45
Zion YoungED
Baltimore Ravens. 4-year deal worth $11,174,966.
Signing bonus
$4,587,248
Guaranteed
$11,174,966
Year one, paid
$5,472,248
Year one, kept
$2,670,662
Whole contract, after taxes and the agent: 50% 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 $26,160 a week, during the season only. The real money for a pick like this is the $4,587,248 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 Maryland, 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 Zion Young's rookie contract?+
Zion Young, pick 45 in the 2026 NFL draft, signed a 4-year contract worth $11,174,966 with the Baltimore Ravens, including a $4,587,248 signing bonus.
How much does Zion Young take home after taxes?+
About $2,670,662 of the $5,472,248 paid in the first year, and about $5,543,173 of the full $11,174,966 contract, living in Maryland 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.