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Michigan Posts Four-Word Reaction to Former Star's $40 Million Move

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated May 28, 2025 3:35 PM ET

It was certainly a down year for the Michigan Wolverines, going just 8-5, but despite that, they still had a talented roster, which is apparent by the fact that they had seven players taken in the 2025 NFL Draft.

That ended up being tied for the sixth-most of any college football program this year, and the first of the Wolverines selected was defensive tackle Mason Graham, who was taken with the No. 5 pick by the Cleveland Browns.

Of course, it's an honor to be selected so early, and it also means he was slated for a big pay day and on Tuesday, the Browns announced he officially signed his rookie deal, which is worth $40.8 million over the next four years.

The news also caught the attention of Michigan, which posted a photo of Graham signing the contract with the caption "Mason makes it official!"

Mason makes it official!#ProBlue | @Browns pic.twitter.com/zFQf15TZmQ
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) May 28, 2025

For the Wolverines, watching Graham move on is bittersweet, as he developed into a star in his three seasons, appearing in 39 games, accumulating 108 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, nine sacks and earning All-America honors in 2024.

Now, though, he leaves Michigan with the opportunity to help the Browns improve their defense, which last year had its ups and downs, ranking 19th in total yards per game allowed (342.1) and tied for 27th in points per game allowed (25.6).

There's even some hope he can become just the second player in Browns' history to win Defensive Rookie of the Year, joining linebacker Chip Banks, who took home the award in 1982.

Of course, the ultimate goal for Graham is to eventually make the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which is somewhat of a specialty for Michigan players, as they have produced the third most in NFL history with 11.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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