Two of Ohio State’s six draftees have already inked their rookie deals, with Arizona Cardinals offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr. and Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba putting pen to paper with their respective teams.
Johnson signed a four-year deal with the Cardinals for $28 million, including a fifth-year option for the 2027 season. According to Spotrac, this deal includes a $17.4 million signing bonus.
“It just reaffirms this is my purpose, with all the things (my mother) did to this point,” Johnson said. “It was purposeful in the feeling that she had…For it all to pay off I think is incredible. One wrong move and there is none of this and all of it was for naught.”
Smith-Njigba’s signing was first reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, but terms have yet to be reported. According to Spotrac, Smith-Njigba is in line for a four-year deal worth $14.4 million, with a $7.5 million signing bonus.
Ohio State’s other draftees have yet to sign deals with their teams. According to Spotrac, potential deals could include quarterback C.J. Stroud signing with the Houston Texans for $36.3 million, defensive end Zach Harrison signing with the Atlanta Falcons for $5.6 million, and offensive tackle Dawand Jones and center Luke Wypler signing with the Cleveland Browns for $4.6 million and $4.02 million, respectively.
