Backup Option Arises For Shedeur Sanders As A Result Of $44 Million NFL Draft Slide

Shedeur Sanders was the most talked about player at the 2025 NFL Draft as he went into a free fall in Green Bay. Initially considered a Top 5 overall selection, he waited until Day 3 to hear his name called.

The quarterback was eventually picked in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns, resulting in a notable dip in projected income. That slide cost him upwards of $40 million.

Sanders enjoyed a stellar career at both of his NCAA stops. He won two SWAC Championships at Jackson State while guiding the Tigers to a 23-3 overall record across two seasons. He then set an FBS record for career completion percentage at Colorado.

With the Buffs, he helped turn a dead program around. Sanders won nine games as a senior, with Colorado just two years removed from a one-win campaign.

He was a projected first-round pick for much of the NFL Draft leadup. That changed in the final weeks before the event.

Shedeur Sanders‘ stock slipped from Top 5, to Top 25, and eventually, to No. 144 on draft night. Teams continuously passed on the signal caller following a series of rocky interviews and private workouts.

The NFL Draft slide cost Shedeur Sanders $44 million.

Sanders was once considered the favorite to go No. 1 overall. Mel Kiper Jr. said the passer was ‘guaranteed’ to be the first player off the board in his initial draft analysis.

Up through December, Sanders remained the projected top pick. By draft night, most sportsbooks had him tabbed to go No. 21 to Pittsburgh.

That obviously didn’t happen. The quarterback slipped another 100+ spots, which proved costly.

According to Sportico, “the drop means a massive decline of $44 million in his first NFL contract.”

Cam Ward’s rookie deal is worth $48.8 million, including a $32.2 million signing bonus. The sixth pick of the fifth round is worth $4.6 million, including a $446,553 signing bonus.

-Sportico

A backup plan has emerged.

The @TorontoArgos added quarterback Shedeur Sanders to their @CFL negotiation list TODAY. #CFL #Argos

— Dave Naylor (@TSNDaveNaylor) April 28, 2025

Shedeur Sanders has been added to the Toronto Argonauts CFL negotiation list. This happens often with players selected in the late rounds of the NFL Draft.

The Regina Leader-Post provided further explanation on those Canadian Football League negotiation list rules.

Each team is permitted to put 45 players on a negotiation list, which essentially holds their rights if the player wants to sign in the CFL. According to CFL bylaws, teams can add or remove players from their negotiation list as they please. Players can also be traded…

A CFL team doesn’t need permission to add a player to their negotiation list; they just need to make sure he’s not on someone else’s list. And that he fits all the requirements. While the CFL has a draft for Canadian players, negotiation lists are a way for clubs to protect American and Global players they might be interested in.

Sanders is under no obligation to play for the Argonauts. At this point in time, he’s shown no interest in the CFL. Still, it’s at least a backup plan should things not work out with the Browns.

Cleveland’s seen high-level draft picks suit up in the CFL after failed NFL stints. Former first-round pick Johnny Manziel immediately comes to mind.

Time will tell if it ever becomes a legitimate option for Shedeur Sanders. The offer is on the table.