Former Indiana standout CJ West became the first Hoosier defensive lineman since 2010 to be selected in the NFL Draft after hearing his name called by the San Francisco 49ers. West, an All-Big Ten selection in his lone season at IU, was drafted with the 113th overall pick in the 4th Round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
West has since signed a four-year rookie contract with the 49ers. According to Spotrac, West's rookie deal is worth $5.21 million through 2028 with $1.01 million in guaranteed salary. West would become an unrestricted free agent after the 2028 season.
In 2025, West will make $840,000 in base salary along with a $1.01 million signing bonus. In 2026, West will earn $1.005 million. In 2027, West will bring in $1.12 million. In 2028, the final year of his rookie deal, West will make $1.235 million.
West's rookie contract is in line with former Indiana quarterback Kurtis Rourke, who was selected in the 7th Round by San Francisco. The yearly base compensation for West and Rourke are the same, however, West will make nearly $900,000 more in signing bonuses and guaranteed money than Rourke.
West is expected to compete for early playing on the interior defensive line, competing against veterans Jordan Elliott and Kevin Givens and fellow 2025 draft pick Alfred Collins. West will also learn from All-Pro defensive end Nick Bosa and 1st Round pick Mykel Williams.
A transfer from Kent State, West was among the most coveted defensive tackles last offseason upon entering the portal in the spring cycle. West received interest from several Power Four schools before ultimately choosing Indiana. He was ranked by 247Sports as the No. 294 overall transfer and No. 31 transfer defensive lineman.
Upon arriving at Indiana, the 6-foot-2, 317-pounder immediately asserted himself as a cornerstone of the Hoosiers elite defense. West played in all 13 games in 2024 and racked up 42 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one pass breakup. He was named All-Big Honorable Mention after the season.
"Adding another guy to the mix in CJ," 49ers GM John Lynch said. "We had some departures this offseason, and we felt it was important to restock — and not just with guys, we wanted to put guys that fit our vision for what we want that room to be.
"CJ, I think, if we're talking about him, is stout, sturdy, but also has the quickness and strength to play in the other team's backfield. Makes a lot of splash plays in the other team's backfield.
"I had the chance to watch him live this year when we went back to Ohio State, Indiana was there, made an impression in that game. But more so his film, his body of work has really stood out, and we just felt was a really good fit. Another add to the D-line we're building."