Shedeur Sanders was one of the standout names in the latest NFL Draft, and his place in the league is now officially secured. The Cleveland Browns have formally signed the former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback, finalizing a deal that comes with figures quite different from what he was earning during his time in College Football.
According to the latest reports, the new quarterback for Kevin Stefanski’s team has secured his spot on the roster after agreeing to a four-year rookie contract worth $4.6 million annually.
The news was reported by NFL insider Jordan Schultz, who announced the deal between the former Buffaloes quarterback and the Browns through his official X (formerly Twitter) account.
“Sources: The #Browns and QB Shedeur Sanders have agreed to a 4-year, $4.6M rookie contract. Sanders will now compete to get on the field in Cleveland,” the insider reported via @Schultz_Report.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski of the Cleveland Browns instructs Shedeur Sanders #12 during rookie minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus on May 10, 2025 in Berea, Ohio.
Now that his NFL contract is secured, the question is: how do Shedeur Sanders’ new earnings compare to what he was making in College Football?
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Shedeur Sanders’ NIL earnings from last season
During his final season in Colorado, Shedeur Sanders undoubtedly became one of the sport’s biggest stars. That recognition translated into major endorsement deals with top brands, significantly boosting the quarterback’s earnings through high-profile NIL agreements.
According to On3.com, the former Colorado Buffaloes player earned nearly $6.5 million during his final season in the NCAAF, thanks to several deals with well-known brands that placed their bets on him.
Nike, Gatorade, Beats by Dre, Google, and the 5430 Alliance decided to partner with Sanders, making him, at the time, one of the highest-paid players in college football.
As a result, his earnings have decreased considerably with his arrival in the NFL, after signing the rookie contract with the Browns, compared to what he was making in Boulder. However, it’s worth noting that many of the brands he partnered with are likely to continue supporting him throughout this new chapter.
The battle for QB1 in Cleveland
With Shedeur Sanders’ contract now secured, the focus for the Cleveland Browns shifts to the battle for the starting QB spot. HC Kevin Stefanski faces a crucial decision between several high-profile options. Joe Flacco, with his extensive NFL experience, is the favorite to lead the team in Week 1, but the presence of young talents like Kenny Pickett, Dillon Gabriel, and Sanders complicates the situation.
It will be a matter of seeing how the weeks unfold to determine which quarterback head coach ultimately chooses for the season opener in Week 1, as the Browns face the Cincinnati Bengals at home.
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