Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders were two of the biggest quarterbacks to watch ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. But while the former was selected first overall by the Tennessee Titans, the latter had to wait until the fifth round to be taken by the Cleveland Browns.

Even though the University of Miami product was expected to be selected before the Colorado sensation, no one thought the gap would be so big. This space is now expected to result in a huge difference between Ward and Sanders’ salaries.

According to Spotrac, the Titans will hand Ward a four-year, $48.8 million deal with a $32.1 million signing bonus. Sanders, on the other hand, may have to settle with significantly less money in Cleveland.

A $44 million difference between Ward and Sanders

Based on estimations from Spotrac and Over the Cap, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel expects Sanders to get a four-year deal worth between $4.59 million and $4.65 million on the Browns, including a $446,553 signing bonus.

Shedeur Sanders #QB13 of Colorado looks on during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 01, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

This compensation is based on the rookie pay scale set on the NFL‘s collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which also dictates that―unlike Ward―Sanders will not be eligible for a fifth-year option on his rookie contract, a benefit limited to first-round picks.

How does Sanders’ contract compare to other rookie QBs from 2025 class?

Sanders was the sixth quarterback selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. With Ward leading the pack, Jaxson Dart was the second QB to make the cut in the first round with the New York Giants (No. 25).

Tyler Shough was the only signal-caller taken in the second round, where he got drafted by the New Orleans Saints at No. 40. Alabama’s Jalen Milroe (Seattle Seahawks, No. 92) and Oregon’s Dilllon Gabriel (Browns, No. 94) were drafted in the third round.

After being overlooked in the fourth round, it wasn’t until the No. 144 pick that Sanders got the call from Cleveland, who traded up to get that fifth-round selection. Consequently, Shedeur is expected to be the sixth highest-paid rookie QB in the 2025 NFL season and 72nd-highest paid QB in the league.

SURVEY Will Shedeur Sanders succeed in the NFL?

Will Shedeur Sanders succeed in the NFL?

Yes, he will end up getting bigger contracts
No, he will always have the other QBs from his class above him

already voted 118 fans
  1. Cam Ward (Titans, No. 1) – 4 years, $48.8 million
  2. Jaxson Dart (Giants, No. 25) – 4 years, $16.9 million
  3. Tyler Shough (Saints, No. 40) – 4 years, $10.8 million
  4. Jalen Milroe (Seahawks, No. 92) – 4 years, $6.3 million
  5. Dillon Gabriel (Browns, No. 94) – 4 years, $6.2 million
  6. Shedeur Sanders (Browns, No. 144) – 4 years, $4.65 million