Last week, expectations were that Jack Pyburn could potentially earn around $1 million in 2026 if he returned to play college football at LSU after being cut by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, the Kansas City Chiefs had different plans. On Monday afternoon, the Chiefs claimed the linebacker off waivers from the Buccaneers, as noted on the NFL waiver wire.
This move means that Pyburn’s professional football journey continues with the Chiefs’ 53-man roster. The transition to the NFL, however, comes with a financial downside for Pyburn. While his estimated salary in college would be around $1 million, his rookie salary in the NFL is set at $885,000.
The dynamics of college football and the NFL are shifting, partly due to NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) agreements and legal rulings concerning player eligibility. College football, in some cases, has become a financial competitor to the NFL for certain players. This scenario is not unheard of, as even high-profile quarterbacks sometimes forgo their remaining college years and substantial potential earnings to start their NFL careers early.
Pyburn, in contrast, played only one season at LSU after transferring from the University of Florida, where he spent two seasons. At LSU, he participated in 12 games, starting 11, and recorded 52 tackles, 2 sacks, and 5.5 tackles for loss. While these are commendable stats, they do not align with a $1 million valuation. Pyburn went undrafted in April upon leaving LSU. The Buccaneers had guaranteed him $115,000, including a $15,000 signing bonus.
Pyburn’s situation traces back to a lawsuit involving over 30 athletes in Louisiana, which led to a temporary order allowing them to play college football in the 2026 academic year. Under this order, Pyburn and others met conditions that would allow them to return to school by terminating their professional contracts and repaying any earnings from their professional stints.
Pyburn was reportedly ready to return to college if the Buccaneers cut him, which they eventually did. However, with the Chiefs claiming him, Pyburn remains in the NFL. He has informed LSU that he is withdrawing from the eligibility lawsuit and choosing to continue his NFL career.
Armando Salguero from OutKick covers NFL news and updates.
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