Commanders sign former Notre Dame QB Sam Hartman

Notre Dame QB Sam Hartman signs with Washington Commanders, while other college standouts secure NFL contracts after draft weekend.

During the 2024 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium, Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman showcased his skills and caught the attention of multiple teams. Following the NFL Draft, Hartman, along with quarterbacks Kedon Slovis and John Rhys Plumlee, agreed to contracts as free agents.

Hartman, who had a successful career at Notre Dame after transferring from Wake Forest, secured a $20,000 signing bonus and a $225,000 base salary guarantee with the Washington Commanders. Slovis, who played at USC, Pittsburgh, and BYU, signed with the Indianapolis Colts. Plumlee, who played at Ole Miss and UCF, may transition to a wide receiver role in the NFL and agreed to terms with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Other quarterbacks who inked deals include Louisville's Jack Plummer with the Carolina Panthers and Western Kentucky's Austin Reed with the Chicago Bears. The Las Vegas Raiders announced the signing of former South Alabama QB Carter Bradley, the son of longtime NFL coach Gus Bradley.

In addition to quarterbacks, running back Austin Jones from USC will join the Commanders, reuniting with former Trojans assistant coach Kliff Kingsbury, who is now Washington's offensive coordinator. Terique Owens, son of former NFL player Terrell Owens, signed with the San Francisco 49ers after stints at FAU and Missouri State. Frank Gore Jr., son of the former NFL running back, is set to join the Buffalo Bills after a successful career at Southern Miss.

Former Memphis and Old Dominion running back Blake Watson secured a $25,000 signing bonus and a $250,000 salary guarantee from the Denver Broncos. After Michigan had a strong showing in the draft, with 13 players selected, four more former Wolverines signed as free agents. Braiden McGregor joined the New York Jets, Josh Wallace signed with the Los Angeles Rams, Drake Nugent joined the 49ers, and Karsen Barnhart will reunite with his former coach Jim Harbaugh, who is now the head coach of the Los Angeles Chargers.