Louisiana court order gives players signed by NFL teams a shot at returning to college sports

[Passing Is For COMMIES]

https://apnews.com/article/ncaa-lawsuit-nfl-players-return-ed1a06804ffb3fdb5d87ecd0a5aef526

Notable Class of 22 Players:

Aaron Graves
Xavier Nwampka
TJ Hall

 

[OnlyTheObscure]

Zero doubt somebody will retire from NFL with a multi year career and then try and go back to college to play.

Somewhere a court will say.

 

[BigOHawk1]

I'd take Graves back in a heartbeat....he would have to be cut by the Ravens however and then skip the practice squad..I'm sure NIL is worth a lot more than the practice squad. Hmm...we shall see.

 

[squeezebox_1]

I really hate this, and it would be nice if there was an agreement amongst coaches to not pick up any of these players cut from practice squads. We all know some slime ball will come in and offer a bag for these guys though.

 

[Passing Is For COMMIES]

I really hate this, and it would be nice if there was an agreement amongst coaches to not pick up any of these players cut from practice squads. We all know some slime ball will come in and offer a bag for these guys though.

I believe the original court order declared that they can only return to their previous team. Tavion Banks got around this by entering the transfer portal before declaring for pro ball.

Indiana has already added a starting DT back among others.

 

[madmustang]

Kid leaves college, still has eligibility, takes a shot at the pros, doesn't make it. Not sure why this is a problem if he goes back to college?

 

[Hawkangler]

I really hate this, and it would be nice if there was an agreement amongst coaches to not pick up any of these players cut from practice squads. We all know some slime ball will come in and offer a bag for these guys though.

Colluding is illegal

 

[Ripcord]

Colluding is illegal

If the king is naked, he must not have any clothes on.

Translation: Aaron Graves returning to Iowa would be a humongous bonus, considering our DL situation. (not holding my breath on it happening, though)

 

[Kceasthawk@77]

If the king is naked, he must not have any clothes on.

Translation: Aaron Graves returning to Iowa would be a humongous bonus, considering our DL situation. (not holding my breath on it happening, though)

A bit late for all that, don't you guys think? We start playing games two weeks from Saturday. Plus. maybe its time we let the guys who are on the roster show what they have. We brought in several D lineman. I'm sure they and the other returners would be thrilled if we start bringing pros back.

 

[Heathen Raider]

A bit late for all that, don't you guys think? We start playing games two weeks from Saturday. Plus. maybe its time we let the guys who are on the roster show what they have. We brought in several D lineman. I'm sure they and the other returners would be thrilled if we start bringing pros back.

No way Iowa would turn down the chance to bring Graves back if it is deemed legal and He wants to at a position that nobody on that line has earned anything and He has Years of experience, My bet is the Team would throw a party to have Him back

 

[HawksRule73]

I don't think it's hyperbole to say we might be one high end DT away from being a serious playoff contender. If Graves doesn't make the Ravens, and wants to come back, you take him in a heartbeat....assuming there's available NIL $ to pay him.

 

[85Bears]

No way Iowa would turn down the chance to bring Graves back if it is deemed legal and He wants to at a position that nobody on that line has earned anything and He has Years of experience, My bet is the Team would throw a party to have Him back

It’s not like he needs to learn the defense. He’d be smart to come back, collect more money nd boost his draft stock for next year.

 

[Ripcord]

so, if I get this right, if he does not make the 53-man roster (which I am gather that he probably will not), then he would be likely to make the practice squad?

does not the practice squad pay very well, like something around $150,000 a year or so? and there is always the chance he'd be called up to the roster in a pinch.

what I am trying to say is that it would take a lot of NIL money to entice him to come back to Iowa, wouldn't it? What are the chances we could "outbid" the practice squad salary?

Not to mention the potential locker room divisive ness that it might create (although if we truley are a 'team," then the other guys should understand.

 

[85Bears]

so, if I get this right, if he does not make the 53-man roster (which I am gather that he probably will not), then he would be likely to make the practice squad?

does not the practice squad pay very well, like something around $150,000 a year or so? and there is always the chance he'd be called up to the roster in a pinch.

what I am trying to say is that it would take a lot of NIL money to entice him to come back to Iowa, wouldn't it? What are the chances we could "outbid" the practice squad salary?

Not to mention the potential locker room divisive ness that it might create (although if we truley are a 'team," then the other guys should understand.

Practice squad money is peanuts. NIL is a lot more money than that.

 

[BigOHawk1]

Minimum practice squad salary is about $14k/week, so over 18 weeks it's ok money but nothing near what a high end college player can get.

 

[Hawk_4shur]

Love to have him back, of course. But is there any money left?

I wonder if that's why Tavion had to go someplace else.

 

[squeezebox_1]

I believe the original court order declared that they can only return to their previous team. Tavion Banks got around this by entering the transfer portal before declaring for pro ball.

Indiana has already added a starting DT back among others.

