“The worst formal interview I’ve ever been in in my life. He’s so entitled. He takes unnecessary sacks. He never plays on time. He has horrible body language. He blames teammates, but the biggest thing is, he’s not that good.” This was an anonymous assistant coach in the NFL whose comment sparked discussions about Shedeur Sanders’ perceived arrogance leading up to the draft. We do not know if the claim was authentic, but teams might have taken some notice. The Buffs QB, expected to be the QB2 in the 2025 NFL draft by most, couldn’t even find a place or interest from a single franchise, even in the fourth round. This showed the cruel reality of the draft process and that players might have to do more than hard work on the field to make the cut.

Shedeur had exceeded expectations in the Buffs’ regular season and led them to a 9-4 finish, a historic feat. In doing that, the QB notched up more than 4,000+ passing yards at a stellar 74% completion rate. QBs like Jalen Milroe, Tyler Shough, Dillon Gabriel, and even Jaxson Dart all appeared to lag significantly behind him. The Buffs’ star had incredible arm talent along with more than an 80% completion rate in non-pressure situations. Naturally, you would expect the guy to be at least a late first-round pick, right?

That wasn’t it, as the QB slipped and slipped downwards in the draft, and all the other QBs behind him in mock drafts edged him massively. Jaxson Dart was surprisingly taken in the first round by the Giants, then Tyler Shough was taken in the second round by the Saints; after that, Jalen Milroe went to the Seahawks, and moments later, Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel went to the Browns. Now in the fifth round, Shedeur Sanders’ name is finally taken, and the QB is finally making his cut into the NFL.

The Cleveland Browns selected Shedeur in the fifth round, with their 144th pick, after they had already selected Dillon Gabriel in the third round. The selection ends huge speculation and media hype regarding Shedeur’s team, and the QB may well be taking consolation now that his name has been taken. Of course, this wasn’t something the Buffs star might have expected, but given the nature of the draft this year, the spot still becomes crucial for Shedeur.

But still, earning-wise, the 144th pick will be a big blow for the new Browns QB, who earned around $4.6 million in NIL earnings at Colorado, with some estimates also reporting earnings of around $6.2 million. Joel Klatt once even speculated that the QB would be earning around $10 million due to his media hype and marketability in college. But all of this changes with the rookie contract the player would be getting.

Shedeur Sanders set to face a huge loss in his new rookie deal

According to Article 7 of the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the contracts of the rookies are unalterable. So, the players who are taken in the 2nd to 7th rounds would be getting a four-year contract, which can’t be extended or renegotiated, which is not the case for first-round picks. If Shedeur had been drafted at the 1st to 5th spot, as was projected in the mock drafts, the QB would have gotten a contract upwards of $36 million (per Over The Cap).

Now, the former Buffs QB is drafted at the 144th spot, which is significantly lower. At this spot, the QB would get a contract of around $4.65 million that will span his four rookie years. Now, let’s talk actual business. Is the contract and lower pay a concern for Shedeur? Maybe. But should it affect him in performing and rising through the ranks of the NFL? Absolutely not.

The new Browns QB has quite an extensive competition to beat, including his fellow draftsman Dillon Gabriel. Right now, the Browns have Deshaun Watson as their veteran starter at a $230 million contract and Kenny Pickett, acquired from the Eagles, as QB2. Apart from these two, Joe Flacco is another QB veteran in the room but isn’t expected to stay long, as he will turn 40 soon.