NFL prospect and potential first-round draft pick QB Paxton Lynch has signed a four-year endorsement deal with Nike that is worth six-figures annually. Nike joins Panini America and Wingstop as companies that have signed the former Univ. of Memphis product. UM counts Nike as its apparel provider, and Leigh Steinberg, Lynch's agent, said that his client had hopes of getting an endorsement deal with the company. Steinberg Sports & Entertainment’s Chris Cabott negotiated on behalf of Lynch, while Mark Dupes handled negotiations for Nike. The involved parties met a handful of times, first at the Super Bowl and also at the NFL Combine. Nike also has signed an endorsement deal with former Cal QB Jared Goff. As part of Lynch's deal, Nike will donate product to Florida Methodist Children’s Home and Deltona (Fla.) High School. Steinberg said it was a "chance to do something" for Lynch's hometown. Steinberg said with some of these off-field deals now complete, the "focus will now turn" to Lynch's football development. As far as advertising and marketing go, Steinberg said it is “going to depend on the arc of (Lynch's) career and how rapidly he starts and establishes (himself).” Meanwhile, Steinberg said that another one of his clients, RB prospect Daniel Lasco, is currently in discussions with adidas. Lasco played collegiately at Cal, which counts Nike's Jordan Brand as its apparel provider.
