Browns Rookie QB Shedeur Sanders Signs $4.6M Contract, Doubles Net Worth

Shedeur Sanders, a rookie quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, has officially signed a four-year, $4.6 million contract with a $447,380 signing bonus, significantly less than the $46.5 million he might have earned if drafted second overall. Sanders, who was selected in the fifth round at pick 144, saw his earnings impacted by his draft slide despite being projected as a top-five pick and having a strong college career, including being named Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. Analysts like Hall of Famer Kurt Warner have praised Sanders' accuracy and leadership qualities, emphasizing the challenge Sanders faced in carrying his college team offensively. The Browns have a crowded quarterback room with veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett also competing, but with Deshaun Watson expected to miss the upcoming season due to injury, Sanders has a clear opportunity to compete for the starting role. Sanders' rookie contract is also notably less than his reported $6.5 million NIL earnings from college endorsements with companies like Beats by Dre, Nike, and Gatorade. While his contract and draft position reflect a significant financial loss compared to early projections, Sanders now has the chance to prove himself as an NFL starter and potentially increase his future earnings.