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Former Texas Star Quinn Ewers Lands $3 Million Deal

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated May 18, 2025 10:34 AM ET

Many have wondered if Quinn Ewers experienced second thoughts about leaving college for the NFL. The reported value of a new endorsement should lessen the murmurs about how much money he cost himself.

Ewers reportedly turned down as much as $8 million to transfer from Texas to another college program. The quarterback instead declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, where the Miami Dolphins selected him in the seventh round. As the No. 231 selection, Ewers will begin his career on a four-year, $4.3 million rookie contract.

Fortunately, players can keep lining up sponsorships as professionals. On Friday, Ewers revealed an exclusive autographed trading card deal with Panini America.

According to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio, the agreement with Panini is worth $3 million.

Last season, Ewers tossed 31 passing touchdowns and steered Texas to the College Football Playoff semifinals. While the Longhorns were ready to give Arch Manning the QB1 job, Ewers could have used his remaining collegiate eligibility elsewhere.

The 22-year-old ultimately chose the NFL. While often projected as a Day 2 pick, Ewers was one of several notable quarterbacks to fall farther than anticipated last month.

However, Ewers at least landed in an intriguing destination. He'll compete with Zach Wilson for Miami's backup job behind Tua Tagovailoa, who has played 64 games in five seasons.

As part of Friday's announcement, Ewers shared a video chronicling his NFL Draft journey. That included a look into his disappointing slide.

When calling Ewers to inform him of their pick, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel told him he wanted to "take advantage" of everyone else passing. Ewers looked forward to proving doubters wrong and playing above his draft slot.

"Coming into it, definitely wasn't expecting to go as late as I did," Ewers said. "But at the end of the day, it's what happened. And now I have an opportunity, and that's really all that matters to me. Now I got an opportunity to go show everybody why it was a mistake that I was picked as late as I was."

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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