The 2025 NFL Draft has seen significant developments, particularly with the unexpected slide of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who remains undrafted by Day 3 despite being a projected first-round pick. Five quarterbacks have been selected ahead of him, significantly impacting Sanders' financial prospects, as Day 3 picks typically receive smaller contracts with less guaranteed money. ESPN's Jeff Darlington highlights that Sanders earned more through NIL deals in college in a single year than he is likely to earn over his entire rookie NFL contract. The situation underscores the evolving financial landscape of college football and the potential pay cut Sanders faces as a result of his draft position. Potential landing spots for Sanders include teams like the Las Vegas Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New York Jets, who may still be looking to add a quarterback to their rosters.

Shedeur Sanders, once a projected first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, remains undrafted by Day 3, with five quarterbacks chosen before him, including three on Day 2.

The slide in the draft not only affects Sanders' opportunity to be a starting quarterback in his rookie season but also results in a significant financial loss, as Day 3 picks generally receive smaller contracts with limited guaranteed money.

ESPN's Jeff Darlington notes that Sanders earned over $6 million in a single year through NIL deals in college, surpassing what he is expected to make in his entire rookie NFL contract.

The situation highlights the changing economic dynamics in college sports, where NIL earnings can exceed potential earnings from professional contracts, particularly for players not selected in the early NFL draft rounds.

Teams like the Las Vegas Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New York Jets are considered potential destinations for Sanders as these teams might be seeking to enhance their quarterback rosters during Day 3 of the draft process.

The 2025 NFL Draft has been filled with intriguing storylines, but none have been more strange than the fall of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Heading into Day 3, Sanders is still on the board, and five quarterbacks have been taken over him so far, including three on Day 2.

Falling in the draft has not only cost Sanders a chance to be a starting signal-caller in his rookie campaign, but it has also cost him a ton of money.

Day 3 draft picks don't receive very large contracts, and most of the deals also don't include much-guaranteed money. Sanders, who was a projected first-round pick before the draft, has lost out on millions of dollars due to his slide, and ESPN's Jeff Darlington pointed out that the former Colorado signal-caller made more money in one year of college through NIL than he will make in his entire rookie contract in the NFL.

"Shedeur Sanders’ draft slide is wild on its own, but even more remarkable because of the current landscape in college football, as well," Darlington wrote on X. "The first pick of the fourth round last year [Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders] signed an NFL contract worth on average about $1.2m per year. A full value of $4.85m over FOUR YEARS."

"In 2024, Sanders is estimated to have made more than $6m in college IN ONE YEAR through NIL. This slide is also resulting in a major pay cut," Darlington added.

We'll see where Sanders will land on Day 3, as there are still a few teams who could be looking to add quarterbacks to their rosters.

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The Las Vegas Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New York Jets could be potential landing spots for the 23-year-old Texas native.

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