Cade McDonald has become one of the NFL’s most intriguing undrafted success stories this year. In this article, you will know McDonald’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more—all in one place.
From his rise through college football to signing with the Cleveland Browns, discover how he turned opportunity into a professional career, what he earns on and off the field, and what lies ahead for this determined wide receiver.
Cade McDonald’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Cade McDonald |
| Date of Birth | May 7, 2001 |
| Age | 24 years |
| Education | Michigan State University; Miami University (OH) |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in |
| Weight | 196 lbs |
| Turned Pro | 2025 as Undrafted Free Agent with Cleveland Browns |
| Net Worth | $2,965,000 (estimated total contract value for 2025–2027) |
| Salary / Career Earnings | $840,000 |
| Relationship Status | Keeps personal life private; no public spouse or partner |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
McDonald grew up in Naperville, Illinois, where he starred at Naperville Central High School as a dynamic wide receiver and return specialist. His performance earned him a scholarship to Michigan State, where he redshirted in 2019 and gradually worked his way into the lineup.
Across three seasons with the Spartans, he recorded five receptions for 46 yards and showcased his special teams instincts with multiple punt returns. Seeking more playing time, he transferred to Miami University (Ohio) for his final collegiate seasons.
There, McDonald exploded onto the scene in 2024, starting 11 of 12 games and hauling in 52 catches for 631 yards and three touchdowns. His ability to find open space, coupled with precise route running and reliable hands, quickly made him a favorite target in Miami’s offense.
Leading his team in yards after catch and displaying consistent effort in practice, McDonald earned Academic All-MAC honors and was named Miami’s Offensive Skill Player of the Year, setting the stage for a shot at the NFL.
Professional Career
Despite not hearing his name called on draft night, McDonald signed with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in May 2025. At rookie minicamp, his crisp routes and strong work ethic impressed coaches, earning him a roster spot through organized team activities and training camp.
Though competing against veteran receivers and higher-profile rookies, he embraced his underdog role and focused on special teams contributions.
McDonald’s speed and toughness on kick coverage made him a candidate for the practice squad, with coaches praising his attention to detail and growth mindset based on sources.
As the regular season approaches, he continues to refine his route tree, build chemistry with his quarterback, and carve out a role on offense. His journey from overlooked recruit to NFL player highlights his resilience and determination to seize every opportunity.
Cade McDonald’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, McDonald’s net worth is tied directly to his rookie contract value of $2,965,000.
Contract
McDonald signed a three-year undrafted free agent contract with the Cleveland Browns in May 2025 worth $2,965,000. The deal carries no guaranteed signing bonus and includes annual base salaries of $840,000 (2025), $1,005,000 (2026), and $1,120,000 (2027).
He’ll become a restricted free agent in 2028 unless extended or released earlier. This opportunity gives McDonald a chance to prove himself while earning nearly $3 million over the full term.
Salary
McDonald will earn a base salary of $840,000, matching his cap hit. The following year, his base pay rises to $1,005,000, and in 2027 he will earn $1,120,000. By the end of his initial contract, he stands to collect nearly $3 million in cash payouts.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Base Salary | Cash Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Cleveland Browns | $840,000 | $840,000 |
| 2026 | Cleveland Browns | $1,005,000 | $1,845,000 |
| 2027 | Cleveland Browns | $1,120,000 | $2,965,000 |
Career Stats
| Season | Team | GP | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving TDs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-2022 | Michigan State | N/A | 5 | 46 | 0 |
| 2023 | Miami (OH) | N/A | N/A | N/A | 3 |
| 2024 | Miami (OH) | 12 | 52 | 631 | 3 |
| 2025 | Cleveland Browns | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | N/A | 57+ | 677+ | 6 |
FAQs
1. What college programs did McDonald play for during his college career?
McDonald began at Michigan State University, where he redshirted his freshman season and saw limited offensive snaps over three years. Seeking more opportunities, he transferred to Miami University (Ohio) for his final two seasons and became a full-time starter there.
2. How did McDonald end up signing with the Cleveland Browns?
After going undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft, McDonald earned an invitation to Cleveland’s rookie minicamp. He impressed coaches with his precise route running, special teams ability, and work ethic, which led the Browns to offer him an undrafted free agent contract.
3. What is McDonald’s net worth?
McDonald’s net worth is tied directly to his three-year undrafted free agent deal with Cleveland, valued at $2,965,000. His base salary of $840,000, rising to over $1 million in later seasons, forms the bulk of his estimated net worth.
4. What are the main details of McDonald’s rookie contract?
He signed a three-year agreement worth $2,965,000, carrying no guaranteed signing bonus. His 2025 base salary is $840,000, increasing to $1,005,000 in 2026 and $1,120,000 in 2027. The contract runs through the 2027 season with restricted free agent status.
5. How productive was McDonald during his final college season at Miami (OH)?
Hauling in 52 receptions for 631 yards and three touchdowns. He also earned Academic All-MAC honors and was named Miami’s Offensive Skill Player of the Year, showcasing his hands, route running, and yards-after-catch ability.
