Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers declared for the NFL Draft, even though he had the chance to make more money through NIL deals in college. Cam Newton talked Ewers’ decision, and NIL as a whole, on his podcast “4th and 1.”
Should Quinn Ewers Have Stayed in College?
Ewers started the last three seasons of his college career and was one of the most sought-after quarterback prospects to come out of high school in recent years. After spending a year at Ohio State, he transferred to Texas to get playing time and went on to throw 68 touchdowns for the Longhorns.
With Arch Manning pushing for the starting job, Ewers likely might have had to transfer again if he wanted to start another year in college. It seemed clear the Longhorns were preparing to hand the offense over to Manning, which may have played a role in Ewers’ decision to declare for the draft.
The big question is why he chose to go to the NFL when reports indicated he could’ve made up to $8 million if he stayed in college. Even if it wasn’t with Texas, Ewers would’ve been the top quarterback in the transfer portal, and several big-name programs would have likely made him a strong NIL offer.
Instead, he was picked in the seventh round of the NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins, as the last quarterback selected. He’s now third on the depth chart behind Tua Tagovailoa and backup Zach Wilson, with a base salary of $840,000 per season.
Cam Newton was asked about Ewers turning down that kind of money. He said:
“The NIL money will never compare to what the NFL money is. That $8 million is only a projection. There are no contracts there.”
“This is not forever money. We are so mis-educated about what the NIL money is guaranteed and what’s not.”
Newton’s co-host, Omari “Peggy” Collins, pushed back, asking why someone would leave college as a star player to become a late-round pick. He pointed out that top college quarterbacks now have better NIL opportunities than ever, and those deals keep growing.
It’s possible to make more in college than as a late-round NFL pick, especially in the seventh round.
This debate will only grow as NIL continues to evolve, and more players consider staying in college instead of heading to the league.
Ewers’ Options in the NFL
In Ewers’ case, he does have a shot at making the final roster in Miami. The Dolphins only had two quarterbacks going into the draft, so the rookie steps in right away as the third-string QB.
Shedeur Sanders, who was picked two rounds earlier, is likely the fourth-string quarterback in Cleveland.
Ewers has a chance to prove he can be a reliable backup. He doesn’t have the strongest arm, but neither does Tua. Head coach Mike McDaniel’s system is more about timing and anticipation, and he’s helped Tua succeed in that scheme.
Ewers might not be a starter any time soon, but he can learn a lot in Miami — and that could eventually lead to more chances in the NFL.