An Update on Former Illinois Football DT Jer’Zhan Newton

An Update on Former Illinois Football DT Jer’Zhan Newton

NFL teams are wrapping up OTA’s and rookie mini-camps as summer training is now just around the corner. Additionally, organizations are beginning to mold their rosters, in preparation for the 2024 season. News is beginning to circulate that some recent Illinois Football graduates are beginning to see their futures in the NFL take form.

Former “Law Firm” partner and Illini defensive lineman Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton has now inked an impressive contract with Washington. The rookie defensive tackle is set to earn $9.75 Million over a 4-year period in the nation’s capital. The agreement includes a $3,916,720 signing bonus, in addition to $8,432,355 guaranteed until 2027. However, due to Newtons status as a second-round selection, his rookie contract won’t include a 5th-year option. Johnny was the Illini’s highest-selected player in the 2024 draft. Of course, going #36 overall in the 2nd round to Dan Quinn’s Commanders.

Making it official @Johnny5Newton | #RaiseHail pic.twitter.com/s0wc9SRzLY

— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) June 13, 2024

Newton’s Injury

The good news surrounding Newton’s contract is indeed welcome. Just a short few weeks ago, Dan Quinn and the Commanders announced that that Jer’Zhan had suffered a partial Jones fracture in his left foot. The same injury in which he struggled with over the course of the 2023 season, while still playing for the Illinois Football program. However, Newton has now suffered the same fracture, on the opposite foot (Left). Currently, a timeline for his return has not been officially announced. However, the Commanders are optimistic that Newton is on track to make a recovery for the beginning of rookie season.