Report: Quinn Ewers signs lucrative $3 million deal with Panini

Miami Dolphins rookie Quinn Ewers has reportedly signed an exclusive autograph trading card deal worth $3 million deal with Panini. The deal comes shortly after the former Texas quarterback wrapped up rookie minicamp with the Dolphins.

The deal is notable for the fact that Ewers was the Dolphins’ seventh-round pick in last month’s 2025 NFL Draft. As the No. 231 overall pick, his contract his expected to pay out a total of $4.3 million over his four-year rookie deal.

Ewers drew some criticism following his decision to turn pro, with many citing the fact that he likely left money on the table in NIL deals. He had one more year of eligibility before he was drafted, and he likely could have commanded similar money in one season than he will in his entire rookie deal if he would have stayed. However, the autograph deal with Panini helps pad that criticism. Additional brand deals and partnerships will likely help cover the difference he missed out on by not returning to college.

Still, Ewers is not expected to see the field that much as a Dolphin, as Miami is one of the handful of teams who have a solidified franchise quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa. The franchise’s confidence in Tagovailoa is on full display in his contract figures — signing him to a four-year, $212.4 million contract last offseason.

With most of Miami’s quarterback money being tied up in Tagovailoa’s deal, Ewers is still able to use his name, image and likeness to sign lucrative deals with some of the top companies related to the industry. Panini certainly felt like his namesake was appealing because, despite his draft status, Ewers was one of the more recognizable names at quarterback based on his success in college. He led Texas to consecutive College Football Playoff appearances during his final two seasons playing in Austin, and is one of the winningest quarterbacks from this past draft cycle.

“Because I was under Sark for three years, played a lot of football and have a lot of experience – which is, really, why I decided to end up coming out and going to the NFL, because I honestly feel like my game translates better to the NFL than it does in college,” Ewers told On3’s Nick Schultz ahead of the NFLPA Rookie Premier.

Now, he’ll get to sit behind Tagovailoa as he adjusts the the NFL level. He’ll get to prove himself throughout the summer, and fans will get to see the product of that effort during the 2025 NFL preseason in August.