Comprehensive Breakdown of Contracts Signed by Every Texas Longhorn Selected in the 2025 NFL Draft Following Impressive Performances

The University of Texas at Austin continues to produce high-caliber football talent, and the 2025 NFL Draft further affirmed that truth as multiple Longhorns heard their names called across all three days of the event. These former collegiate stars are now poised to make their mark in the professional ranks, bolstered by lucrative rookie contracts that reflect both their collegiate success and their projected impact at the next level. Each selected player enters the NFL with dreams of greatness, and their contracts signify not only a personal milestone but also a testament to the strength of the Texas football program.

Among the headliners for Texas in this year’s draft class was wide receiver Xavier Worthy, whose game-breaking speed and playmaking ability made him a coveted asset. Worthy was selected in the first round, and with that selection came a substantial financial reward. He signed a four-year deal valued at approximately $15.8 million, fully guaranteed, with a signing bonus north of $8.4 million. This contract places him firmly among the top earners in this year’s rookie class and reflects the league-wide emphasis on dynamic offensive weapons who can change games in a single play. Worthy’s contract also includes a fifth-year team option, standard for first-round picks, which could further increase his earnings if he lives up to expectations during his rookie deal.

Quarterback Quinn Ewers, another standout from the Longhorns’ 2024 campaign, also garnered significant attention from NFL scouts. Though he fell outside the first round, Ewers was selected early in the second round by a quarterback-needy team. His four-year rookie deal came in at approximately $9.3 million, with a signing bonus around $3.8 million. The structure of Ewers’ deal reflects his potential upside and the importance placed on young quarterbacks who can be developed into starters. With incentives tied to playing time, team performance, and statistical benchmarks, Ewers could significantly outpace his base salary if he develops into the franchise-caliber player many project him to become.

Defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat, a dominant interior presence for Texas, was another Day 2 selection. Known for his run-stuffing prowess and ability to collapse pockets, Sweat signed a four-year rookie deal worth roughly $6.4 million, including a signing bonus just over $2 million. Sweat’s contract reflects his status as a plug-and-play contributor at the next level. Given the premium NFL teams place on disruptive interior linemen, his deal could become a bargain if he transitions smoothly to the pro game. His contract also includes workout and roster bonuses that provide additional financial incentives for consistency and availability.

Another high-profile selection from the Texas defense was linebacker Jaylan Ford. After an impressive senior season in which he led the Longhorns in tackles and emerged as a leader on and off the field, Ford was selected in the third round. His four-year deal is valued at approximately $5.3 million, including a signing bonus close to $1.1 million. Ford’s contract structure includes performance escalators that could increase his pay in the later years of the deal if he meets certain playing time thresholds or earns All-Rookie or Pro Bowl honors. Given his high football IQ and versatility, many see Ford as a potential early contributor on defense and special teams.

Cornerback Ryan Watts was another Longhorn to hear his name called, taken in the middle rounds by a team looking to bolster its secondary. Watts signed a four-year deal worth just under $4.2 million, including a signing bonus around $780,000. His contract is typical for players selected in the fourth round, but it includes several incentives that could boost its total value. These include bonuses for interceptions, passes defended, and defensive snaps played. If Watts carves out a role as a starting or rotational corner, his earnings could exceed the baseline of his rookie contract.

On the offensive line, Christian Jones was a solid selection in the later rounds, viewed as a developmental tackle with high upside due to his size and experience in a pro-style offense. Jones signed a four-year deal worth roughly $3.9 million, including a signing bonus of around $680,000. While not among the top earners of the Texas draft class, Jones’ contract offers the stability and opportunity for him to grow under professional coaching. Should he develop into a swing tackle or even a starting right tackle, his next contract could dwarf his rookie deal.

Keilan Robinson, a versatile running back and special teams ace, was a sixth-round pick who signed a four-year contract valued at around $3.7 million, with a signing bonus of approximately $120,000. Robinson’s speed and return ability make him a valuable asset, and his contract includes incentives for special teams touchdowns, total yardage, and kickoff return averages. Though late-round picks typically receive smaller contracts, Robinson’s deal provides a clear path to increased earnings if he becomes a consistent contributor in multiple phases of the game.

Safety Jerrin Thompson, another draft-day selection from the Longhorns’ defensive backfield, signed a four-year deal worth about $3.8 million, with a signing bonus close to $135,000. His contract includes performance escalators and roster bonuses that could be activated if he becomes a key member of the defense or excels on special teams. Thompson’s intelligence and physicality in college make him a candidate for early playing time, and his team-friendly deal could provide significant value relative to his contributions on the field.

Not to be overlooked is the undrafted free agent group, where Texas also saw representation. Several players, though not selected during the seven rounds, quickly signed priority free agent contracts following the conclusion of the draft. These deals often include modest signing bonuses, typically ranging from $10,000 to $50,000, and base salaries consistent with league minimums. However, these contracts also come with opportunities for rookie minicamp showcases, and if the players make the 53-man roster or practice squad, their earnings can scale accordingly. Among the more notable UDFAs from Texas this year were wide receiver Jordan Whittington and offensive guard Jake Majors, both of whom signed with teams that reportedly view them as strong candidates to compete for depth roles.

Whittington’s contract included a $40,000 signing bonus and $100,000 in guaranteed money, while Majors secured $30,000 guaranteed as part of his deal. These numbers underscore the competitive nature of undrafted free agency and the importance of fit and opportunity. For players like Whittington, who bring versatility and toughness to the table, landing with the right team can be the first step in a long and productive NFL career.

Overall, the contracts signed by the Texas Longhorns in the 2025 NFL Draft reflect a wide range of draft positions, skill sets, and team projections. From first-round selections like Xavier Worthy who enter the league with star-level expectations and guaranteed millions, to late-round and undrafted players fighting for roster spots, every Longhorn entering the NFL this year carries the legacy of the Texas program with them. Their rookie deals are more than just financial arrangements—they are launching pads for careers that began in burnt orange and now extend to the grand stage of the National Football League.

The wide spectrum of contract values also highlights the different paths to NFL success. For early-round picks, the spotlight is immediate, and the pressure to perform is high, but the financial security is substantial. For mid- and late-round selections, the contracts are leaner, but so is the leash—making every practice rep, preseason snap, and special teams opportunity crucial. And for undrafted players, the mountain is steep, but the reward for making a roster or proving oneself through grit and effort can lead to long-term stability and eventual contract renegotiations.

As these Longhorns embark on their NFL journeys, the contracts they’ve signed serve not only as reward for past performance but also as investments in future potential. With strong foundational coaching, a history of success, and the competitive fire instilled at Texas, this 2025 draft class is poised to represent their alma mater well at the highest level of football. Each player now faces the next challenge: converting potential into production, and financial promise into professional fulfillment. The road from Austin to the NFL is paved with talent, but it’s the dedication, durability, and desire to succeed that will ultimately define how far these players—and their contracts—take them.