5 top-tier NFL QB's who earn less than Carson Beck in 2025 season ft. Michael Penix Jr.

The introduction of NIL by the NCAA in July 2021 has significantly changed the transition from college sports to professional leagues. With athletes now able to profit from their NIL, many players who would have previously declared for the draft are adopting a more patient approach, given that NFL rookies often earn considerably less than college stars with lucrative NIL deals.

For instance, Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Carson Beck is expected to earn $4 million through NIL deals, according to Bleacher Report. This amount far exceeds what many NFL rookies would earn in their first year.

5 top-tier NFL QB's who'll earn less than Carson Beck in 2025

5) Drake Maye

NFL: Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots - Source: Imagn

New England Patriots franchise quarterback Drake Maye was picked third overall in the draft last year. His base salary for the 2025 season is $960K. Beck will be earning four times that through his NIL deals. Similarly, rookies Michael Penix Jr., Bo Nix and Caleb Williams are also earning $960K as part of their rookie deals.

4) Bryce Young

NFL: Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons - Source: Imagn

The first overall pick from the 2023 draft, Bryce Young, signed a four-year rookie contract worth $37.9 million. The contract will earn him $1 million base salary for the 2025 season, which is also condiserably less than Beck.

3) CJ Stroud

NFL: AFC Wild Card Round-Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans - Source: Imagn

Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud was picked second overall in the 2023 draft. He'll be earning $1 million in 2025, which is $3 million less than Carson Beck.

2) Jayden Daniels

NFL: Washington Commanders at Dallas Cowboys - Source: Imagn

The Washington Commanders picked the 2023 Heisman winner, Jayden Daniels, second overall in the 2024 draft. He signed a four-year rookie contract worth $37.75 million. In the 2025 season, he will earn $2.5 million in base salary, which is $1.5 million short of Beck's 2025 NIL earnings.

1) Anthony Richardson

Syndication: The Indianapolis Star - Source: Imagn

The Indianapolis Colts selected Anthony Richardson fourth overall in the 2023 draft. He was signed to a four-year, $33,994,031 contract, and his base salary for the 2025 season is $3.84 million. This is about $120K less than what Beck will earn through NIL.

The significant difference in earnings is a clear reason why top college athletes are more inclined to remain in school until they have exhausted their eligibility before entering the professional leagues.