Kenny Pickett, the former University of Pittsburgh standout and 2022 first-round NFL Draft pick, has seen a dynamic start to his professional football career—both on the field and financially. Here’s a comprehensive look at how much money Pickett has earned, the structure of his contracts, and his current financial standing as of 2025.
Kenny Pickett’s Rookie Contract: The Foundation
Upon being selected 20th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Kenny Pickett signed a four-year rookie contract valued at $14,067,905. This deal was fully guaranteed, meaning Pickett was assured the entire contract value regardless of performance or injury. The contract included:
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Signing Bonus: $7,411,204 (paid upfront)
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Guaranteed Money: $14,067,905 (the full contract)
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Average Annual Salary: $3,516,976
This rookie deal is standard for first-round picks under the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement, ensuring young stars like Pickett receive substantial security early in their careers.
Year-by-Year Earnings Breakdown
Here’s how Pickett’s earnings have been distributed over the years:
| Year | Team | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Roster Bonus | Total Cash Earned |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Pittsburgh Steelers | $705,000 | $7,411,204 | – | $8,116,204 |
| 2023 | Pittsburgh Steelers | $1,344,450 | – | – | $1,344,450 |
| 2024 | Philadelphia Eagles | $985,000 | – | $998,900 | $1,983,900 |
| 2025 | Cleveland Browns | $2,623,350 | – | – | $2,623,350 |
By the end of the 2025 season, Pickett will have earned a cumulative $14,067,904 in NFL salary and bonuses.
Key Contract Details and Guarantees
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Fully Guaranteed: Every dollar of Pickett’s rookie deal was guaranteed, minimizing financial risk for the quarterback.
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Signing Bonus: The $7.41 million signing bonus was paid shortly after Pickett signed his contract in June 2022, representing more than half of his total rookie earnings.
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Annual Salaries: His base salaries increased incrementally each year, as is typical for rookie contracts.
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Roster Bonus: In 2024, Pickett received a $998,900 roster bonus while with the Eagles.
Trades and Team Changes: Impact on Earnings
Pickett’s journey has included several team changes:
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2022-2023: Pittsburgh Steelers
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2024: Philadelphia Eagles (traded from Pittsburgh)
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2025: Cleveland Browns (traded from Philadelphia)
Despite these moves, the terms of his rookie contract—specifically the guaranteed money—followed him to each new team. The only change was which franchise was responsible for paying his salary and bonuses during each season.
Fifth-Year Option and Future Earnings
NFL teams can exercise a fifth-year option on first-round rookie contracts, which would have paid Pickett a projected $22.117 million in 2026. However, the Cleveland Browns declined this option, meaning Pickett will become a free agent after the 2025 season. This decision does not affect his guaranteed earnings through 2025 but does impact his future potential income.
Career Earnings Summary
By the close of the 2025 NFL season, Kenny Pickett’s career earnings will be as follows:
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Total NFL Salary and Bonuses (2022-2025): $14,067,904
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Largest Single-Year Payment: $8,116,204 (2022, due to signing bonus)
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Guaranteed at Signing: 100% of his rookie contract.
Net Worth and Financial Standing
While exact net worth figures can vary depending on endorsements and personal investments, Pickett’s net worth is estimated to be at least $14 million, reflecting his NFL contract earnings alone. This figure does not include potential income from endorsements, personal business ventures, or future contracts.
Conclusion
Kenny Pickett’s NFL journey has already been financially rewarding, thanks to a fully guaranteed rookie contract worth over $14 million. With his base salary, signing bonus, and roster bonuses all secured, Pickett has established a solid financial foundation early in his career. As he approaches free agency in 2026, his future earnings potential will depend on performance, opportunity, and negotiations with prospective teams. Regardless, his rookie contract has ensured significant financial stability through his first four NFL seasons.
