The idea of Shedeur Sanders slipping this far in the 2025 NFL Draft seemed almost unthinkable just a few days ago. Once projected as a top-five pick, the Colorado quarterback now faces a much different financial future as a potential Day 3 selection or even a possible undrafted free agent (UDFA).
The drop-off from early first-round riches to Day 3 modesty is stark. Here’s a breakdown of what Sanders’ rookie contract could look like, along with how it compares to his previous NIL earnings.
Breakdown of Rookie Contract Projections
For rookies drafted in the fourth round (picks 103 to 138), total contract values range between $5.2 million and $4.8 million. First-year salaries in this range typically land around $950,000 to $1 million. If Sanders slides into the fifth round, the numbers dip slightly, with total contract values between $4.6 million and $4.4 million.
The rookie salary then plateaus for the later rounds, but even as the final pick of the draft, nicknamed “Mr. Irrelevant”, Sanders would still command a total value around $4.3 million, with a first-year salary of approximately $865,000.
Shedeur Sanders carried a $6.5M NIL valuation according to @On3sports.
We’re now at the point of the #NFL Draft where a 4-year rookie contract comes with a base value of less than $6M in total.
— Spotrac (@spotrac) April 26, 2025
If Sanders goes undrafted, the financial picture looks even bleaker. Undrafted free agents sign three-year deals without club options, usually at the league minimum salary. For the 2025 season, the rookie minimum is set at $840,000. In 2026, it rises to $1,005,000 for players with one year of service.
While that sounds like strong money by regular standards, it’s a significant drop from the life-changing wealth top draft picks enjoy.
Contrast with His Reported NIL Earnings
Before entering the draft, Shedeur Sanders was among the highest-earning athletes in college sports thanks to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Reports suggest that Sanders’ NIL valuation topped $4.6 million, ranking him among the top five earners nationally.
Through partnerships with brands like Beats by Dre, Gatorade, and Brady Brand, Sanders built an impressive portfolio off the field.
That means, even if Sanders signs a standard Day 3 rookie contract or an undrafted free agent deal, he might actually earn less over the next few years than he did as a college star. Mike Florio noted that Sanders could have made more in 2025 alone through NIL opportunities than he stands to make over all four years of a rookie NFL contract.
To make matters even tougher, Sanders can’t return to college football. Though he technically had another year of eligibility after playing at Jackson State and Colorado, he forfeited that eligibility by declaring for the draft and attending the NFL Scouting Combine. His only path now is through the professional ranks.
KEEP READING: Has Shedeur Sanders Been Drafted Yet? Shocking Answer Gets Way Ahead Ideas From Mike Florio
In short, Sanders’ decision to enter the draft early came with high financial risk, and unless a team quickly scoops him up early on Day 3, that gamble may not pay off the way many originally expected.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
