Shedeur Sanders: Despite missing out on first-round draft pick money in April 2025, Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders capitalized on a lucrative opportunity elsewhere. Thanks to the NFL Players’ Association’s endorsement agreements, Sanders collected $17.7 million in group licensing revenue during the 2025 season, according to Front Office Sports.
His earnings came from jersey sales, trading cards, and other fan collectibles purchases, setting a new record. Sanders’ income from these sources exceeded that of legendary quarterback Tom Brady, who earned $9.5 million in the 2021-22 season.
Sanders celebrates a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during a preseason game at Bank of America Stadium on August 8, 2025.
Sanders’ contract with the Browns guarantees him slightly over $1 million annually, having signed a four-year, $4.647 million rookie deal prior to the start of the 2025 season. He experienced a dramatic fall in the NFL Draft, not being selected in the first round and eventually getting picked by the Browns on Day 3.
Draft Dynamics: Cleveland also chose Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, a fellow Heisman Trophy finalist, ahead of Sanders in the third round. Nonetheless, Sanders continued to draw support from fans through merchandise purchases and endorsements. Reports suggest that additional endorsement deals pushed his rookie season income near $20 million.
On-field Debut: Coming into the league with high expectations from fans and analysts, Sanders had a delayed start with the Browns. Initially, Joe Flacco was the starter under then-head coach Kevin Stefanski at the beginning of the 2025 season.
Sanders walks off the field after facing Cincinnati Bengals on January 4, 2026.
In Week 12, Sanders made his first appearance as a starter against the Las Vegas Raiders, leading the Browns to a 24-10 victory with a performance of 11-of-20 passing for 209 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.
Stefanski decided that Sanders would start for the rest of the year, aiming to further develop the rookie as Cleveland was out of the playoff race. Throughout seven starts, Sanders achieved 1,400 passing yards with seven touchdowns and ten interceptions, concluding with a 3-4 record.
Future Outlook: As anticipation grows for Sanders, he must battle for the starting position heading into 2026. Deshaun Watson has returned to health, sharing first-team reps with Sanders during voluntary practices under new head coach Todd Monken from the Baltimore Ravens.