Florida State sophomore quarterback Jameis Winston bought a "loss of value" insurance policy that provides him with up to $10 million in coverage, which could be a sign he will enter the 2015 draft.
Citing a source, Yahoo Sports reported that the policy "is based on a projection that he will be selected in the top 10 of the 2015 NFL draft and would theoretically pay out if he fell out of the first round due to injury or illness." Current Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater purchased the same type of policy after the 2013 season.
Yahoo reported that this likely is a sign that Winston will leave after this season. Its story cited industry experts saying underclassmen who purchase insurance policies as large as Winston's almost always enter the NFL draft because of "the hefty premiums." Yahoo reported that policies the size of Winston's can carry a $55,000 to $60,000 premium payment per year, "which industry sources say most players have to obtain by financing."
Yahoo also reported that its source said Winston is the first returning Heisman winner since former Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford to purchase this type of policy; numerous players routinely purchase disability coverage.
The NCAA sponsors a disability insurance program; it does not provide loss of value coverage.
Winston won the Heisman last season, when he led FSU to the national championship. As a third-year sophomore, he will be eligible for the 2015 draft. His father recently said the plan is for Jameis to play two more seasons at FSU.
Winston, who will be honored by his hometown with a "Jameis Winston Day" on Saturday, threw for 4,057 yards and 40 touchdowns last season in becoming the second consecutive redshirt freshman to win the Heisman. He is the key player on an FSU team that is expected to be atop the preseason polls when they are released.
Mike Huguenin can be reached at mike.huguenin@nfl.com. You also can follow him on Twitter @MikeHuguenin.