When Quinn Ewers prepared for the 2024 season with the Texans, he was seen as a strong contender for the Heisman Trophy. Not only this but he was also predicted to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, three weeks into the new season, an oblique injury against UTSA meant he missed the next two games. Since then he has struggled to put in the performances expected of him and went off injured against the Wildcats at the weekend. This could have a drastic effect on his NFL hopes and cost him millions according to a former Texas kicker.

Back in May, Ewers was projected as a Top 20 pick in the next year’s draft by Pro Football Focus, but indifferent performances this season mean his stock has plummeted. He is now put at as the No. 126 overall pick by PFF which means a likely second-round pick. With the current projection, Ewers could still earn a substantial amount, but there is a world of difference between a first-round and a second-round pick.

Jeff Ward on his “The Jeff Ward Show” recently painted a stark picture of how Ewers’ NFL plummeting draft stock could have massive financial implications. He began by comparing Will Levis’ $9.5 million four-year deal with the Tennessee Titans as the first pick of the second round in the 2023 NFL Draft versus Jayden Daniels’ $37.75 million fully guaranteed deal as the second pick of the first round by the Washington Commanders.

The financial implications are enormous. First-round contracts offer not only higher salaries but also fully guaranteed years, which are crucial in a sport with such a short average career span. Ward explained, “It is not an industry, it’s not a sport that lends itself to a long shelf life. Just so you know, you get the pension, the NFL pension at three and a half years,” Ward remarked, highlighting how the #3’s limited college resume could make him a risky bet for teams picking in the first round.

For Quinn Ewers, a drop to the second round could mean the difference between long-term security and a career teetering on the brink. The clock is ticking, and while the Longhorns QB is largely expected to declare for the draft this year, perhaps staying with Texas for another season to rebuild his stock, may not be a completely outlandish idea.

And for that, he has to work on his fitness, big time. Meanwhile, the good news is that his injury against the Wildcats may not be as serious as first feared.

Texas coach Sarks keeps plans to tighten up on Quinn Ewers

As Texas prepares for a high-stakes regular-season finale against Texas A&M, the focus shifts to Quinn Ewers and his health. Ewers picked up an ankle injury during the Longhorns’ 31-14 win over Kentucky, the result of a hip-drop tackle—a move that’s already banned in the NFL. Postgate, head coach Steve Sarkisian explained that the injury affected their offensive strategy as Ewers’ ankle “tightened up” during the game.

Ewers, ever the tough competitor, downplayed the issue, calling it “Just football, and it happens” and labeling the ankle “a little tender.” Still, Sarkisian is optimistic. “We think he’s okay,” Sark said, adding that the plan is to have Ewers return to practice on Monday.

So if he makes it to the game, he will have one big chance to make a splash in the final game of the regular season. If he pulls up a performance we know he is capable of, that $25-$30 million gap could very well be closed.