I may not agree with the Stephen Daley situation, but that is apples to oranges. He was injured at the end of the season, did not participate in any NFL practice camp, and he was not signed to a practice squad. The only argument I see is that he signed with an agent.

 

[Heathen Raider]

Love to have him back, of course. But is there any money left?

I wonder if that's why Tavion had to go someplace else.

They could get creative and defer the cash to next Years budget if They had to I bet , If He wants to return at a reasonable NIL You legally find a way

 

[squeezebox_1]

No way Iowa would turn down the chance to bring Graves back if it is deemed legal and He wants to at a position that nobody on that line has earned anything and He has Years of experience, My bet is the Team would throw a party to have Him back

I honestly don't think Kirk would do that.

 

[squeezebox_1]

It’s not like he needs to learn the defense. He’d be smart to come back, collect more money nd boost his draft stock for next year.

In what way would he improve his stock? I don't see this as a logical argument whatsoever, if he wasn't able to crack the 53 man, why would a team draft him next year? He is a solid player, but he wasn't invited to the combine last year.

 

[85Bears]

In what way would he improve his stock? I don't see this as a logical argument whatsoever, if he wasn't able to crack the 53 man, why would a team draft him next year? He is a solid player, but he wasn't invited to the combine last year.

Simply if he came back and was dominant with a breakout year, he’d reenter the draft and get drafted much higher with more guaranteed money. That’s what all the other players who are coming back are going to do.

 

[squeezebox_1]

Simply if he came back and was dominant with a breakout year, he’d reenter the draft and get drafted much higher with more guaranteed money. That’s what all the other players who are coming back are going to do.

It is simple, have you read his draft grade? I'll link it for ya, some of these are not areas you can improve upon just based on the physical nature.
IMO, the other players are coming back to collect an NIL check because they couldn't cut it in the league. This is the problem, with the three year rule, there are players in the NCAA that would be better than a chunk of players in the NFL at their position. With the new 5 for 5 rule, I think this will only be a one year problem.

Aaron Graves Draft and Combine Prospect Profile | NFL.com

All Combine and Draft-Related Analysis, News, Video, and Biographical Information for Aaron Graves

www.nfl.com

 

[85Bears]

It is simple, have you read his draft grade? I'll link it for ya, some of these are not areas you can improve upon just based on the physical nautre.
IMO, the other players are coming back to collect an NIL check because they couldn't cut it in the league. This is the problem, with the three year rule, there are players in the NCAA that would be better than a chunk of players in the NFL at their position. With the new 5 for 5 rule, I think this will only be a one year problem.

Aaron Graves Draft and Combine Prospect Profile | NFL.com

All Combine and Draft-Related Analysis, News, Video, and Biographical Information for Aaron Graves

www.nfl.com

Graves career prospects by being slotted with a team that is deep at d Line , then being placed on the practice squad are very limited. he has nothing to lose and much to gain by making more money this year, catching the eye of multiple nfl teams who might be weak on the D line and improving his prospects. It makes no sense to take less money and be stuck in A Dead end situation.

 

[squeezebox_1]

Graves career prospects by being slotted with a team that is deep at d Line , then being placed on the practice squad are very limited. he has nothing to lose and much to gain by making more money this year, catching the eye of multiple nfl teams who might be weak on the D line and improving his prospects. It makes no sense to take less money and be stuck in A Dead end situation.

Being on a practice squad gives you direct exposure to coaching, schematics, and speed of the game. You are basically given daily auditions. Weekly, the team can pull up 2 practice squad members without signing them to the 53 man roster. There are only 17 practice squad members per team, if you stay on the team, the salary is ~250k. I don't see this massive dead end, or massive upside that you are discussing.

 

[Kceasthawk@77]

I honestly don't think Kirk would do that.

Exactly. We brought in two DT, and a couple of DE's, then basically your telling them hey, thanks but we don't REALLY want you guys to play. There's such a thing as team chemistry here as well. I know fans want these guys to stay forever, but the dudes married with a kid and his degree. And good for him for getting his education. He'll make it in the league or he won't and then he'll move on with his life.

 

[squeezebox_1]

I believe the original court order declared that they can only return to their previous team.

They have to enter the transfer portal prior to the 26th of August. So they are eligible to transfer anywhere.

https://sports.yahoo.com/college-football/article/judge-rules-some-nfl-players-can-enter-the-transfer-portal-return-to-college-football-in-2026-210502118.html

 

[Grayhair1981]

The larger issue here is the same as the ruling related to basketball players back in January: judges and courts making a mockery of the judicial system.

 

[85Bears]

Being on a practice squad gives you direct exposure to coaching, schematics, and speed of the game. You are basically given daily auditions. Weekly, the team can pull up 2 practice squad members without signing them to the 53 man roster. There are only 17 practice squad members per team, if you stay on the team, the salary is ~250k. I don't see this massive dead end, or massive upside that you are discussing.

Practice squad players are churned constantly, 30% last two years in the nfl. if you are unlucky enough to get drafted late by a team that is really deep at your position,…it’s a dead end.

