Shedeur Sanders Finalizes Rookie Contract with Browns After Surprising Draft Slide
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders, once considered a potential top-tier draft pick, has officially signed a four-year rookie contract with the Cleveland Browns following his unexpected fall to the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Browns confirmed Monday that Sanders, selected 144th overall, has agreed to terms on a standard rookie deal valued at approximately $4.6 million, in line with the NFL’s fixed compensation structure under the current collective bargaining agreement. The agreement includes a signing bonus reportedly worth just over $446,000, according to Spotrac.
Despite entering the draft with projections placing him as high as the No. 2 overall pick, Sanders saw his stock drop significantly during the selection process. His eventual fifth-round selection by Cleveland drew widespread attention, marking one of the most notable slides of this year’s draft class.
As part of the team’s announcement, the Browns also revealed that Sanders will wear jersey No. 12 for the upcoming season. At the University of Colorado, he wore No. 2—a number already claimed in Cleveland by wide receiver DeAndre Carter. While there had been speculation that Sanders might attempt to negotiate for his college number, he dismissed the idea lightheartedly, citing the size of his rookie signing bonus.
“My signing bonus ain’t that high right now,” Sanders remarked in response to the rumors, indicating he would not attempt to buy the number from his teammate.
Though the total value of his rookie contract is substantial, it falls short of the estimated valuation of his name, image, and likeness (NIL) earnings during his college tenure. According to On3, Sanders was valued at $6.5 million while playing under his father, Deion Sanders, at Colorado.
Now 23 years old, Sanders joins a competitive quarterback room in Cleveland, which includes veteran starter Deshaun Watson, as well as Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. As he begins his NFL journey, the rookie faces the challenge of earning a spot on the active roster and climbing the depth chart.
During the 2024 season at Colorado, Sanders delivered an impressive performance, throwing for 4,134 yards and showcasing the poise and skill that had initially positioned him as a high draft prospect.
With his rookie deal now secured, Sanders enters the next phase of his career looking to make his mark at the professional level—bringing with him both high expectations and a determination to prove his value beyond the draft.
