Travis Hunter’s Dual Role Desire: How It May Impact His Contract Future

Pro football is much more than just a game; it’s a business. This reality comes into sharp focus with players like Travis Hunter, who has a dream of playing both offense and defense. If he can make this dream a reality, it might lead to an intriguing question about player contracts.

Hunter’s salary, at least during his first four years, is determined by where he is drafted. For example, if he goes second overall, he gets that set rookie contract, regardless of whether he plays offense, defense, or both. Playing on both sides doesn’t directly impact his salary during this initial contract.

However, things could change dramatically once he hits free agency. If Hunter excels as both a wide receiver and cornerback, he could be compared to top players in each position. In theory, he should earn two separate contracts for his dual contributions. Unfortunately, the current system complicates this. For instance, his fifth-year option will reflect the position where he plays most often, not the totality of his skills.

The franchise tag, which allows teams to retain players, also only accounts for one position. This could put Hunter at a disadvantage if he continues to play both ways. Teams might opt to hold onto him under his rookie deal or use the franchise tag multiple times before letting him test the open market.

There’s a bigger picture here, too. The NFL’s labor deal, put in place a long time ago, doesn’t really account for players like Hunter who want to play dual roles. This presents a risk not just for him but also for the team. Injury risks escalate when one player is expected to perform as two. If he gets injured, the team loses out both offensively and defensively.

Looking ahead, Hunter has a long road before he can navigate this contract maze. He must first get drafted by the right team, then prove he can perform well in both roles, and finally, convince everyone that he deserves to be paid for his efforts. As he weighs his options, he may even consider focusing on just one position if he believes that will lead to fairer compensation.

It’s a fascinating situation that highlights the complexities of player contracts in modern football. As players like Hunter try to leverage their skills, it raises questions about how contracts should adapt to the evolving demands of the game. For now, fans will be watching closely to see how this plays out and how it might shape future talent negotiations in the NFL.



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