Dante Moore’s decision to return to college could cost him over $50 million.

The anticipation for the NFL Draft is building, even though it’s still several months away. As playoff teams solidify their positions, analysts and reporters are crafting mock drafts to predict the future of top college prospects. Tied for the worst season record last year, four teams—Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, and Tennessee Titans—are set to make the first four selections.

Top Picks and Future Prospects

The Tennessee Titans, who had the first overall pick last year, chose Cam Ward as their future quarterback. They are not looking for another QB this year, but the other three teams in the top four are actively seeking one. Many mock drafts project Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza as the first overall pick by the Raiders, while the Jets are anticipated to choose Oregon’s Dante Moore with the second pick. Should the Jets decide on a different direction, the Cardinals, picking third, seem ready to move on from Kyler Murray, making Moore a promising option.

Dante Moore’s Decision to Stay in College

If Moore were selected as predicted, he’d likely sign a rookie contract worth between $51 and $52.6 million over four years, with first-year salaries estimated at $9.56 million if he were picked second or around $9.27 million if picked third. However, he opted to return to Oregon for another shot at a national championship instead of pursuing this lucrative opportunity.

This decision appears wise considering Oregon’s recent success. The Ducks reached the semifinals of the College Football Playoff, finishing the season 13-2, and Moore earned Third-Team All-Big Ten honors. He likely feels there’s unfinished business, as he aims for a championship next season.

Looking at the NFL landscape, both the Jets and Cardinals face significant challenges. The Cardinals need to improve their offensive line, a daunting task for any rookie quarterback. Similarly, although Jets fans briefly hoped for revitalization with Aaron Rodgers’ signing in 2023, the team’s struggles persisted; quarterback Justin Fields’ performance showcased the struggles, as he finished one game with a mere -10 passing yards.

Moore might have assessed these tough circumstances and concluded it would be more beneficial to further hone his skills in college. By waiting another year, he could enter as one of the top quarterbacks in a potentially deep draft class.

Financially, however, his choice poses a significant risk. He earned roughly $2.3 million in name, image, and likeness (NIL) income last season; even if he doubles that, it remains less than half of what a rookie contract would offer. Eschewing the NFL’s financial security for another year in college could prove risky.

Ultimately, Moore is betting on his future success. With NFL salaries rising, he might secure a more lucrative deal next year, especially if he rises to a top overall pick. Moreover, he may cherish one last year of the college experience before transitioning to professional life, which, while not as financially rewarding as the NFL, remains quite substantial.