Sanders earns $17.7 million in NFLPA licensing, surpassing Brady’s record

Sanders earns $17.7 million in NFLPA licensing, surpassing Brady's record

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders generated $17.7 million in NFLPA group licensing income for the 2025 season, according to Front Office Sports, surpassing the previous record of $9.5 million set by Tom Brady in 2021-22. The figure derives from jersey sales, trading cards, and other licensed merchandise purchases and represents nearly double Brady’s benchmark.

The licensing windfall arrived despite Sanders entering the NFL on a modest rookie contract worth approximately $4.647 million over four years – roughly $1 million per season – after sliding out of the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft entirely and being selected by Cleveland on Day 3. The Browns also drafted Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel ahead of Sanders in the third round, yet fan demand for Sanders merchandise proved to be substantial throughout the season regardless of his draft position.

Sanders did not take over as the Browns’ starter until Week 12 of the 2025 season, when Cleveland defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 24-10. He finished his rookie campaign with 1,400 passing yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions across seven starts, posting a 3-4 record as the team had already been eliminated from playoff contention.

His roster status for 2026 remains unsettled. Deshaun Watson, who missed the 2025 season, has been working with first-team reps during voluntary practices under new head coach Todd Monken, leaving the Browns’ starting quarterback position an open competition heading into the offseason.