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Arguably the biggest story from Day 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft was the slide of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
While some have praised his confidence and accuracy, other reports leading into the draft noted that Sanders' lack of athleticism and big arm — plus some personality questions — could lead to him falling. That was the case in Round 1, as even quarterback-needy teams, like the Giants and Steelers, passed on Sanders.
The implications of Sanders' fall will extend beyond his ability to step in as a Week 1 starter. Financially, Sanders' draft fall will also affect him.
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Here's how Sanders' rookie contract could change from becoming a likely second-round pick.
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How much money will Shedeur Sanders make?
According to Spotrac, a top-five selection in the 2025 NFL Draft is projected to earn an AAV of over $10 million for their rookie contract, meaning over four years, they'd make over $40 million.
That will likely be the case for Cam Ward, Travis Hunter, and others, but Sanders, once considered a surefire top-five pick, won't reap the financial benefits of those draft slots. In fact, with his steep fall down the draft board, he'll make significantly less.
Between the No. 32 overall pick, the final selection in the first round, and the No. 33 overall pick, the first pick of the second round, Spotrac estimates a difference in total contract of around $3 million; the No. 32 pick will get an estimated AAV of $3,664,171, while the No. 33 pick will get an estimated AAV of $2,946,767.
MORE: Why Jaxson Dart was selected over Shedeur Sanders
If, perhaps, a team like Pittsburgh took Sanders at 21st overall, he would have had an estimated AAV of $4,487,202. Instead, the Steelers took Derrick Harmon.
Sanders' draft slot is to be determined, but assuming he goes in the second round, Spotrac estimates second-round picks in 2025 to earn a total contract value of anywhere between $7.16 million to $11.79 million. That's in comparison to first-round selections, which will earn a projected $14.66 million to $48.76 million.
In all likelihood, Sanders lost tens of millions of dollars in his NFL rookie deal due to his first-round draft slide.
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Projected 2025 rookie wage scale
There are plenty of rules around NFL rookie contracts based on the round a player is drafted. For example, first-round picks are given a four-year deal with a fifth-year option, and a player cannot be extended or renegotiate a new deal until after their third season.
The rookie wage scale was introduced in 2011 and is virtually a salary cap for rookie contracts. Based on draft slots, players can earn a certain amount, which changes every year based on the league's overall salary cap.
According to Spotrac, the 2025 No. 1 overall pick (Cam Ward) can earn an estimated $48,757,500 in his rookie deal. Here's how Spotrac estimates the projected total value range for each round of the 2025 NFL Draft:
- First Round: $14.66 million to $48.76 million
- Second round: $7.16 million to $11.79 million
- Third round: $6.13 million to $6.76 million
- Fourth round: $4.86 million to $5.30 million
- Fifth round: $4.48 million to $4.68 million
- Sixth round: $4.37 million to $4.48 million
- Seventh round: $4.30 million to $4.35 million
Not only will Sanders lose overall contract value by becoming a likely second-rounder instead of a first-round pick, but he'll also lose eligibility for a fifth-year team option on his contract.
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