Browns' Shedeur Sanders Unfazed by $40M Draft Slide

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Shedeur Sanders, the Cleveland Browns' fifth-round draft pick in 2025, recently addressed his slide down the draft board, which cost him an estimated $40 million in potential rookie contract value. Despite the significant financial impact, Sanders expressed gratitude that the loss of that money did not significantly change his life circumstances.

Why it matters

Sanders' draft slide and the resulting contract implications highlight the high-stakes nature of the NFL draft process, where a player's perceived value can dramatically impact their earning potential. However, Sanders' mature perspective on the situation suggests he is focused on developing his skills and earning a starting role, rather than dwelling on what might have been.

The details

Projected by some experts to be a first-round pick, Sanders instead fell to the fifth round, where the Browns selected him 144th overall. This drop in draft position meant Sanders signed a $4.6 million rookie contract, rather than the $40 million deal he likely would have received as a top-10 pick. Despite this significant financial impact, Sanders said he was thankful that the loss of that money did not significantly change his life, indicating he is focused on his on-field development rather than the financial implications of his draft position.

• Shedeur Sanders was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
• Sanders made his NFL debut for the Browns in the 2025 season, playing in 8 games and starting 7.

What they’re saying

What’s next

With new head coach Todd Monken taking over the Browns, Sanders will have the opportunity to compete for the starting quarterback job in the 2026 season and build on his rookie campaign.