When Shedeur Sanders decided to leave Colorado after the 2024 college football season and declare for the NFL Draft, he was one of the most talked-about prospects in the country. As the son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders and a dynamic quarterback in his own right, Sanders’ combination of name recognition, production, and poise made him a popular figure on and off the field.
But the decision to leave early — and the way the 2025 NFL Draft unfolded — ended up costing him dearly.
According to multiple reports, Sanders could have made up to $10 million in NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) earnings had he returned to Colorado for one more year. His popularity, endorsement opportunities, and the attention surrounding Coach Prime’s program positioned him as one of the highest potential earners in college football. Instead, by declaring for the draft and then sliding out of the first round, Sanders saw a drastic drop not just in marketing opportunities, but in guaranteed NFL income.
Had Sanders been selected in the first round, he could have secured a rookie contract worth approximately $44 million, based on recent projections for late first-round quarterbacks. Instead, by falling into the second round — where the contracts are smaller, shorter, and less guaranteed — Sanders lost tens of millions in potential earnings before even taking a snap in the NFL.
It’s a stunning financial blow:
NIL Loss: $10 million he could have earned by staying in college another year. NFL Contract Loss: About $34 million difference between a late first-round deal and a mid-to-late second-round contract. Total Estimated Loss: Roughly $44 million.
Sanders was ultimately drafted by the Cleveland Browns, a team looking for young quarterback depth behind veteran Deshaun Watson. While the Browns are hopeful that Sanders can develop into a key part of their future, his draft night fall served as a reminder of the razor-thin margin for error in the business side of football.
Factors behind Sanders’ slide varied — concerns about mechanics, questions about how well he would adjust to NFL defenses, and perhaps the over-saturation of his media presence all played roles. Some scouts worried about whether the attention that came with “Coach Prime” would translate well to a professional locker room setting. Others simply ranked other quarterbacks higher on their boards based on scheme fit and upside.
Still, it’s important to note that all is not lost for Sanders. He will have the opportunity to prove himself on the field and potentially secure a lucrative second contract if he succeeds in the NFL. With his talent, charisma, and built-in brand, Sanders remains one of the most marketable young players entering the league.
The immediate financial sting, however, is real — and a powerful case study for future college stars weighing the decision between cashing in on NIL opportunities and risking it all at the next level.
