Shedeur Sanders Sets Record in Licensing Income Despite Draft Fall

Shedeur Sanders did not secure the top draft pick in April 2025, but the Cleveland Browns quarterback profited significantly through other avenues. The NFL Players’ Association’s endorsement deals earned him $17.7 million in group licensing income for the 2025 season, according to Front Office Sports. This income, sourced from jersey sales, trading cards, and other fan collectibles, marks a record-high.

Sanders surpassed the former benchmark set by legendary quarterback Tom Brady, who earned $9.5 million in group licensing during the 2021-22 season. While Sanders’ contract with the Browns brings in a little over $1 million per year, he secured a four-year rookie contract worth $4.647 million before the 2025 season began. He was a prominent figure even pre-NFL, but he experienced an unexpected slide during the draft, waiting until Day 3 to get picked by the Browns.

Cleveland also selected Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel, another Heisman Trophy finalist, ahead of Sanders in the third round. Despite this, Sanders maintained a significant fan base, reflected in robust merchandise sales.

Additional endorsements likely boosted Sanders’ financial intake, possibly exceeding $20 million during his rookie season. Amid considerable hype, Sanders entered the NFL, with fans and analysts assessing if he could succeed at the professional level.

Initially, Sanders was not the starting quarterback for the Browns. Veteran Joe Flacco began the 2025 season as the starting quarterback, under the then-head coach Kevin Stefanski. Sanders took the field as the starter in Week 12 against the Las Vegas Raiders, leading the team to a 24-10 win. He recorded 11 completions on 20 attempts, accumulating 209 yards with one touchdown and one interception.

Stefanski announced Sanders as the starter for the season’s remaining games, focusing on his development as the Browns were no longer in playoff contention. Sanders finished with 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and ten interceptions, with a 3-4 win-loss record as a starter.

Heading into 2026, Sanders finds himself in a competitive position. With Deshaun Watson returning healthy, Sanders shares first-team practice reps under new head coach Todd Monken, former Baltimore Ravens coordinator.