Tennessee and quarterback Nico Iamaleava are negotiating a new NIL deal ahead of the transfer portal opening April 16, On3's Pete Nakos reported.
It's unclear whether a breakdown in negotiations could lead Iamaleava to enter the portal, but the quarterback's relationship with the program and head coach Josh Heupel reportedly remains strong.
The Volunteers hope to have a new deal in place ahead of Saturday's spring game, Nakos added.
Iamaleava's current NIL deal reportedly pays him between $2.2 million and $2.5 million. His was once the highest-paid quarterback in the country, but Miami's Carson Beck, Duke's Darian Mensah, and Michigan's Bryce Underwood have all reportedly eclipsed $3 million per season.
Iamaleava has appeared in 18 games for the Volunteers over the last two seasons. The Long Beach, California, native has completed 63.6% of his attempts for 2,930 yards, 21 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He's also added 429 rushing yards and six scores on 129 carries.
