Right now, mock NFL drafts generally have him going as one of the top couple pics. And since this kid just keeps improving by the week, I think over the next couple games, his stock is only going to rise.

If he goes number two, obviously the downside is that he would go to the Raiders.

But, if he is picked as one of the top two or three players in the draft, he's going to immediately have a contract worth about $50 million dollars, with about 60% of that coming in the form of a signing bonus.

And while I definitely do not love money, I certainly have a strong appreciation for what it can do. I just can't see him turning down that kind of money, unless we could possibly could come up with some heavy duty NIL cash-o-la, and make sure he gets one hell of an insurance policy.

So, if he doesn't come back, who are we thinking that we might be able to pick up to backfill his role?

I'm sure the NIL will come in and get close enough.

The bigger question is that does Dante feel like there is still just to learn and grow from college ball?

I think his current NFL evaluation is on his potential. He has a lot of potential.

But if he feels like he can develop mentally and in his leadership with another year of college ball then he'll come back.

Because if his potential doesn't catch up fast enough for the NFL he'll flame out real fast. Another year of college probably solidifies his NFL career for the long run.

8 minutes ago, David Marsh said:

Another year of college probably solidifies his NFL career for the long run.

Just ask Mariota, Herbert, and Nix. They all came back and they all improved their NFL life.

How many junior QB's get used up by a bad team and then discard to become a backup or never play again. The best things that could happen to him is to fall in the draft to mid first round and sign with a team that has a chance like Bo.

A big rookie contact is great but play the long game and the endorsements and contact extensions will payoff big time. Not to mention not getting thrown to the wolves playing for the Raiders or Browns.

2 hours ago, David Marsh said:

Another year of college probably solidifies his NFL career for the long run.

There is no guarantee that he’ll have success in the NFL, even if he used all of his eligibility though.

As much as I’d like, as a Ducks fan, to see him return next year, $40-50 million is a lot to turn down and potentially risk.

Edited 18 minutes ago18 min by OregonDucks

1 hour ago, Dave23 said:

How many junior QB's get used up by a bad team and then discard to become a backup or never play again. The best things that could happen to him is to fall in the draft to mid first round and sign with a team that has a chance like Bo.

A big rookie contact is great but play the long game and the endorsements and contact extensions will payoff big time. Not to mention not getting thrown to the wolves playing for the Raiders or Browns.

$50 million now is better than the potential for a second contract worth $100M+.

Invest wisely and he’ll be set for life. It’s more than most of us will earn over the course of our careers.