Kenyon Sadiq is headed to The Big Apple, and the #16 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, enters the league with a ~$22.34 million rookie contract and a ~$12.8 million signing bonus.
Before the Oregon tight end takes a single snap for the New York Jets, he faces one of the most complicated financial decisions in the entire draft:
Should Sadiq stay tied to Oregon’s 9.9% income tax, or avoid New York’s 10.9% tax trap entirely? For a 21‑year‑old with elite upside and extension potential, the wrong address doesn’t just cost money.
It could cost millions.
APSM breaks down Sadiq’s real estate and residency landscape across his new financial landscape and suggests where the rookie should establish his primary residence to minimize tax damage and maximize long-term wealth and net worth building across:
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Does Kenyon Sadiq Own Any Property?
Sadiq was born and raised in Pocatello, Idaho, starring at Highland High School before becoming one of the most versatile tight ends in the B1G-10.
There are no public records of Sadiq owning real estate in Idaho, Oregon, Washington or elsewhere. Like most NIL‑era athletes, he likely:
- Rented during college
- Saved NIL earnings
- Waited until the draft to make major real estate decisions
Now, with a ~$12.8 million signing bonus on the way, Sadiq’s first real estate move is a financial survival mission, not a luxury decision.
Market #1: Idaho (Home State)
- Median Home Price: ~$440,000
- Property Tax Rate: ~0.63%
- State Income Tax: 5.8%
- Cost of Living: ~5% below U.S. average
- Market Trend: 6-9% annual appreciation (Boise, Meridian, Idaho Falls)
Pros
- Lower income tax than Oregon and New York
- Strong appreciation in Boise metro
- Familiar environment
- Low property taxes
- Lower cost of living
Cons
- Not a no‑tax state
- Not as tax‑efficient as Nevada or Washington
APSM Take
Idaho is better than Oregon and WAY better than New York, but not perfect. If Sadiq kept Idaho residency, he’d potentially owe:
- ~$742K in state taxes on his signing bonus
- Millions more across his rookie deal
Idaho is a solid fallback, but not the optimal play.
Market #2: Oregon (College State )
- Median Home Price: ~$500,000
- Property Tax Rate: ~0.9%
- State Income Tax: 9.9%
- Cost of Living: ~10–15% above U.S. average
- Market Trend: 4–6% annual appreciation
Pros
- Familiar environment
- Strong rental demand in Eugene/Portland
- No state sales tax
Cons
- 9.9% income tax
- Lower appreciation than Idaho
- High cost of living
- Not ideal for high‑income earners
APSM Take
Oregon is not where Sadiq should anchor his residency.
On a ~$12.8M signing bonus:
- Oregon (9.9%) → ~$1.27M in state tax
- Idaho (5.8%) → ~$742K
- Nevada/Washington (0%) → $0
Sadiq could save:
- ~$525K vs Idaho
- ~$1.27M vs Oregon
Oregon is the worst of his three options (other than NY/NJ).
Market #3: New York (Drafted State)
- Median Home Price: ~$650,000
- Property Tax Rate: ~1.7%
- State Income Tax: 10.9%
- NYC Income Tax: ~3.9%
- Cost of Living: ~40% above U.S. average
- Market Trend: 3–6% annual appreciation
Pros
- Proximity to Jets HQ
- Strong rental market
- Branding upside in NYC
Cons
- 10.9% income tax, second highest in America
- NYC adds another 3.9%
- Aggressive residency audits
- Extremely high cost of living
- No financial justification for a rookie
APSM Take
Sadiq should never establish New York residency.
On a $12.8M signing bonus:
- New York (10.9%) → ~$1.39M in state tax
- Oregon (9.9%) → ~$1.27M
- Idaho (5.8%) → ~$742K
- Nevada/Washington (0%) → $0
New York is the worst possible outcome.
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Best Housing Markets, Rental Markets & Appreciation Rates
Idaho
- Best Housing Markets: Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Idaho Falls
- Best Rental Markets: Boise metro
- Appreciation Rates: 6-9% annually
Oregon
- Best Housing Markets: Bend, Eugene, Portland suburbs
- Best Rental Markets: Eugene, Portland
- Appreciation Rates: 4-6% annually
New York
- Best Housing Markets: Manhattan (Upper West Side), Brooklyn (Park Slope), Long Island
- Best Rental Markets: Manhattan, Jersey City, Hoboken
- Appreciation Rates: 3-6% annually
Property Tax & Capital Gains Considerations
Property Tax
- Idaho: ~0.63%
- Oregon: ~0.9%
- New York: ~1.7%
Capital Gains
- Idaho: 5.8%
- Oregon: 9.9%
- New York: 10.9%
Idaho wins, lowest property tax,
lowest capital gains, and strong appreciation.
