Fans have speculated that Shedeur Sanders’ absence from the field is tied to a never-before-seen equity clause in his rookie contract, but NFL insiders say the rumor is completely false.
Online chatter suggests the Cleveland Browns gave Sanders a so-called “Prime Equity Clause,” which allegedly would let him earn a percentage of revenue from merchandise, sponsorships, and other NIL-related promotions, according to Marca.
Inside Shedeur Sanders’ Contract
However, NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport quickly debunked the claim on X, noting that rookie contracts are standardized under the collective bargaining agreement and do not allow for any revenue-sharing clauses.
In reality, Sanders isn’t being held back by the Browns. He’s simply the team’s third-string quarterback, not even regarded as the backup quarterback, but the Browns’ emergency player.
What is confirmed is that Sanders is playing on a four-year rookie contract with the Browns, worth approximately $4.6 million with a signing bonus of about $447,000. His salary essentially averages to about $1.15 million per year, but considering that he made more during his final season at the University of Colorado as a Buffalo, $5.1 million in NIL deals, Axios reported, it is regarded as a price cut.
As Finurah previously reported, in 2023, Sanders was the No. 2 most self-enriched college athlete behind USC basketball freshman Bronny James, LeBron James’ son, with the quarterback having deals with Smoothie King, Brady Brands, Nike, Mercedes-Benz, and Gatorade, some of these deals being historic on a college level.
The NFL season for the Browns starts with a loss at a home game against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 7, with the team having veteran quarterback Joe Flacco and rookie Dillon Gabriel, who won Big Ten Quarterback of the Year in 2024 and was drafted in the third round at 94th overall, USA Today reported.
Sanders has his own list of accolades: the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award (2024), the Deacon Jones Trophy (2022), the Jerry Rice Award (2021), and Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year (2024).
But as a fifth-round pick at 144th overall, he was slotted as the third backup, making his chances of seeing the field slim for now.
Then there is his preseason NFL performance and the injuries he sustained. His debut on August 8 against the Carolina Panthers had Sanders completing 14 of 23 passes for 138 yards and two touchdown passes, also rushing for 19 yards. The Browns won 30-10, according to ESPN.
Sadly, this is the best performance yet on the team as he played on Aug. 23 against the Los Angeles Rams completing 3 of 6 passes for 14 yards, no touchdowns, and he got sacked five times. Regardless of his disappointing play, the Browns won against the Rams 22-13.
Then he suffered the oblique injury during a joint practice with the Philadelphia Eagles on Aug. 13, causing him to miss the rest of the practice and sit out the following preseason game.
The Browns won the preseason game without Sanders by a score of 22-13 at Lincoln Financial Field.
