Draft slide means much less money

Before yesterday’s NFL draft, two quarterbacks, Alex Smith of Utah and Aaron Rogers of Cal, were considered about even as prospects.  What a difference a day makes.  Smith was taken first overall in the draft by the San Francisco 49ers.  Rogers, meanwhile, turned out to be the 24th player taken when he was drafted by the Green Bay Packers.

The impact on their employment contracts will be huge.  Smith’s contract is expected to be in the range of $54 million over six years, with $20 million guaranteed.  Rogers, meanwhile, will probably get something in the neighborhood of $8 million over five years, with about $5.5 million guaranteed.