NIL Deals Delay NFL Prospects, Hurt Upside

0:00On April 20, NFL executives are calling out how the NIL era is messing with players' pro-futures. Top talents are sticking in college longer. It's a cash in on name, image, and likeness deals, but that delay means they're entering the draft older and more beat up. Over the last decade, the average age of drafted players has climbed by at least a year, sometimes two. Teens are noticing these guys come in with extra mileage on their bodies from college grind. Current office folks say this older entry flans a player's upside. A 24-year-old just doesn't project like a 21-year-old. Plus, it tanks their marketing appeal, trading short-term college bucks for lower NFL earnings down the line. One exec put it straight, staying put hurts growth and brand value more than it helps. For mid-round prospects without star power, NIL money feels like a sure thing compared to pro-risk, like injuries. Teams crave fresher faces with less wear, so players face a tough call. Grab the burden hand now, or bet on bigger bushes in the league later.

1:02I'm Corey with The Story. That's your NFL news today update. AI powered and always on.