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.
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.
“This is absolutely fake,” Rapoport wrote on X, responding to a video talking about the clause. “There is no such thing as a ‘Prime Equity Clause.’ How in the world does anyone think there is?”
That being said, there’s no doubt Sanders is still making some solid money off the field. He has endorsement deals with big companies like Nike, Gatorade and Beats by Dre. But those have nothing to do with his contract with the Browns.
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.
“Obviously, I feel like I can improve in a lot of areas, like the same thing I said last time. I’m just excited for the opportunity to get out there and play,” Sanders said after the game. “Every day was a new day, every day you learn different things and life lessons that you learn in every situation. I’m coming out of training camp happy that I got the opportunity.”
Shedeur Sanders Could Get Shot With Browns
Flacco will open the season as the starter but both Sanders and Gabriel could get a shot at some point this season. Browns owner Jimmy Haslam stressed the importance of seeing the rookies in action as they develop a plan for their future. Cleveland holds two first-round picks in next year’s draft, capital they could use to draft their next franchise quarterback.
“Absolutely, Kevin (Stefanski) is aware of that,” Haslam said. “He knows how important quarterback is, and he and (general manager Andrew) Berry talk about those kinds of things all the time. It’s a daily, ongoing conversation.”
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.
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