While the NFL Draft might be months away, it hasn’t stopped analysts and reporters from diving into mock drafts, especially with the playoff picture shaping up and many teams aware of their draft positions. This past season, a unique situation unfolded where four teams ended with a dismal record of 3-14. After sorting through tiebreakers, the draft order places the Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, and Tennessee Titans at the top of the selection list.

Having secured the No. 1 pick last year, the Tennessee Titans chose Cam Ward as their prospective quarterback, leaving them out of the quarterback scramble this year. However, the Raiders, Jets, and Cardinals are all in the market for a new quarterback. Most mock drafts predict that Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza will be snagged by the Raiders with the first overall pick. Meanwhile, a significant number of drafts have Oregon’s Dante Moore going to the Jets with pick number two. Even if the Jets opt for a different direction, the Cardinals, selecting third, appear eager to move on from Kyler Murray, making Moore a compelling choice for them.

If Moore were to be chosen second or third in the draft, his rookie contract would likely fall between a robust $51 and $52.6 million spread over four years. His initial year salary would hover around $9.56 million if picked second, or $9.27 million if he went third. Despite this enticing paycheck, Moore opted to stay at Oregon, focusing on another shot at a national championship.

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From a competitive view, Moore’s decision makes sense. Oregon’s Ducks had an impressive run, reaching the semifinals of the College Football Playoff and wrapping up the season with a 13-2 record. Moore’s performance earned him a spot on the Third-Team All-Big Ten. With Oregon poised as a title contender, Moore evidently feels he has unfinished business on the college gridiron.

Looking at the potential NFL landing spots, it’s clear Moore might be avoiding precarious situations. The Cardinals need a serious upgrade to their offensive line—a daunting task for any quarterback, particularly a rookie. Meanwhile, the Jets have had a tumultuous time, offering hope with Aaron Rodgers in 2023, only for it to fizzle out. The situation grew more dire as one of their quarterbacks, Justin Fields, managed only nine completions for 45 yards in a game, while being sacked nine times for a net of -55 yards, resulting in an almost comically negative passing yardage game.

Moore’s choice to remain at Oregon suggests a strategic evaluation of his options. By honing his skills in college, he positions himself to enter the NFL Draft next year as a top quarterback prospect, potentially leading an exceptional quarterback class.

Monetarily, though, it’s a fairly significant gamble. Moore made an estimated $2.3 million in name, image, and likeness (NIL) money this past season. Even if he doubles that next year, it’s still less than half of what he’d earn in his rookie season. And it’s nowhere close to the financial security the NFL could offer.

In essence, Moore is betting on himself for one more season. NFL salaries will continue to rise, so he could pocket a few extra million by waiting another year, particularly if he moves up to the top overall pick.

It’s also worth remembering that being in college is a unique experience. Maybe Moore just wants one more year of being a college kid before he has to enter the real world. Sure, he won’t have NFL levels of money, but he’ll still make millions in the process. That’s not a terrible deal, either.