Let’s say he returns and his PFF grades are top tier in the country, he’s going to have a good shot at getting taken much higher next year by a team that is weak or has no depth on the d line. That means guaranteed money. nothing to lose and a lot to gain.

 

[squeezebox_1]

Practice squad players are churned constantly, 30% last two years in the nfl. if you are unlucky enough to get drafted late by a team that is really deep at your position,…it’s a dead end.

Let’s say he returns and his PFF grades are top tier in the country, he’s going to have a good shot at getting taken much higher next year by a team that is weak or has no depth on the d line. That means guaranteed money. nothing to lose and a lot to gain.

His PFF grade for pass rushing was top tier last year, it was #9 in the country...Since we are going with %s, even 5th rounders only average a year worth of games in the league. With only 60% of them ever making it out of a practice squad. If you are naive enough to think that Graves would pull vault himself into a top 3/4 round draft pick, well that would be an interesting take.

 

[squeezebox_1]

Practice squad players are churned constantly, 30% last two years in the nfl. if you are unlucky enough to get drafted late by a team that is really deep at your position,…it’s a dead end.

Let’s say he returns and his PFF grades are top tier in the country, he’s going to have a good shot at getting taken much higher next year by a team that is weak or has no depth on the d line. That means guaranteed money. nothing to lose and a lot to gain.

He could also sign with another team that has less depth, last I checked that is up to the players discretion. He chose to go to the Ravens.

 

[TheGreatDivider101]

This ruling is problematic for schools because of the 105 roster limit. Some sleezy coaches will have conversations with players currently on their roster while going through fall camp, that you've been "cut". I believe most teams are over 105 and will have conversations soon. This just adds to the chaos of the NCAA.

 

[Kceasthawk@77]

Practice squad money is peanuts. NIL is a lot more money than that.

Okay. So were TWO weeks from the season. Obviously the roster is set, and you'd have to think that the monies available in bringing in players in the portal and retention of the roster has been allocated. So do we really think there's 500K to a million dollars laying around to throw at Graves or any other player at this point?

 

[85Bears]

His PFF grade for pass rushing was top tier last year, it was #9 in the country...Since we are going with %s, even 5th rounders only average a year worth of games in the league. With only 60% of them ever making it out of a practice squad. If you are naive enough to think that Graves would pull vault himself into a top 3/4 round draft pick, well that would be an interesting take.

For his final 2025 college football season with the Iowa Hawkeyes, interior defensive lineman Aaron Gravesearned an overall Pro Football Focus (PFF) defensive grade of 71.0, which ranked 247th out of 887 qualifying interior defensive linemen nationally.

that could be improved upon, obviously.

 

[85Bears]

He could also sign with another team that has less depth, last I checked that is up to the players discretion. He chose to go to the Ravens.

its a good think you aren’t his agent. why not take the nil money this year and improve his prospects for next year ?

 

[squeezebox_1]

its a good think you aren’t his agent. why not take the nil money this year and improve his prospects for next year ?

Well as was mentioned above, I don't think Kirk would go for it, the hawks sit at 111 roster spots, and have to cut 6 guys to make the 105 roster limit. I don't think the money will be there either to offer him something like 500k. Projections in the 2027 draft state that DT will be one of the strongest classes. So yet another strike against your commentary.

 

[85Bears]

Well as was mentioned above, I don't think Kirk would go for it, the hawks sit at 111 roster spots, and have to cut 6 guys to make the 105 roster limit. I don't think the money will be there either to offer him something like 500k. Projections in the 2027 draft state that DT will be one of the strongest classes. So yet another strike against your commentary.

KF not going for it is a different argument. your commentary makes no sense for Graves unless he wants to make a lot less money this year and have poor prospects for being in the nfl in 12-24 months.

PFF grades could be vastly improved as well as draft slot next year.

 

[squeezebox_1]

KF not going for it is a different argument. your commentary makes no sense for Graves unless he wants to make a lot less money this year and have poor prospects for being in the nfl in 12-24 months.

PFF grades could be vastly improved as well as draft slot next year.

PFF grades to not equate to draft slots, where do you get this from?

 

[85Bears]

PFF grades to not equate to draft slots, where do you get this from?

So pff grades have no influence whatsoever on where a player gets drafted ? Lol

 

[squeezebox_1]

So pff grades have no influence whatsoever on where a player gets drafted ? Lol

Teams do their own independent analysis, along with using athletic measurements from things like pro days and the combine. Why are you not using google?

 

[85Bears]

Teams do their own independent analysis, along with using athletic measurements from things like pro days and the combine. Why are you not using google?

Ok, thanks Bill Polian

Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades and advanced data are officially subscribed to and utilized by a vast majority of NFL front offices for pro scouting, free agency, and draft preparation. Teams use PFF's college data—including PFF Player Grades—to evaluate player performance on a snap-by-snap basis, track advanced metrics like Wins Above Average (WAA), and supplement their internal scouting boards.