Colt Brennan's 2007 season was memorable. His team had an unbeaten regular season. He finished third in the 2007 Heisman voting. He earned a bachelor's degree.

It also was costly.

The former University of Hawai'i quarterback's decision to return for his senior season will cost him about $1,378,500 over a three-year period.

Brennan, who was projected to be a first- or second-round pick after the 2006 season, saw his value drop after a poor outing in the Sugar Bowl, an illness that caused his weight to drop to 185 at the Senior Bowl, and a recent hip surgery.

Instead of being drafted high, Brennan, who weighed 218 at the UH Pro Day April 1, was selected in the sixth round Sunday in the NFL draft, the 186th player taken overall.

But had he left after 2006, when he had the best statistical season by a quarterback in NCAA history, Brennan could be a richer man today.

Last year, BYU quarterback John Beck was picked by Miami in the second round, a spot that Brennan was projected to be. Beck received guaranteed bonuses of $1,523,500 — a signing bonus of $400,000 and an option bonus of $1,123,500.

Beck also was slotted into this scale for base salary: $285,000 for 2007, $370,000 for 2008, $460,000 for 2009. If he played all three seasons, he would be guaranteed $2,638,500.

As a sixth-rounder, Brennan's take is expected to be less than half of that.

Brennan was the 186th pick of the 2008 draft. Last year's No. 186, running back Thomas Clayton, received a signing bonus of $96,500. With revenues and the salary cap up, Brennan should command a signing bonus of about $105,000.

The base minimum also increased for those entering the league this season. A rookie will receive $295,000 in 2008, $385,000 in 2009 and $475,000 in 2010.

Add the signing bonus to the minimum salaries, and Brennan is guaranteed, if he remains healthy and on the roster, $1.26 million.