Henry Ruggs III entered the NFL with massive expectations after being selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. His rookie deal with the Las Vegas Raiders was one of the most valuable contracts among wide receivers in his draft class. As a result, Henry Ruggs contract quickly became a popular search topic, especially after his career came to an abrupt halt.
This article provides a complete, fact-based breakdown of Henry Ruggs contract, salary structure, guaranteed money, and what ultimately happened to the deal.
Henry Ruggs Contract Overview
Henry Ruggs signed his rookie contract shortly after being drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020.
Key Contract Details
- Team: Las Vegas Raiders
- Draft Position: 12th overall (2020 NFL Draft)
- Contract Length: 4 years
- Total Value: $16.67 million
- Average Annual Salary: Approximately $4.16 million
- Signing Bonus: Around $9.68 million
- Guaranteed Money: Fully guaranteed at signing
At the time, the deal made Ruggs one of the highest-paid rookie wide receivers in the league.
Attribute Details: Henry Ruggs Contract
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Player Name | Henry Ruggs III |
| NFL Team | Las Vegas Raiders |
| Draft Year | 2020 |
| Draft Pick | Round 1, Pick 12 |
| Contract Length | 4 years |
| Contract Value | $16.67 million |
| Signing Bonus | ~$9.68 million |
| Guaranteed Money | Fully guaranteed |
| Average Salary | ~$4.16 million per year |
| Contract Status | Voided / Terminated |
Salary Breakdown by Season
The Henry Ruggs contract followed the standard NFL rookie wage scale.
- 2020 Season:
Base salary around $610,000 plus signing bonus allocation - 2021 Season:
Base salary around $607,000 - 2022–2023 Seasons:
Scheduled salaries were never paid due to contract termination
While the total contract value was high, much of the money was structured through the signing bonus and future guarantees.
What Happened to Henry Ruggs’ Contract?
In November 2021, Henry Ruggs was involved in a fatal DUI crash. Shortly afterward, the Las Vegas Raiders released and voided his contract.
Because NFL contracts include conduct clauses, the team had the legal right to:
- Terminate the contract
- Void future guaranteed salaries
- Seek repayment of unearned signing bonus money
This decision immediately ended Ruggs’ NFL career and future earnings.
How Much Money Did Henry Ruggs Actually Keep?
Although the contract was worth $16.67 million, Ruggs did not receive the full amount.
Estimated Earnings Before Termination
- Earned approximately $4.7 million in salary and bonus payments
After Taxes and Fees
- Estimated take-home amount: around $2.8–3 million
The Raiders reportedly reclaimed a significant portion of his signing bonus, dramatically reducing his total career earnings.
Fifth-Year Option Explained
As a first-round pick, Henry Ruggs’ contract included a fifth-year team option. However:
- The option was never exercised
- It became irrelevant once the contract was voided
Had Ruggs remained with the team, the fifth-year option could have added millions more to his earnings.
Financial Impact of the Voided Contract
The termination of the Henry Ruggs contract resulted in:
- Loss of future base salaries
- Loss of endorsement potential
- No eligibility for a contract extension
- Removal from the Raiders’ long-term salary cap plans
From a financial standpoint, it was one of the most severe contract collapses for a first-round NFL pick in recent years.
Comparison With Other 2020 WR Contracts
Compared to other wide receivers drafted in 2020:
- Ruggs’ contract value was competitive
- His guaranteed money was similar to peers
- Most others completed or extended their rookie deals
The difference was not contract structure, but circumstances that led to termination.
FAQs: Henry Ruggs Contract
How much was Henry Ruggs’ contract worth?
Henry Ruggs signed a 4-year rookie contract worth $16.67 million with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Was Henry Ruggs’ contract fully guaranteed?
Yes, the contract was fully guaranteed at signing, but guarantees were voided after termination due to conduct clauses.
How much money did Henry Ruggs keep?
He earned roughly $4.7 million before termination and an estimated $2.8–3 million after taxes and fees.
Did the Raiders take back his signing bonus?
Yes, the Raiders reportedly recovered a large portion of the unearned signing bonus.
Is Henry Ruggs still under contract with an NFL team?
No, his contract was voided, and he is no longer in the NFL.
Final Thoughts on Henry Ruggs Contract
The Henry Ruggs contract serves as a powerful reminder of how quickly an NFL career can change. What began as a fully guaranteed, multi-million-dollar rookie deal ended prematurely due to off-field actions.
Despite elite talent and financial security at the start of his career, Ruggs ultimately received only a fraction of his contract’s total value. His case remains one of the most discussed contract terminations in recent NFL history.
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