Steals of the Draft: 5 Rookies from the 2024 Class Outplaying Their Contracts

The NFL is a league of margins, and nothing gives a front office more flexibility than a star on a rookie contract. As the 2025 season approaches, these five second-year players aren’t just holding their own — they’re already producing like Pro Bowlers, all while earning a fraction of what veterans command.

1. Brock Bowers, TE, Raiders

Contract: 4 years, $18.1M

2024 Stats:

• 112 receptions
• 1,194 yards
• 9 TDs
• 596 YAC (yards after catch)

Tight ends rarely break out as rookies, but Bowers didn’t get the memo. He led all tight ends in catches, yards, and YAC – yes, including veterans like Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews. He also broke Mike Ditka’s 63-year-old record for most rookie TE yards. At less than $5 million per year, this is All-Pro production on a mid-level receiver’s salary.

2. Jayden Daniels, QB, Commanders

Contract: 4 years, $37.7M

2024 Stats:

• 4,356 passing yards
• 34 passing TDs, 7 INTs
• 789 rushing yards, 7 rushing TDs
• 105.1 passer rating

Daniels walked into a dysfunctional franchise and turned it into a playoff team. He led Washington to its most wins since 1991, and his dual-threat game made him the most electric rookie QB in years. Combine that with poise and elite decision-making, and he’s already playing like a top-10 quarterback.

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3. Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jaguars

Contract: 4 years, $14.6M

2024 Stats:

• 1,282 receiving yards
• 10 TDs
• 562 YAC
• 89 receptions

BTJ started strong and got even better after Trevor Lawrence went down. With Mac Jones under center for the final five games, Thomas averaged eight catches for 103 yards and a TD — not just surviving, but dominating. His size-speed combo makes him Jacksonville’s WR1 of the future.

4. Malik Nabers, WR, Giants

Contract: 4 years, $29.2M

2024 Stats:

• 109 receptions
• 1,175 yards
• 7 TDs
• 170 targets

Nabers was second in the NFL in targets (behind only Ja’Marr Chase), and had at least 50 yards in each of his final 10 games. A midseason concussion slowed him briefly, but he still posted elite WR1 numbers despite the Giants’ carousel of QBs. His 10 drops hurt, but his ceiling is massive.

5. Bo Nix, QB, Broncos

Contract: 4 years, $18.6M

2024 Stats:

• 3,885 passing yards
• 28 TDs, 9 INTs
• 68.3% completion rate
• 103.2 passer rating (Weeks 5–18)

Nix had a brutal September, but turned it around fast. From Week 5 on, he ranked in the top 8 in yards, TDs, and passer rating — showing flashes of Sean Payton’s next franchise QB. For under $5M per year, that’s a win for Denver and a ticket to the postseason for the first time since Peyton Manning retired.