Florida’s 2026 draftees have officially started their NFL journeys with several former Gators signing rookie contracts in recent days.
Defensive tackle Caleb Banks, who was selected by the Minnesota Vikings No. 18 overall, finalized his fully guaranteed rookie deal on Friday for a contract reportedly worth $21.3 million over four years.
Second-round selection Jake Slaughter put pen to paper on Monday, signing a four-year, $7.92 million contract. The 63rd pick was the sixth of eight Chargers draft selections to sign their rookie deal.
Offensive Tackle Austin Barber also inked his first professional contract, agreeing with Cleveland for roughly $6.87 million. The Browns took Barber in the third round at pick No. 86.
Cornerback Devin Moore agreed to a deal with the Dallas Cowboys, projected to be worth $5.43 million. Moore was taken in the fourth round at pick No. 114. The deal reportedly includes an annual average salary of $1.39 million along with a $1.19 million signing bonus.
Edge rusher George Gumbs Jr. committed his services to the Indianapolis Colts, signing a $4.88 million contract. Gumbs Jr. was selected No. 156 overall and will be granted a signing bonus of $501,796.
The first of the Gators draft class to sign was kicker Trey Smack, who was the No. 216 pick; he signed a $4.59 million deal with a $206,532 signing bonus. Another special teamer, Tommy Doman, signed as well. The seventh-round selection agreed to a deal paying him $1.13 million.
The signings are a punctuation for Florida as it continues to fortify its NFL pipeline, from Gainesville to the league. The Gators had a player selected in each round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Former Florida Gators, 2026 NFL Draftees sign rookie contracts
Reporting by Michael Long, Gators Wire / Gators Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
