SEC stars secure record deals in NFL Free Agency frenzy

By Chris Marler

With the new salary cap increase in the NFL, a flurry of signings, trades, and record breaking deals came down the pipeline this weekend. 

Several former SEC stars landed massive contracts. 

Record-Breaking Contracts

Myles Garrett set a new benchmark for non-quarterback contracts, becoming the highest-paid player at his position. The former No. 1 overall pick and the Browns agreed to a record-breaking extension worth $123.5 million in guaranteed money, averaging over $40 million per season. Furthermore, the deal cemented Garrett’s status as one of the league’s top defensive players.

From trade to truce and beyond: the Browns and Myles Garrett reached agreement today on a record contract extension that averages $40 million per year and includes $123.5 million in guaranteed money and now makes him the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history, sources tell ESPN.… pic.twitter.com/scNWJH2vFX

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2025

Blockbuster Trades and Extensions

In Kansas City, former All-SEC linebacker and second round draft pick, Nick Bolton signed a new deal with the Chiefs, which consists of three years and $45 million. That includes $30 million in guaranteed money. Although that sum was nearly $100 million less than Garrett’s deal, it arrived just a day before Bolton’s 25th birthday—quite the birthday gift from the Chiefs.

Chiefs re-signing LB Nick Bolton to 3-year, $45M deal (via @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/Sj4kMelUGl

— NFL (@NFL) March 9, 2025

The day’s biggest news came in the form of a trade between Seattle and Pittsburgh for former Ole Miss standout DK Metcalf. Early last week, Metcalf requested a trade and sought a $30 million per year contract. The Steelers met his demands, securing him with a five-year, $150 million deal.

While Metcalf’s new deal is only the third highest contract for a receiver, it’s far and away the largest outside contract the Steelers have given to a free agent. The previous high was to another former SEC player in LSU alum Patrick Queen. However, that deal was worth $109 million less than the one Metcalf signed. 

🚨 🚨 🚨

The #Seahawks are trading WR DK Metcalf to the #Steelers for premium draft pick compensation, per me and @TomPelissero, as finally(!) Pittsburgh gets its big-play weapon.

Metcalf will also get a contract extension to go with the trade. pic.twitter.com/xKv7Qpr16r

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 9, 2025

SEC’s Dominance in the NFL

The landmark contracts and blockbuster deals are nothing new to former SEC players. According to Spotrac, 12 of the 25 largest contracts in the NFL are from former SEC players. That includes the top non-quarterback guaranteed contract ever for Garrett ($88.8 million), the highest yearly salary for Dak Prescott ($60 million per year), and the top-four wide receiver contracts in the league from Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb, DK Metcalf, and AJ Brown.

There should be plenty of more news, trades, contracts, and extensions in the coming weeks as the NFL’s legal tampering period begins on Monday. 

Check out more of our SEC coverage here.