Does Shedeur Sanders’ contract with the Browns include a clause that could make him richer before his NFL debut?

There has been speculation over the past few weeks that new Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders holds a revolutionary “Prime Equity Clause” in his NFL contract that can make him earn plenty of money even before he puts a foot on the field.

However, some other NFL sources have denied the autenticity of the rumors, saying that they are all unfounded, while also providing a clear image of his current contract situation.

The “Prime Equity Clause”

The rumor is based on online speculation that Sanders’ deal includes a clause that gives him a percentage of revenues from merchandise, sponsorships, and other promotions involving his NIL. This would be the first time something like this happens in an NFL rookie deal, which is to be enforceable by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) provisions and does not have equity-based compensation under team agreements.

NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport put those rumors in their place, saying, “This is absolutely fake. There is no such thing as a ‘Prime Equity Clause.'” He was firm in stating that NFL first-round contracts are standarized and any other compensation must be from outside endorsement, not from a contract with the team.

Sanders’ actual contract situation

Shedeur Sanders inked a four-year rookie deal worth around $4.6 million with the Cleveland Browns, and he was given a signing bonus of $447,380. This kind of deal is normal on the NFL rookie salary scale. All other NIL revenue Sanders makes from endorsements will be distinct from this team deal and will contain agreements he inked while in college with companies such as Nike, Gatorade, and Beats by Dre.

Although no “Prime Equity Clause” exists, Sanders has long been familiar with handsome payouts outside of his NFL salary. His college NIL contracts have already produced attractive figures, enabling him to establish a financial foundation even prior to when he makes his NFL debut.

Sanders enters the Browns’ 2025 season as the third-string quarterback behind veteran Joe Flacco and rookie Dillon Gabriel. Playtime right away might be a bit difficult to accomplish, but the franchise believes Sanders is an important part of their future quarterback image, which gives fans hope to watch his progress while pther players also get some minutes.