The University of Louisville has a long history of players in the NFL. In fact, the program added its 4th NFL MVP honor in 2019 when Lamar Jackson won the league’s honor in just his 2nd season with the Baltimore Ravens. Lamar’s MVP joined Johnny Unitas’ previous 3 NFL MVPs (1959, 1964, 1967).
But while the league honors and awards haven’t changed much, the one thing that has in the NFL: THE MONEY.
Louisville Cardinals will take a total contract value of $199,088,829 into the 2020 NFL Training Camp with $58,675,058 being set to be earned this year from former Cards in the league. Last years blockbuster deal for former UofL Cardinals was DeVante Parker’s new $30,500,000 / 4 Year Deal With the Dolphins.
Big New Deals
This year there were some fantastic new contracts with some BIG NUMBERS:
- Teddy Bridgewater $63,000,000 / 3 Years
- Brandon Dunn $12,000,000 / 3 Years
- Mekhi Becton $18,446,048 / 4 Years
Of course all eyes will be on what sort of $$$$ Lamar Jackson will command as the ‘IT’ player in the NFL with a MVP under his belt and two more years on his rookie deal. The Kansas City Chief’s Patrick Mahomes, also a former MVP set the market this off-season with a 10-Year $450,000,000 contract (granted Mahomes did win a Super Bowl to go along with his MVP).
Contract Years
There are also some Cards coming up on a critical contract year:
- Sheldon Rankins
- John Miller
- Reggie Bonnafon
- James Burgess
- Josh Bellamy
- Josh Harvey-Clemons
- Senorise Perry
A lot of these guys playing in their ‘contract year’ do so nearly every year. James Burgess & Senorise Perry have been a survivors in the league, while Reggie Bonnafon is in a good spot behind Christian McCaffrey. Sheldon Rankins needs an injury-free/productive season coming off his rookie deal as a 1st round pick. I expect Sheldon to sign a significant deal following the 2020 season.
WATCHING
We are also keeping an eye out for some of our old favorites. Guys like Preston Brown & Eli Rogers will likely get the call this season. Much like Colin Holba did during the 2019 season. And of course Bilal Powell who is currently a free agent for the first time in his long career.
| 2020 Salary | Contract Details | ||
| Teddy Bridgewater | Panthers | $14,000,000 | $63,000,000 3 Years 2020-2022 |
| John Miller | Panthers | $4,000,000 | $4,000,000 1 Year 2020 |
| Reggie Bonnafon | Panthers | $675,000 | $675,000 1 Year 2020 |
| Sheldon Rankins | Saints | $7,690,000 | $12,801,648 4 Years 2016-2020 |
| Jaire Alexander | Packers | $3,286,563 | $12,050,687 4 Years 2018-2021 |
| Mekhi Becton | Jets | $3,353,827 | $18,446,048 4 Years 2020-2023 |
| James Burgess | Jets | $825,000 | $825,000 1 Year 2020 |
| Josh Bellamy* IR | Jets | $2,250,000 | $5,000,000 2 Year 2019-2020 |
| Jamon Brown | Falcons | 6,583,333 | $18,750,000 3 Years 2019-2021 |
| Geron Christian | Washington | $1,021,248 | $3,746,992 4 Years 2018-2021 |
| Josh Harvey-Clemons | Washington | $846,078 | $2,484,306 4 Years 2017-2020 |
| Trevon Young | Browns | $675,000 | $1,525,000 2 Years 2020-2021 |
| Brandon Dunn | Texans | $3,500,000 | $12,000,000 3 Years 2020-2022 |
| Tyler Haycraft | Giants | $610,833 | $2,287,500 3 Years 2020-2022 |
| Cole Hikutini | Cowboys | $675,000 | $1,525,000 2 Years 2020-2021 |
| Lamar Jackson | Ravens | $2,583,176 | $9,471,648 4 Years 2018-2021 |
| DeVante Parker | Dolphins | $6,100,000 | $30,500,000 4 Years 2019-2021 |
| Senorise Perry | Titans | $910,000 | $910,000 1 Year 2020 |
| $58,675,058 | $199,088,829 | ||
| Watching | |||
| Colin Holba | |||
| Josh Bellamy | |||
| Preston Brown | |||
| Bilal Powell | |||
| Eli Rogers | |||
| Keith Towbridge | |||
| Jaylen Smith | |||
| Seth Dawkins | |||
| Lukayus McNeil |
Latest posts by Mark Blankenbaker (see all)
- VIDEO: Jeff Brohm Previews Georgia Tech - September 16, 2024
- Louisville Remains #19 in AP Poll - September 15, 2024
- Louisville Live! Tickets On Sale Wednesday - September 9, 2024