The sports world recently saw an intriguing development regarding Jack Pyburn’s career. Observers estimated that Pyburn might earn around $1 million in 2026 if he returned to college at LSU after potentially being cut by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, the Kansas City Chiefs altered those expectations.
On Monday afternoon, the Chiefs acquired Pyburn off waivers from the Buccaneers, as announced by the NFL waiver wire. This acquisition enables Pyburn to continue his NFL career as part of the Chiefs’ 53-man roster.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive lineman Jack Pyburn runs a drill during a joint Buccaneers-Jaguars NFL practice on Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, at the Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Pyburn’s situation leads to an interesting twist regarding his earnings. His rookie salary in the NFL is set at $885,000, which is less than the $1 million he was expected to make in college due to the developing landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreements. This disparity highlights how NIL rules and eligibility rulings impact college football, making it a financial rival to the NFL for some athletes.
LSU Tigers defensive end Jack Pyburn waits for the snap during the first quarter against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Miss., on Sept. 27, 2025. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Instances of athletes leaving college early to join the NFL are not unusual. Many quarterbacks have chosen the NFL over potential collegiate earnings to begin their long-term careers, often motivated by the promise of a lucrative future. However, Pyburn’s case differs from these examples.
Jack Pyburn was not selected during the NFL Draft in April after his time at LSU. He had transferred from the University of Florida, where he played in 2023 and 2024. At LSU, Pyburn participated in 12 games, starting 11 of them, and tallied 52 tackles with 2 sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss. Although impressive, these statistics do not easily command a $1 million value.
Brady Cook of the New York Jets is tackled by Jack Pyburn of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on Aug. 14, 2026. (Getty Images)
Pyburn’s career path was influenced significantly by legal proceedings. Pyburn joined a lawsuit with more than 30 other athletes in Louisiana. This lawsuit resulted in a temporary restraining order that allowed them to compete in college during the 2026 academic year. The ruling allowed players to return to college, provided they could end their professional contracts and repay any earnings.
Pyburn initially prepared to pursue this option after the Buccaneers reportedly planned to release him, even offering him $115,000 with a $15,000 signing bonus. However, the Chiefs’ decision keeping him on the roster means Pyburn remains in the NFL.
Pyburn informed LSU of his intention to withdraw from the ongoing eligibility lawsuit and continue with his NFL career, although the Chiefs’ decision largely determined this course.
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Armando Salguero is OutKick’s Senior NFL Writer.