Former Liberty LB, Solomon Ajayi, 23, signed with the Cleveland Browns as an UDFA back in late April. He was given an $80,000 signing bonus with his contract. That is large enough of a signing bonus that shows the Browns thought highly of him as an UDFA.
Ajayi has not only had to deal with being an undrafted rookie, but has also faced an NFL offseason unlike any other before. Given the circumstances the world has faced, due to COVID-19, it has been expressed by many that it will be extremely hard for undrafted rookies to get a fair shake and make NFL teams.
Ajayi has not had opportunities like typical rookies, as rookie mini camps and other offseason practices were cancelled due to COVID-19. In a typical season, a player in Ajayi’s circumstances would have four preseason games to show their worth. The NFL has come out and said there will be no preseason games held this year to prevent any unnecessary exposure to the virus.
Due to all of this hardship for Ajayi, he has left a good impression on the Browns Linebacker Coach, Jason Tarver. In a Zoom press conference Tarver praised Ajayi for his intelligence.
“Solomon Ajayi is very, very smart,” Tarver said. “If you are ever going to be a rookie free agent in a year without an offseason, you have to be wired like Solomon. He makes very few mistakes and is tough.” (per 247)
Ajayi has until Saturday afternoon to continue making good impressions in hopes of making the 53-man roster.
