Ashton Jeanty had a standout year at Boise State, leading the Broncos to their first-ever appearance in the College Football 12-Team Playoffs.
Before what would become his only collegiate playoff appearance, Jeanty was on pace to potentially break Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record set in 1988.
The Heisman runner-up postseason stats prior to his first and last CFP appearance against the Nittany Lions of:
- 2,497 Rushing Yards
- 29 Touchdowns
- 344 Carries
- 7 Yards/Carry
Jeanty also contributed 20 catches for 116 yards and one receiving touchdown, capping off an exceptional 2024 campaign. Unfortunately, Boise State fell short in the CFP Quarterfinals, losing to Penn State.
In that game, Jeanty ran for 104 yards on 30 carries, leaving him just 27 yards shy of Sanders’ record, now sitting in second place all-time, with 2,601 yards rushing. Despite the loss, Jeanty’s performance solidified his legacy as one of college football’s all-time great running back’s.
Heisman Loss, Draft Stock Momentum
Jeanty was the 2024 Heisman runner-up, narrowly losing to Travis Hunter. Many believed Hunter’s versatility of playing significant roles on both offense and defense is what gave him the edge.
Had Travis Hunter focused on one position, Jeanty might have claimed the prestigious award, as seen in the voting that many did believe the young rising star was the winner.
Despite the Heisman loss and the CFP exit, Jeanty’s remarkable season has earned him a projected first-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Current mock drafts by PFF and CBS Sports have Jeanty going to the Denver Broncos at pick 20. However, his stock could rise if a team values his ability to make an immediate impact despite the NFL’s current devaluation of running backs.
One intriguing alternative landing spot is the Dallas Cowboys, who hold the 13th overall pick.
While many mock drafts have Dallas selecting Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, adding Jeanty to their backfield could significantly bolster their offense.
Dallas hasn’t had a generational talent at running back since Ezekiel Elliott’s prime.
Pairing Jeanty with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb could provide the Cowboys with the firepower needed to make a legitimate Super Bowl run.
Denver Broncos (20th Overall)
Here’s a breakdown of Jeanty’s potential rookie contracts, based on his current projected draft selection positions.
Per sources, the rookie contract for the 20th pick in the 2025 Draft is valued at 4 years/$16,052,788, broken down as follows:
- Year 1: $2,918,689
- Year 2: $3,648,361
- Year 3: $4,378,033
- Year 4: $5,107,705
As a first-round pick, Jeanty’s earnings would be fully guaranteed, including a substantial signing bonus.
However, Colorado’s 4.4%state income tax, combined with the federal 37% tax rate, would significantly reduce his take-home pay.
After taxes, Jeanty’s net earnings over four years would be approximately $9,406,932, broken down annually:
- Year 1: $1,710,351
- Year 2: $2,137,939
- Year 3: $2,565,527
- Year 4: $2,993,115
Dallas Cowboys (12th Overall)
The rookie contract for the 12th pick is valued at 4 years/$19,352,762, offering a significant financial advantage.
Texas’ lack of a state income tax further boosts Jeanty’s net earnings, leaving only the 37% federal tax.
Over four years, Jeanty would take home $12,092,238, with an annual breakdown of:
- Year 1: $2,216,770
- Year 2: $2,770,963
- Year 3: $3,325,156
- Year 4: $3,879,349
State-Specific Implications
Beyond salary, Texas presents additional financial advantages. The state’s lower cost of living.
For instance, the Dallas housing market is 105.5% less expensive than Colorado’s.
This means Jeanty’s money would go further in Dallas, while also saving hundreds of thousand of dollars in tax payments.
Additionally, Dallas home values have appreciated by 22.5% over the past year, compared to Denver’s 12.8%.
For both federal and state implications, as well as the financial markets within the states, Dallas is a more attractive market for long-term investment opportunities.
🔗Next Reads
- Travis Hunter’s Rookie Contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars
- Cam Ward’s Rookie Contract with the Tennessee Titans
- Luther Burden III’s Fully Guaranteed NFL Rookie Contract
- How NFL Signing Bonuses are Structured
- How the NFL Franchise Tag Works Financially
Credits
Written by: Aidan Anderson
Research and Analysis: Apostle Sports Media LLC
Sources: NFL Mock Draft Databases, APSM Proprietary Analysis.
YouTube Embed: Bleacher Report
Featured Image: Public Domain / Wiki Commons
Disclaimer: This article contains general financial information for educational purposes and does not constitute as professional advice.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.
Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
– Philippians 2:3
Apostle Sports Media 