Projected signing bonus for Texas A&M football edge Nic Scourton with Carolina

Texas A&M saw three players selected in the first two rounds of the 2025 NFL draft, led by edge Shemar Stewart, whose elite performance during the NFL Combine led to the Cincinnati Bengals setting their sights on the pass rusher with the 17th overall pick. 24 hours later, fellow edge Nic Scourton was selected 51st overall by the Carolina Panthers, followed by Shemar Turner becoming the last Aggie selected 62nd overall by the Chicago Bears.

All three defenders were selected where many predicted, outside of Turner, who was widely seen as a third or fourth-round pick, but credit to the Bears for taking their shot and getting a player who is ready to play extended snaps during his rookie season.

However, Nic Scourton’s drop was somewhat surprising given his versatility and performance at the Combine after dropping more than 30 pounds, but his drop in sack production during his lone season at Texas A&M likely contributed to the said drop. Still, Scourton has a chance to thrive with a Carolina defensive line that has slowly become one of the better units in the league.

Financially, Scourton’s second-round money doesn’t match what he could have earned as a top-10 selection, but, still, his first contract is nothing to scoff at. According to Spotrac, Scourton is expected to sign a four-year deal worth over $8.6 million, and containing a signing bonus of $2,899,504 million. Compared to his 2024 Aggie teammates, Shemar Stewart’s $10,416,460 million signing bonus is obviously advantageous, and slightly higher than Shemar Turner’s $1,887,599 million bonus.

Carolina’s defensive depth chart currently shows Scourton behind Jadavian Clowney as backup strong-side linebacker which will likely be the case going into training camp. Scourton is a future starter, but it will take some time to adjust at the next level. During his final collegiate season, Scourton recorded 37 tackles and five sacks.

Nic Scourton, the standout defensive end from Texas A&M, was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. This selection places him in a favorable position for a substantial signing bonus, reflective of his draft slot and the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

Understanding the NFL’s Rookie Wage Scale
The NFL’s CBA stipulates a rookie wage scale that standardizes contracts for drafted players, eliminating the need for individual negotiations. This system ensures fairness and predictability in rookie contracts. For second-round picks, the contract terms are predetermined based on their draft position.

Nic Scourton’s Draft Position and Contract Details
Scourton was the 51st overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. According to the Panthers’ contract details for their 2025 draft picks, second-round selections like Scourton are expected to sign four-year contracts valued at approximately $3.8 million annually. These contracts are structured to be budget-friendly, aligning with the team’s salary cap strategy.

Projected Signing Bonus for Scourton
While the exact signing bonus for Scourton has not been publicly disclosed, it is customary for second-round picks to receive a signing bonus that constitutes a significant portion of their total contract value. Given the Panthers’ emphasis on financial efficiency, Scourton’s signing bonus is likely to be substantial, reflecting his potential and the team’s investment in his development.

Implications for Scourton’s Career
Securing a significant signing bonus provides Scourton with financial stability as he embarks on his professional football career. It also underscores the Panthers’ confidence in his abilities and their expectations for his contributions to the team. As Scourton transitions to the NFL, his performance on the field will be pivotal in determining the trajectory of his career and the return on investment for the Panthers.

In summary, Nic Scourton’s selection by the Carolina Panthers in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft positions him for a lucrative rookie contract, including a substantial signing bonus. This financial package reflects his potential and the Panthers’ commitment to his development as a key contributor to their defensive unit.