The position at which you enter the league matters—not just for fame, but also for your finances and self-confidence. For those who may not know, Cam Ward, the Titans‘ first overall pick in the first round, will earn $48 million over four years, including a $32 million signing bonus. In contrast, the final pick of the first round (32nd overall), Chiefs‘ Josh Simmons, will earn $14 million over four years with a $7 million signing bonus. You can imagine how little undrafted free agents make by comparison. That reality hit Oregon wide receiver Traeshon Holden hard.

On Monday, May 5, the Cowboys released contract details for their undrafted free agents. While lower pay is expected, many were surprised to see that Holden received no guaranteed money. His signing bonus was just $3,000, with an $840,000 cap hit for 2025. Translation: He won’t get paid if he fails to hit the bonus criteria, which would include games played/started. So ultimately, he has signed for $0, as he might fail to make in to the roster.

It was a shocking contrast in a league known for offering players life-changing wealth. Now, QB Dillon Gabriel’s go-to receiver will have to work even harder to rise through the ranks. “I was hurt. That 24-hour rule—I was hurting. But now, I’m here, and I’m ready to make it happen. I’ll do what I can to show everybody that I belong,” Holden said, about the disappointment.

He spent 3 seasons at Alabama (2020-2022) before arriving in Oregon for 2 years. Overall, in 5 years, he started 13 of 52 games and returned with 111 receptions in 1,184 receiving yards with 16 touchdowns. The receiver hoped the teams to draft him and came really close. But could not climb the final ladder. The Cowboys signed him as an undrafted free agent.

Holden’s unexpectedly low compensation might stem from concerns about his character that emerged during the draft process. These concerns include his 2023 arrest and his ejection from a 2024 game for spitting on an Ohio State player.

Wide receiver coach Junior Adams must have played a defining role in getting him a spot in the league. That’s the only way he can hope to play. Traeshon Holden praised the coach while saying, “He knows he got a dawg, and I’m ready to make it happen.” Now, he is fired up for revenge on other teams.

Dillon Gabriel’s WR wants heads

The Cowboys had a different mindset for the minicamp. Breaking a tradition of 15 years, new HC Brian Schottenheimer did not want a lectern. Instead, the staff arranged a chair and table, and the coach talked to the reporters, giving out more personal vibes. No one has done this since Wade Phillips in 2010.

Is that a signal? Are they going with an alternative approach? It may be the case as they looked happy in their rookie minicamp, starting on Friday, the 2nd of May. But it fired up one player. Dillon Gabriel‘s teammate Traeshon Holden was angry at the snubbing. He described his mindset, “Prove everybody wrong. Everybody. I’m coming for heads. That’s it.” However, it would not be easy.

They already have plenty of receivers on their roster. So, Gabriel’s WR will have to perform and grab every chance he gets. “City’s lovely, I can’t wait to make something happen,” he’s already liking the surroundings. It’s the fight for survival.