You’ve probably been hearing noises about Quinn Ewers lately. The former Texas QB, who was once expected to be a second-day pick, slipped all the way down to the seventh round in the 2025 NFL draft. For many people, this is a head-scratching moment as far as the bag is concerned. Because the QB’s about to face a $7.2 million loss for this league transition. But hold on, a CBS analyst just threw some serious perspective on the situation, and it has nothing to do with money. 

Josh Pate broke down one of the biggest talks surrounding Quinn Ewers post his draft selection by the Miami Dolphins as the No. 231 pick—“Is Quinn Ewers declaring for the draft one of the biggest mistakes we have seen in recent CFB History? Could have been a huge NIL guy in CFB and barely got drafted.”

People are saying it’s a stupid decision. But let’s be clear. We’re not talking about a guy who’s living paycheck to paycheck. On Josh Pate’s College Football Show on April 27, the analyst didn’t mince words. “It’s only stupid if he has typical priorities, but he doesn’t,” Josh Pate said. “He’s tired of being a college football player. He wanted to go play professional football. So if that’s your priority and your family is extremely well off financially anyway, you are not in a typical situation…It’s never been a situation of financial necessity that he maximizes his earnings right now.” So yeah, it isn’t going to be a regretful situation for Quinn Ewers. 

Quinn Ewers had a chance to make huge money in NIL in college football. Reports swirled that he turned down deals as high as a potential $8 million from Notre Dame to go pro. Now, with his R7 pick, he’s expected to earn approximately $800K in his first year in a $4.3M contract over four years with the Dolphins. That’s a $7.2M heartbreak. But not for the new NFL star. But what’s crazy is the backlash. 

On one hand, fans are screaming at players chasing those big-money NIL deals. But then, when a guy like Quinn Ewers actually passes on the cash to chase his pro dreams, they turn around and call him an idiot. Talk about mixed signals. Josh Pate wasn’t having it—“What exactly are you wanting guys to do?… Was that song true? You can’t please everyone, so you just got to please yourself. Were they tight this whole time? I think they may have been.” And yeah, it’s not like Quinn Ewers is walking away empty-handed. A $4.3M contract is still solid, and hey, if you’re on the path towards your ultimate goal, that’s the real deal, right? And he’s already getting NFL endorsements.

Quinn Ewers receives a strong message from Dez Bryant

Speaking of his NFL future, former Dallas Cowboys WR Dez Bryant is already throwing some big expectations for Quinn Ewers. After his dramatic fall in the draft, being the last QB off the board, the former NFL star is even comparing him to the Pro HoF Dan Marino. “I like Quinn Ewers over Tua already. He’s Dan Marino 2.0 and yes, I said it,” he boldly stated. “I really do think Ewers can run McDaniel’s offense better than Tua.” 

According to Bryant, Quinn Ewers is the perfect match for Mike McDaniel’s system. “I’ve watched a ton of UT games,” he added. “I’m not like you guys. I’m not a statement watcher. I critique these players throughout the year… I think about the player and who drafts them. The Dolphins’ offensive scheme is the perfect marriage for Quinn Ewers’ skill set. I think Ewers is better than Tua and it’s not even close.” And that coming from a receiver who played in the league for a decade, that’s a strong endorsement. 

Some will view this statement as wild. And you have to wonder, could a seventh-rounder become Miami’s next big thing? We’ll have our answer soon, for Quinn Ewers’ NFL journey is just getting started.