Shedeur Sanders did make headlines at the NFL Draft, but not in the way he was expected to. Once thought of as a top-two (potentially the first pick), Shedeur’s projection dropped to such an extent that he eventually ended up being picked in the fifth round.
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Many have questioned why he slid as far as he did, and reasons ranging from his attitude, cockiness and presence of his father Deion Sanders have been cited. Regardless of the factors that were at play, Shedeur ended up losing a ton of money on his rookie contract with the Cleveland Browns.
Cam Ward, the No. 1 overall pick, is set to make $48.8 million over the course of his four-year rookie deal with the Tennessee Titans. According to overthecap.com, Sanders’ rookie contract is a four-year deal worth $4.64 million. He will earn an average of $1.16 million per season, making him one of the most underpaid quarterbacks in the league. But it would still not be the worst rookie contract in the league.
The former Colorado star will make more money than Brock Purdy, the San Francisco 49ers quarterback. Purdy, the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, signed a four-year, $3.73 million rookie deal that paid him under a million a year. That, however, won’t be the case for long.
Purdy and the 49ers are expected to sign a contract extension soon. He has a 23-13 career record. The Iowa State alum also led San Fran to the Super Bowl. Many expect he will get a contract extension worth at least $50 million per season.
Alex Smith’s thoughts on Purdy’s contract extension
Former 49ers No. 1 overall pick, QB Alex Smith, was asked on CBS Sports how much he thinks Purdy should be paid. He didn’t give a number but reminded everyone that Purdy is a starting quarterback in the NFL, implying that he should be paid as per that status and his contribution to the team.
“I don’t want to get into numbers specifically on what Brock Purdy is worth,” said Smith. “I know this, he is a starting franchise quarterback in the NFL.
“I think the 9ers feel the same way about him. This kid is so mature, wise beyond his years. I think they [49ers] are gonna figure it out, and they will find a middle ground,” he explained.
The $50 million estimation is just how contracts go with quarterbacks these days. The next man (QB) up usually exceeds a contract that breaks them into the top 10 highest-paid players at their position.
Purdy has earned it, bringing the 49ers to the Super Bowl and two playoff appearances as a seventh-round pick.
