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 3 hours ago3 hr 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.

Can he learn Moore from the new OC? As well as learn more by playing more reps.

What does this QB class look like compared to 2027?

I have no doubt NIL $ will be there. Not on the scale of a top-flight NFL draft pick, but if he stays, he will not be on a Ramen Noodles diet. 😁

1 hour ago, OregonDucks said:

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.

You're correct ther is no guarantee if success in the NFL.

But he can prepare the best he can and that's his decision to make. Has he learned everything he realistically can from college ball or not?

I'm not answering the question just posing it.

I would like for him to come back for another year personally but I also don't have a day in the matter.

Problem is....we won't know if Dante is leaving until after the CFB Playoffs, but the portal closes before then and many of the top portal QBs will have already decided.

It could put us in a tough spot....

Charles, I agree that it is likely that we will not know Dante's 2065 status until OBD finish their run the playoffs. At the same time I believe it is very unlikely that Dan Lanning will not know.

The chances are high for the NFL if the Ducks win the Natty. If not??

If Novosad and/or Moga enter the portal, Dan will probably go fishing regardless.

No harm in bringing in a good backup if Dante stays, or possible replacement if he leaves.

Question is, does someone else want to play the Dante game of a possible 1-year back-up role?

Me, I've got enough to worry about in regard to the coal haul that I will probably receive in a couple of weeks.