Residency Impact on Sadiq’s Signing Bonus
- Gross Signing Bonus: $12,800,000
- Federal Tax (37%): $8,064,000
| Residency State | State Tax Rate | State Tax on Bonus | Estimated Net Signing Bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada/Washington | 0% | $0 | ~$8.06M |
| Idaho | 5.8% | $742,000 | ~$7.32M |
| Oregon | 9.9% | $1.27M | ~$6.80M |
| New York | 10.9% | $1.39M | ~$6.67M |
Nevada or Washington could save Sadiq:
- ~$742K vs Idaho
- ~$1.27M vs Oregon
- ~$1.39M vs New York
This is a multi‑million‑dollar residency decision over his rookie deal.
With a max-extension, this could be the difference in tens of millions.
Investment Scenario:
Turning $8.06M Into Real Wealth
Using the Nevada/Washington residency scenario:
| ROI Rate (5 Years) | Projected Value |
|---|---|
| 10% Return | ~$10.9M |
| 12% Return | ~$12.0M |
| 15% Return | ~$13.7M |
| 20% Return | ~$16.9M |
If Sadiq invests his entire net signing bonus and lives below his means, he can turn $8.06M into $11–17M+ before touching a dollar.
This is how you beat the 70% of athletes who go broke after retirement.
Jock Tax Considerations
Pro-athletes are obligated to pay jock tax to states that levy it.
This is an additional ~2-4% annually off of the gross figures you see media post when a player signs a new contract.
Jock taxes are not levied in the state of Nevada though, giving it even more of an upside than all the other states Sadiq has to choose from.
While residency means the place you actually live and you must spend 182 days/year in that location. If Sadiq wants to maximize his long-term earnings and net worth, he should leave his home state in the past and anchor his new base in a no-income-tax state.
Nevada/Washington Advantage
- 0% income tax
- No tax on signing bonuses
- No capital gains tax
- Best long‑term wealth compounding
Idaho Disadvantage
- 5.8% income tax
- Lower appreciation
Oregon Disadvantage
- 9.9% income tax
- High capital gains
New York Disadvantage
- 10.9% income tax
- NYC adds another 3.9%
- Aggressive audits
APSM Real Estate Verdict
Nevada or Washington Should Be His Primary Residence.
Idaho Should Be His Secondary Market.
Oregon Should Be Avoided (visited).
New York Should Be a Rental Market Only.
If Kenyon Sadiq wants to maximize his rookie earnings, protect his signing bonus, and build long‑term wealth, the move is simple:
- Establish Nevada or Washington residency immediately.
- Rent in New York.
- Avoid Oregon and New York residency.
- Invest aggressively from Day 1 (index funds, mutual funds).
Sadiq has one of the toughest tax situations in the draft,
but also one of the clearest escape routes.
Suggested Real Estate Strategy for Kenyon Sadiq
- Primary residence: Nevada (Henderson, Summerlin, Reno), or Washington (Wenatchee, Spokane, Tri‑Cities)
- Secondary: Idaho property for family or long‑term rental
- Work base: Short‑term rental in New York/New Jersey
- Invest: Majority of signing bonus into index funds + real estate
- Goal: Turn ~$8.06M into $11-15+ million by Year 5 (extension year)
Sadiq can turn a high‑tax situation into a long‑term advantage,
if he plays it correctly and listens to his advisors.
Next Reads
- 2026 NFL Draft: Every 1st Round Contract Details, Net Income & Residency Analysis
- Giants #5 Pick Arvell Reese Is Headed to the Big Apple: Real Estate Suggestions, Residency Analysis and A Multi-Million Dollar Trap Awaiting the Rookie in Manhattan
- Garrett Wilson’s $130 Million Contract with the New York Jets
- Jalen Brunson New York Knicks $156.5 Million Contract: Taxes, Residency & Net Income Explained
- New York State Athlete Taxes
Credits
- Written By: Aidan Anderson
- Research & Analysis: Apostle Sports Media LLC
- Sources: NFL Draft Data, Sportico, Spotrac, Zillow / Redfin Market Research, ESPN, WSJ, APSM Proprietary Analysis
- Featured Image: Public Domain / Instagram / Wiki Commons
- Disclaimer: This article contains general financial information for educational purposes and does not constitute professional financial advice.
