Shedeur Sanders officially signs rookie contract with Cleveland Browns (Cleavland Browns/X) Shedeur Sanders’ journey to the NFL officially kicked off this week as he signed his rookie contract with the Cleveland Browns. Selected 144th overall in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders inked a four-year deal valued at $4.6 million, including a signing bonus of $447,380. This move marks a significant step for Sanders, who now enters a competitive quarterback landscape in Cleveland, vying for playing time and the chance to prove himself at the professional level.
Shedeur Sanders’ rookie contract with Browns is solid, but his NIL earnings dwarf it
In today’s NFL, rookie contracts are largely predetermined by the collective bargaining agreement, which sets pay scales based on draft position. Shedeur Sanders’ slot in the fifth round dictates his contract size, leaving little room for negotiation. Despite falling well below his initial projections as a potential first-round pick, Sanders’ contract is a solid starting point for his NFL career.It’s worth noting the stark contrast between Sanders’ deal and those of the top picks. For example, Cam Ward, the No. 1 overall pick in the same draft, secured a contract worth nearly $49 million with a $32 million signing bonus. Meanwhile, Sanders’ former Colorado teammate Travis Hunter received a $46.5 million contract. These disparities highlight the financial realities of the draft process but also underscore the opportunity Sanders has to outperform expectations and secure a lucrative second contract in the future.Sanders’ slide to the fifth round stunned many experts and fans alike. Once considered a possible first-round selection thanks to an outstanding college career, the quarterback’s draft stock plummeted due to pre-draft concerns and evaluation miscues. Despite this, Cleveland saw enough promise to select him, but he was not the Browns’ first quarterback choice—they picked Dillon Gabriel in the third round.Cleveland’s quarterback room is crowded and intriguing. Alongside Sanders and Gabriel, the Browns roster includes veterans Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, and Kenny Pickett. Watson’s recent Achilles injury complicates his status, while the performances and durability of the other veterans leave the starting quarterback role wide open. This scenario creates a rare and exciting competition, where Sanders can compete without being overshadowed by a clear front-runner.Though his NFL rookie contract is modest compared to top picks, Sanders brings a unique advantage off the field. His NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals at Colorado reportedly valued him at $6.5 million last season, underscoring his marketability and star power. Endorsements with big brands like Nike, Beats by Dre, and Gatorade are likely to continue and expand as Sanders steps onto the NFL stage.This off-field financial aspect could provide Sanders with significant stability as he adapts to the pro game and proves his worth on it. His name recognition as one of the top rookies in the class makes him an attractive candidate for new sponsorships, which will complement his NFL earnings.One fan commented, “His NIL deal was bigger.”Another said, “Damn, he made way more in college.”Shedeur Sanders enters the Browns organization with both a challenge and a chance. His college performance was impressive—throwing for over 4,100 yards and 37 touchdowns in his final year—and he was ranked the No. 2 quarterback in the draft by respected scouting sources. This makes his fifth-round selection a mystery to many but also a motivational fuel for Sanders to prove critics wrong.His rookie contract ensures he will get a real shot to compete for a roster spot, and possibly even the starting job, in a Browns team hungry for stability under center. The competition will be fierce, but Sanders has the arm talent, pedigree, and support to make a lasting impact.In Cleveland, the narrative is clear: the quarterback battle is wide open, and Shedeur Sanders is ready to write the next chapter of his football story. His journey from draft disappointment to potential NFL starter is just beginning — and Browns fans will be watching closely.Also Read: Fred Warner’s new 3-year, $63 million deal with 49ers makes him the highest-paid linebacker in the NFL
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