Travis Hunter: How Will His Dual Role Affect His NFL Financial Future?
The Jacksonville Jaguars have a plan for their star rookie, Travis Hunter, and everything indicates that they plan to use him on both sides of the field. Hunter, Heisman Trophy winner in Colorado for his performance as a receiver and cornerback, has been practicing mainly with the Jaguars’ offense, but he is also participating in practices with the defense, attending meetings of both groups.
Given the Jaguars’ investment in drafting him, it’s clear they see him as a player capable of contributing in multiple ways. This raises interesting questions about his future earning potential, considering the specific rules of the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement.
We have analyzed the collective agreement and consulted experts on the matter to better understand Hunter’s unique situation.Impact on Performance-Based Pay
Playing on both sides of the ball would significantly benefit Hunter in the NFL’s performance-based pay (PBP) system. This system awards off-season bonuses based on playing time from the previous season. The formula for calculating these bonuses considers the player’s salary, signing bonus, other bonuses, and playing time.
The key is that the playing time on offense, defense, and special teams is added up. If Hunter plays enough, he could receive a substantial bonus.
Fifth Year Option and Franchise Designations
Like all players selected in the first round, Hunter’s contract includes a fifth-year option. The amount of this option is determined by playing time and Pro Bowl selections in the player’s first three years, varying by position. If Hunter plays in both positions, the fifth-year option will be determined by the position in which he has participated in the most plays.
This could influence their earning potential, as player fees vary depending on the position.
Contract Incentives
If Hunter plays a significant role on both sides of the field, he and his agents could include incentive clauses in his next contract. The NFL’s collective bargaining agreement specifies what types of incentives can be included. A player whose primary position is on offense cannot have an incentive bonus based on the team’s performance on defense (or special teams), unless he has played in 15% or more of the team’s defensive (or special teams) plays in the previous season.
In Hunter’s case, this could be possible, allowing for the inclusion of performance-based incentives combined in attack and defense.
The collective bargaining agreement allows for the inclusion of up to eight incentive clauses not considered “likely to be earned” (NLTBE). Teams tend to limit LTBE incentives because they must count them against the salary cap.
The creativity of the Jaguars and Hunter’s agents in structuring his next contract will be key.Hunter could become a unique player in NFL history, similar to Shohei Ohtani. The Jaguars, or any team that eventually hires him, could face the challenge of creating a contract that pays him as two players in one.
