The Cleveland Browns’ season hasn’t even kicked off yet, but rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is already at the center of major headlines. Buzz exploded this week over a so-called “Prime Equity” clause in his rookie deal — a groundbreaking perk that supposedly tied his contract to team revenue. But just as quickly as the rumor caught fire, NFL insiders shut it down, leaving fans stunned and asking: what’s really going on with Sanders’ deal in Cleveland?
Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders has drawn praise for a rumored “Prime Equity” clause in his contract. The problem is that it doesn’t exist.
Shedeur Sanders is No. 3 QB for Browns
Sanders will open the season as the No. 3 quarterback on the Browns’ depth chart. He’ll sit behind 40-year-old starter Joe Flacco and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, who will be the primary backup.
Sanders had his moments in training camp and the preseason but ended things on a sour note. The former Colorado star completed just three passes for 14 yards and was sacked five times in the Browns’ final preseason game against the Rams.
The other factor for the Browns is that Deshaun Watson is lurking, eyeing a potential return this season. Cleveland’s $230 million quarterback is starting the season on the reserve/PUP list, which will knock him out for at least the first four games of the season.
When Watson is healthy, the Browns will have a decision about adding him to the active roster, with Gabriel, Sanders and Flacco already taking up three spots
The rumored “groundbreaking” clause was said to give Sanders a direct percentage of any revenue the Browns generate through merchandise, sponsorships, or promotions linked to his name and likeness. It sounds ideal, especially for Sanders, who is a high-profile name who slid to the fifth round. He signed a four-year rookie contract with the Cleveland Browns worth approximately $4.6 million — which is slotted for his draft spot — including a signing bonus of about $447,000.
The alleged clause has generated discussion online. However, NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport put an end to the conversation on Saturday.
