Travis Hunter Signs Historic NFL Rookie Contract With The Jacksonville Jaguars

Not long ago, Travis Hunter shocked the collegiate sports world by choosing to start his career at Jackson State University with head coach Deion Sanders over Florida State, Alabama, and Georgia.

Sunday's news of the second overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft officially signing his rookie contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars comes as little of a surprise.

The stunner is that Hunter inked a four-year, $46,649,114 rookie deal that is fully guaranteed, including a record-setting signing bonus of $30,566,628.   

This agreement makes him the first non-quarterback in National Football League history (not selected first overall) to receive his entire signing bonus at the beginning of his contract.

Additionally, the Jaguars exercised the standard fifth-year option for first-round picks.

Where are all of those analysts and experts who said Hunter was making the worst decision of his life to follow Deion Sanders to Jackson State? Who knew?

On a humorous footnote. Jacksonville posted two announcements about Travis Hunter's signing — one as a defensive back, the other as a wide receiver.

Hunters Is A Two-Way Star

Hunter, a Heisman Trophy winner, is poised to play both wide receiver and cornerback for the Jaguars — an uncommon role in the modern NFL but one he has excelled in since his time at Jackson State.

During his collegiate career with JSU and Colorado, Hunter has showcased his remarkable versatility, which soon led to him winning the 2024 Heisman Trophy.

Last season as a wide receiver, Shedeur Sanders connected with him for 96 receptions, 1,258 receiving yards, and 15 touchdowns.

Defensively, Hunter recorded 35 tackles, 11 pass breakups, and intercepted four passes. Quarterbacks often overlook receivers being defended by the Buffaloes' All-American, so his numbers are somewhat skewed.

Jacksonville plans to utilize him as a slot receiver on offense and as a cornerback in specific defensive packages, capitalizing on his unique skill set.

The Signing Process For Travis

The contract was finalized following a brief delay that extended through the team's organized team activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamp. Still, there was never serious concern from either Hunter's camp or the Jaguars about a potential holdout.

Hunter was the model rookie, fully participating in the offseason activities and showcasing his commitment to integrating with the team and adapting to the professional level.

With the contract now signed, Hunter is scheduled to report to training camp alongside his fellow rookies to begin his NFL journey on Jul. 19.

Additional Travis Hunter Coverage:

Travis Hunter Surprises Young Football Player Training In His Backyard

It's been quite the weekend for Travis Hunter. First, he marries Leanna De La Fuente, aka Leanna Lenne, in Athens, Tennessee, at The Barn in front of his family, friends, former teammates, and associates.

The former Jackson State and Colorado star noticed a young football player was training alone in his backyard. Suddenly, Travis, Leanna, and his entourage walked up and surprised him during his session.