Shedeur Sanders’ stunning NFL draft day slide will do more than just put a dent in Colorado’s superstar QB’s ego. “You think I’m worried about what critics say or what people got to say? You know who my dad is? They hated on him too. So, without people hating, it’s not normal for us,” Sanders said back at the NFL combine. Whatever those critics said, whether it was his lack of deep throw capabilities, taking too many sacks or scarcity of dual-threat talent. Sanders was still a top prospect coming into the draft. But even after three rounds, 102 picks, and five QBs selected ahead of him, Deion Sanders’ son is yet to find a franchise. And if he doesn’t get drafted anytime soon, not only his NFL future but also his financial future will be at risk.

Deion and Shedeur’s pairing changed the Colorado football program. A college that hasn’t had a winning season since 2016 finished 2024 with a 9-4 record. Serving as the face of Colorado gave a massive boost to the Sanders brand. And without any surprise, Shedeur cashed in on his thriving brand value. He apparently signed NIL deals with companies like Gatorade, Beats by Dre, Google, KFC, and Mercedes-Benz. This led to him finishing last year with an NIL valuation of $6.5M.

But due to the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement, which defines the size of a rookie contract depends on where they get drafted. Spotrac projects Shedeur’s 4-year rookie contract to be valued at less than $6M. For instance, last year, the No.1 overall pick, Caleb Williams, was handed a lucrative 4-year, $39.5M contract. Elsewhere, the first pick of the fourth round, where Sanders is now projected to be picked, got a contract of less than $5M. Panthers TE Ja’Tavion Sanders signed a 4-year, $4.9M deal with a measly signing bonus of $874,000. This year, however, the contract valuations are set to increase.

Spotrac estimates this year’s No.1 overall Cam Ward to sign a rookie contract worth $48.7M. Even Abdul Carter, who was taken third overall, is expected to earn $45.1 million over four years with a $29.5 million signing bonus. Meanwhile, Sanders, who has since been reportedly branded arrogant, brash, and unprofessional, has yet to find a home in the NFL. Shedeur still doesn’t know when his draft slide is going to end. But the FBS leader in pass completion rate last season still remains confident that his time will come.

Shedeur Sanders keeps his faith in God to do what’s right for him

Once Sanders dropped out of the first round, he admitted that he “didn’t expect” the fall. To rub salt into his wounds, Sanders even got pranked by someone who had the number that only GMs and coaches were supposed to have. This anonymous person apparently told Sanders he would have to “wait a little longer” before his time comes. Well, Sanders, who is definitely distraught, seeing how one franchise after another is passing on the opportunity to draft him, puts his faith in God. After day 2 of the NFL draft, Sanders tweeted, “Thank you GOD for EVERYTHING.”

There were lots of instances where Sanders’ draft day slide could have easily ended sooner. In the second round, when the Saints still needed a QB, they chose to ignore Sanders for Louisville’s Tyler Shough. A 25-year-old who spent 7 years in college. Then, it only got worse as the Seattle Seahawks took Alabama’s Jalen Milroe with their 92nd overall. But two picks later, the Browns were again on the clock. After passing on Sanders multiple times, they were supposed to end his stunning slide. However, they surprised everyone by picking Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel instead.

The Steelers, who only have Mason Rudolph and Skylar Thompson, also passed on Shedeur Sanders. After Sanders astonishingly fell into their laps at No.21, the Steelers chose Oregon defensive lineman Derrick Harmon instead. Well, after they traded their second-round pick for DK Metcalf, the Steelers were again on the clock in the third round. But even this time, they chose Iowa running back Kaleb Johnson.

Saints, Browns, Giants, and Steelers all blatantly ignored Sanders. Right now, no one knows where Sanders could eventually land. All predictions, projections, and mock drafts have been proven wrong. So, only day 3 of the NFL draft will decide the fate of Sanders, whether he gets drafted or goes undrafted entirely.