The 2026 NFL Draft was a banner weekend for Florida football, with seven former Gators hearing their names called. Now, that draft class is officially making it rain—signing their first professional contracts and taking the next big step toward NFL stardom.
Leading the charge is defensive tackle Caleb Banks, the No. 18 overall pick by the Minnesota Vikings. Banks put pen to paper on a fully guaranteed four-year deal worth a reported $21.3 million. That's a life-changing payday for a player who anchored Florida's defensive line with relentless power and quickness.
Not far behind, offensive lineman Jake Slaughter locked in his future with the Los Angeles Chargers. Selected in the second round at No. 63 overall, Slaughter signed a four-year, $7.92 million contract—joining a Chargers offense that's quickly becoming one of the most exciting in the league.
Over in Cleveland, offensive tackle Austin Barber is now a Brown. The third-round pick (No. 86 overall) agreed to terms on a deal worth roughly $6.87 million. Barber's size and tenacity should fit right in with a Browns team looking to build a dominant front.
Cornerback Devin Moore is heading to Dallas, where he'll suit up for America's Team. The fourth-round selection (No. 114 overall) signed a projected $5.43 million contract that includes a $1.19 million signing bonus and an average annual salary of $1.39 million. The Cowboys are getting a ball-hawking defender who can change a game in an instant.
Edge rusher George Gumbs Jr. is taking his talents to Indianapolis. The Colts selected him in the fifth round (No. 156 overall) and signed him to a $4.88 million contract featuring a $501,796 signing bonus. Gumbs Jr. brings the kind of explosive pass-rush ability that can make a defense dangerous.
Kicker Trey Smack was the first Gator to sign, and he did so in style. The No. 216 overall pick inked a $4.59 million deal with a $206,532 signing bonus. He'll be joined in the pros by fellow special teamer Tommy Doman, a seventh-round selection who signed for $1.13 million.
With a player drafted in every single round, Florida's 2026 NFL Draft class is a testament to the program's depth and talent. From the Swamp to the league, the Gator Nation has plenty to be excited about—and these seven rookies are just getting started.