Shedeur Sanders’ Record Earnings from NFL Licensing Deals

Shedeur Sanders did not achieve the first-round draft selection he sought in April 2025, yet the Cleveland Browns quarterback found substantial earnings elsewhere. Through the NFL Players’ Association’s endorsement agreements, Sanders earned $17.7 million in group licensing income for the 2025 season, as reported by Front Office Sports.

Fans contributed to these earnings through jersey sales, trading cards, and other collectible purchases, setting a new record in the process.

Shedeur Sanders celebrates a touchdown during an NFL preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., on August 8, 2025. (David Jensen/Getty Images)

Remarkably, Sanders surpassed Tom Brady’s previous record, who earned $9.5 million from 2021 to 2022. Despite all this, Sanders’ signed a modest contract with the Browns, valued at just over $1 million annually; he agreed to a four-year, $4.647 million rookie deal before the 2025 season.

The draft witnessed Sanders’ dramatic fall, as he was not picked until Day 3, after other quarterbacks like Dillon Gabriel. However, Sanders’ popularity translated into significant fan-driven merchandise revenue.

The report also highlighted additional endorsement deals Sanders acquired by turning professional, boosting his total rookie earnings close to or exceeding $20 million.

Shedeur Sanders exits the field after a game against the Cincinnati Bengals on January 4, 2026, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Sanders entered the NFL amidst tremendous fanfare, with enthusiasts and analysts eager to see his performance at the highest level of football. Initially, Joe Flacco, a veteran quarterback, started for the Browns under coach Kevin Stefanski in 2025.

Sanders eventually debuted as a starter in Week 12 against the Las Vegas Raiders, leading the Browns to a 24-10 victory with a performance of 11 completions on 20 attempts for 209 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.

Stefanski declared Sanders would start for the remainder of the season, as the team sought to develop him further, having been eliminated from playoff contention. During seven starts, Sanders threw for 1,400 yards with seven touchdowns and ten interceptions, achieving a 3-4 record.

Shedeur Sanders watches from the sidelines in a game against the Tennessee Titans at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio, on December 7, 2025. (Ken Blaze/Imagn Images)

As anticipation grows around Sanders, he faces competition for the 2026 starting position. Deshaun Watson returned to full health and shared first-team reps at voluntary practices under new head coach Todd Monken, formerly from the Baltimore Ravens.