Shedeur Sanders is wasting no time settling into NFL life. After signing his four-year, $4.6 million rookie deal with the Cleveland Browns, the fifth-round pick made a bold first move with a headline-grabbing purchase that’s already got people talking.
Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Cashes In on Rookie Deal, Sends a Message in Cleveland
While he’s still in the early stages of competing for the starting quarterback job, Sanders is carrying himself with the kind of confidence that shows he’s ready for the spotlight. Backed by his college accolades, name, image and likeness (NIL) success, and a strong mindset heading into a crowded QB room, he’s proving that draft position isn’t the only thing that defines a rookie’s impact.
After signing his deal with the Browns, Sanders made a splash with a luxury car purchase — dropping more than $500,000 on a custom Rolls-Royce. He’s already turning heads in Cleveland, and the luxury ride is a well-earned flex for how he’s been showing up and showing out since Day 1.
Sanders inked several NIL deals during his time with the Colorado Buffaloes, significantly increasing his net worth. He became the first college football player to sign an NIL deal with Nike. Between that NIL money and his rookie contract, Sanders was able to reward himself with a massive purchase that also sends a message — he’s here to make his mark.
Respect: Browns rookie QB Shedeur Sanders just copped a custom Rolls-Royce worth over $500K.
Even as a 5th-round pick, he’s been ballin’ out in Cleveland, well-earned reward for how he’s been showing up. pic.twitter.com/SurizBVWap
— DJ MacTen (@DJ_MacTen214) May 26, 2025
Shannon Sharpe Offers Mindset for Sanders Ahead of QB Competition
During a recent edition of “Nightcap,” Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe offered some advice to Sanders, encouraging him to lean on veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett for guidance and also build a bond with fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel.
“So, yes, only one quarterback can play; we understand that. But this isn’t Hunger Games,” Sharpe said. “Sometimes, don’t people try to pit like it’s a Hunger Games, like you could have only one winner. Yes, there’s only going to be one guy that’s going to be able to play at a time, but I’m not trying to sabotage it.”
Sanders made his mark in college, winning the 2024 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year award and finishing eighth in Heisman Trophy voting. He completed 353 of 477 passes (74.0%) for 4,134 yards with 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
Being able to lean on the other quarterbacks in the room could go a long way in helping Sanders grow. As a fifth-round pick, he’s not expected to start right away, but gaining insight from the veterans could set him up for success in the long run. That said, there’s still a real shot he could win the starting job outright—something that would immediately change the course of his rookie season.
Sanders has consistently shown the ability to step up under center, and this competition in Cleveland might be the next big opportunity for him to prove he belongs.