NFL Exec Says Players 'Hurting' Value by Staying in College for Money in NIL Era

The advent of NIL has made sticking around the college game more profitable for a number of players, though there have been repercussions at the NFL level.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, "the average age of players in the draft has risen over the past decade. Players entering the NFL today are at least a year older, sometimes two, than they were a decade ago. The age difference has been noted and pointed out by multiple front office executives. Some NFL teams say they are not only getting older players but also players who are more banged-up."

The result for those particular prospects, according to one source Schefter spoke to, is that "their upside flattens. A 24-year-old player doesn't have as much upside as a 21-year-old."

There is also the belief that NIL is providing those players with a short-term financial windfall but may be negatively affecting their long-term earning potential.

"They're hurting their marketing value, not helping it," a front office executive told Schefter. "We know it's true. They make more money in college, but they're not getting it in the NFL, and it's hurting their growth."

It ultimately comes down to a risk-reward calculation for prospects. NIL payouts can be life-changing money for players, with little guarantee that they'll ultimately have that same earning power or marketing appeal at the NFL level (especially given how injuries can shorten or negatively impact careers). A bird in hand is worth two in the bush, in other words.

NFL teams, of course, would prefer players reach the NFL more quickly, with less wear-and-tear on their bodies. And for certain players, reaching the professional ranks as quickly as possible makes sense. But for players who are likely to be mid-round picks—and who may never have the marketing pull of the top stars—it's a more complicated decision.