Shedeur Sanders, the Cleveland Browns’ rookie quarterback, recently addressed reporters at the team’s rookie minicamp. While fielding questions about President Trump’s public support during his draft slide and the competition for the starting quarterback position, Sanders also shed light on a more lighthearted, yet financially revealing, topic: his jersey number.
The Browns announced that Sanders would wear number 12, a change from the number 2 he sported during his college career at Colorado. With wide receiver DeAndre Carter already assigned number 2 in Cleveland, speculation arose about Sanders potentially offering a trade to reclaim his preferred number. However, Sanders quickly put those rumors to rest with a candid statement: “My signing bonus ain’t that high right now.” This humorous yet honest remark highlights the financial realities faced by even high-profile rookie players, especially after an unexpected drop in the NFL Draft.
Despite the draft slide, Sanders still boasts an impressive college career, including a significant number of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals. His impressive 2024 season saw him throw for 4,134 passing yards. He’s now set to compete with a group of experienced quarterbacks in Cleveland, including Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Kenny Pickett.
Interestingly, Sanders shared an equal amount of practice snaps with fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel during their minicamp, a sign that the Browns are giving both young quarterbacks a fair shot. Head coach Kevin Stefanski expressed his satisfaction with both players, highlighting the extensive pre-draft work and interaction the team had with them. The Browns’ coaching staff seems confident in their ability to translate their meeting room knowledge to on-field performance.
Sanders’ comments offer a refreshing glimpse into the financial pressures and competitive dynamics within the NFL. His candidness about his signing bonus, coupled with his determination to compete in a crowded quarterback room, paints a picture of a player focused on proving himself on the field, regardless of jersey number.
