22
Akheem MesidorED
Los Angeles Chargers. 4-year deal worth $20,456,392.
Signing bonus
$11,337,376
Guaranteed
$20,456,392
Year one, paid
$12,222,376
Year one, kept
$5,490,275
Whole contract, after taxes and the agent: 46% of the headline.
Where the money goes
Every 2026 NFL rookie earns the same $885,000 base salary in year one, paid in 18 weekly game checks. After taxes that is about $25,613 a week, during the season only. The real money for a pick like this is the $11,337,376 signing bonus, which lands as one lump sum.
Bonus checks are withheld at a flat 22% federal on the first $1 million and 37% above that, plus Medicare and state tax. Many states tax a signing bonus only where the player lives, which is why where a rookie lives the day it is paid can matter.
These figures assume he lives in California, files single, and pays a standard agent fee. Change any of that in the calculator to see your own version.
Quick answers
How much is Akheem Mesidor's rookie contract?+
Akheem Mesidor, pick 22 in the 2026 NFL draft, signed a 4-year contract worth $20,456,392 with the Los Angeles Chargers, including a $11,337,376 signing bonus.
How much does Akheem Mesidor take home after taxes?+
About $5,490,275 of the $12,222,376 paid in the first year, and about $9,347,383 of the full $20,456,392 contract, living in California and paying a standard agent fee. Estimates for education.
Contract figures from Spotrac, Over The Cap, and Hoops Rumors (2026). Take-home is a KeepMyCheck estimate using 2026 tax rules. Not affiliated with the player, team, or league. Education only.