Everson Walls and Justin Tucker entered the NFL as undrafted free agents, Walls with the Dallas Cowboys in 1981 and Tucker with the Baltimore Ravens in 2012. Despite being overlooked in the draft, both players made immediate impacts in their rookie seasons.
Everson Walls’ Rookie Season
Walls ran a disappointing 4.72-second 40-yard dash during workouts detering teams from drafting the player despite him leading college players in interceptions. Luckily, Everson Walls was still contacted by the Dallas Cowboys who offered him a meager free agent contract at cornerback.
During his 1981 rookie season, Walls led league with 11 interceptions, earned a Pro Bowl invitation, and quickly became a key component of the Cowboys’ defense under legendary coach Tom Landry.
Walls would go on to have the most interceptions league wide for 3 seasons (1981,1983,1985) and win a Super Bowl after joining the New York Giants in 1990.
Justin Tucker’s Rookie Season
Tucker’s journey began with a creative, modern approach. He shot an uncut, five-minute YouTube video showcasing his kicking accuracy, ending with the direct appeal: “Pick me.” The Baltimore Ravens took notice, and Tucker’s rookie season was nothing short of spectacular.
He made all 42 of his extra point attempts and missed only three out of 33 field goals. His clutch performances, including game-winning kicks against the New England Patriots and San Diego Chargers, immediately establishing his value and securing a SuperBowl win.
Contract Negotiations Compared
While both players proved their worth on the field, their experiences with contract negotiations varied greatly. It’s worth noting that Walls and Tucker played about 30 years apart with Justin Tucker’s experience appearing closer to the modern NFL and current standardized undrafted free agent rookie contracts.
Everson’s story is interesting when comparing the Dallas Cowboys’ current issues paying players like Lamb, Parsons, and Prescott. One could argue that part of the Dallas Cowboys’ massive franchise value is attributed to being “historically” cheap.
Everson Walls Contract Struggles
Despite his on-field success, Walls faced significant challenges in contract negotiations with the Cowboys. In 1983, just two years into his NFL career, the Washington Post reported that Walls rejected a new contract offer from the Cowboys. The proposed deal was a five-year, $1.2 million contract ( $3.16 million today) based largely on incentives, including:
- $6,000 per year for making the all-National Conference team
- $10,000 per year for all-NFL selection
- $16,000 per year for being named defensive player of the year
These bonuses were to be paid in addition to a $100,000 signing bonus scheduled for 1987.
Walls found these terms unsatisfactory, leading to prolonged contract disputes that overshadowed much of his early career.
It wasn’t until 1987, that Walls’ contract offer reflected his contributions to the Cowboys. He signed a three-year deal worth $5.05 million, making him the second-highest paid cornerback in the league at the time. This resolution came after years of negotiations and demonstrated the value Walls had built through his on-field performance.
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Justin Tucker Contract History
In stark contrast, Justin Tucker’s contract history shows a steady and impressive climb once he got past the initial league restrictions for free agents.
- 2012-2014 (UDFA contract): 3 years, $1,440,000 total
- 2015 (RFA tender): 1 year, $2,356,000
- 2016-2019 (Franchise tag + Extension): 4 years, $16,800,000 total
- 2019-2022 (Extension): 4 years, $20,000,000 total
As of 2024, Tucker’s career earnings stand at an impressive $47,546,000, with potential earnings reaching $64,596,000. His largest single-year cash payment was $9,000,000 in 2019, and his largest cap hit is projected to be $7,072,500 in 2025.
Tucker’s financial success mirrors his on-field achievements and his reocrd as one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history.
NFL Undrafted Free Agent Rookie Contracts Explained (Click to Expand)
Undrafted Free Agents (UDFAs) in the NFL
Eligibility:
- Players not selected in the NFL Draft can sign with any team as UDFAs
- Undrafted early-entry players can return to college if they haven’t signed with an agent
Signing Period:
- Starts immediately after the NFL Draft ends (typically late April)
- Teams rush to sign desired players who weren’t drafted
Contracts:
- UDFAs must sign 3-year contracts with league-minimum salaries
- Salary structure for next three years: $795,000, $960,000, $1,075,000
- Same pay scale applies to players drafted after 3rd round
- NFL limits total signing bonuses for UDFA class ($172,337 in 2023)
- To attract players, teams may offer to guarantee large parts of salary
Considering Undrafted Free Agent Rookie Seasons
The contrasting experiences of Walls and Tucker offer valuable lessons for UDFAs entering the NFL in 2024:
- Immediate Impact is Crucial: Both players made significant contributions in their rookie seasons, setting the stage for future success. For UDFAs, making a strong first impression can be the difference between a long career and an early exit.
- Consistency Builds Value: Tucker’s steady performance year after year has led to increasingly lucrative contracts. UDFAs should aim for consistent excellence to build long-term value.
- Specialization Can Pay Off: Tucker’s success as a kicker shows that excellence in a specialized role can lead to substantial financial rewards. UDFAs should consider how they can become irreplaceable in their specific roles.
- Understand Your Market Value: Walls’ prolonged contract disputes highlight the importance of understanding market dynamics. UDFAs should stay informed about NFL compensation, salaries, and contracts in their position. Be prepared to advocate for their worth.
- Negotiate Wisely: Tucker’s steady contract progression demonstrates the benefits of strategic negotiation. UDFAs should consider both short-term gains and long-term potential when discussing contracts.
- Performance Trumps Draft Status: Both Walls and Tucker proved that going undrafted doesn’t determine a player’s ultimate value. UDFAs should focus on their on-field performance rather than dwelling on their draft status.
2024 Undrafted Free Agents To Watch
As we look at the incoming class of 2024, the proscpect of the undrafted free agent in the modern NFL seems promising. A few players stand out with the potential to follow in the footsteps of Walls and Tucker.
Leonard Taylor III (DL, New York Jets)
- Contract: 3 years, $2,840,000 with a $10,000 signing bonus
- 2024 Earnings: $795,000 base salary
- Taylor’s impressive college career and physical attributes make him a promising prospect.
Dallin Holker (TE, New Orleans Saints)
- Contract: 3 years, $2,840,000 with a $10,000 signing bonus
- 2024 Earnings: $795,000 base salary
- Holker’s productive college career, particularly his stellar 2023 season at Colorado State, makes him one to watch.
These players enter the NFL with standard undrafted free agent contracts similar to Justin Tucker in his early years. Their future success will depend on their ability to make immediate impacts, consistently perform at a high level, and navigate the complex world of NFL contract negotiations.
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