Jaguars, Travis Hunter agree to record-setting rookie contract

Ryan OLeary

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Jaguars, Travis Hunter agree to record-setting rookie contract image

After going all-in on Travis Hunter during the 2025 NFL Draft, the Jacksonville Jaguars doubled down with what is reportedly a record-setting rookie contract for the two-way superstar.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Hunter's four-year, $46.65 million rookie-scale deal includes a whopping $30.57 million signing bonus, which will be paid entirely before Hunter plays a snap with the Jaguars.

According to Schefter, Hunter is the first non-quarterback not selected No. 1 overall to receive his singing bonus entirely up front.

The Jaguars confirmed their No. 2 overall pick had signed his deal with a photo on social media, and Hunter himself shared this message: "What's up Duval, it's your boy Travis Hunter. We're officially locked in. Just signed the contract, so let's get started."

Hunter entered the weekend as one of the three 2025 first-round draft picks who had yet to sign his contract. While the term and total was set in stone by the NFL's rookie scales for each draft slot, singing bonuses and other language in the contract still needs to be ironed out by the team and player. 

Shemar Stewart of the Cincinnati Bengals (pick No. 17 overall) and Jahdae Barron of the Denver Broncos (pick No. 20) are now the lone first-round selections from the 2025 draft class to remain unsigned.

Ryan OLeary

Ryan O'Leary has spent his entire professional career in sports multimedia, working as journalist, editor, podcaster, and in live events as a content manager and show emcee. His career highlights include working as a podcast host and audio editor for USA TODAY Sports Media Group, where he led a series of NFL podcasts for the company’s top-performing NFL sites. A born and raised New Englander, Ryan’s career kicked-off in newspapers after graduating from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in journalism. He developed an affinity for small-town youth, high school and college sports, while also realizing his childhood dream of covering the Patriots in multiple AFC Championship Games. Ryan enjoys kicking it with family and friends, beating his dad and brother in chess, and arguing with anyone crazy enough to insist that Tom Brady isn’t the GOAT.