Dante Moore May Have Given Up Over $50 Million By Returning To College
Very few tales in college basketball garner as much attention as Dante Moore's. He was a highly regarded recruit with extraordinary talent, and his decision to return to college has generated discussion and conjecture, particularly in relation to the financial ramifications. Experts speculate that Dante Moore may have forfeited earnings exceeding $50 million by opting to remain in school rather than enter the NBA draft or professional pursue. What, though, is behind this headline? Let's examine the contributing elements and the implications for Moore's future.
Experts, reporters and analysts have been putting up together mock drafts for official NFL Drafts even though its just few months away. We know that the past season witnessed four teams tie in the worst record at 3-14 and after the tie breakers its given that the first four selections will be made by Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans in order. Last year Tennessee selected Cam Ward to be its No.1 quarterback of the future, expects say they are not in the market for another QB, but the other three teams certainly are interested.
From the mock drafts, the Raiders are projected to take Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza with first overall pick, he's considered to be their best option. Many other mock drafts predict that the Jets choosing Oregon QB Dante Moore with No.2 draft pick as a potential franchise QB. If the Jets pass on Moore, Cardinals at No,3 reportedly considered moving with Kyler Murray could view Moore as a strong replacement.
The Money Moore Turned down
In any of the cases where the Dante Moore enter into the NFL Draft and picked as No.2 or No.3, he would signa four-year rookie contract which worth roughly $51 to $52.6 million. Then his first-year salary alone would be either $9.56M as a No.2 pick or $9.27M as the No.3 pick. But by choosing to return to Oregon, he gave-up that immediate payday for at least one year. This is a big financial sacrifice.
Why returning to Oregon makes sense competitively
Oregon had a strong season (13-2) and also reached the College Football Playoff Semi-Finals. Where Moore earned the the Third-Team All-Big honors with his individual performance and the docks are expected to be a national title contenders again in the next season. Moore must have a strong determination and felt he has some unfinished business.
The NFL teams waiting for him aren't ideal situations
Moore most likely looked at the teams that might draft him and saw possible problems. Experts say that the Cardinals are major offensive line of weakness which is dangerous for a rookie QB (who needs protection during the development). And the Jets who's recent QB experiments have failed including the Aaron Rodgers and Justin Fields with 9 completions, 45 yards, sacked nine times for 55 yards, team finished a game with 10 passing yards which illustrated a dysfunctional offensive environment. So Moore may have decided that stepping into these situations could hurt his career and development in a long run.
The Gamble: Money Now vs. Money Later
Well Moore earned about $2.3m in NIL money last season so even if he doubles in the next few years that's still far less than a single NFL rookie season and its nowhere near the financial security that the NFL contract would get him.
Betting on Himself
Moore is essentially saying that "I can become an even better prospect". And the NFL rookie contract increase every year so if he can become the No.1 overall pick, he could make several millions more just by waiting. Right now he's trusting his talent, health and performance to hold and improve his value.
Big Takeaway
Dante Moore's decision is a calculated risk, though its short-term loss with tens of millions delayed, there is a high potential upside with higher draft slots, better NFL situations, legacy and personal fulfillment.