Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel’s collegiate football journeys couldn’t be more different. Sanders began at the FCS level, spending two years honing his skills before making the leap to Colorado, where he lit up the field with 24 starts and an impressive 64 touchdown passes. Gabriel, on the other hand, has a tale that spans more than just two schools. Over his six-year tenure at three different institutions, he played an astounding 64 games and threw 155 touchdown passes, tying him for the most in FBS history.
Yet, despite these contrasting paths on the college gridiron, the financial landscape has been equally striking. Sanders, with his electrifying presence, collected a whopping $6.5 million in Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) earnings during his time with the Buffaloes in 2024. Gabriel’s earnings, while impressive at $1.9 million according to On3 Sports, are noticeably lower. But there’s a silver lining for Gabriel: his draft position is set to offer him a substantial financial boost in the professional arena.
Drafted in the third round at No. 94 overall, Gabriel is poised to earn around $6.2 million over the course of his four-year rookie deal. In contrast, Sanders, taken in the fifth round at No. 144 overall, will make about $4.6 million. Yet, one thing remains clear: their on-field performance will ultimately dictate their roles on the Cleveland Browns’ roster, far beyond their initial earnings.
A first professional contract often serves as a stepping stone toward generational wealth, but the real financial game-changer often comes with the second contract. According to Spotrac, 14 active quarterbacks are signed for at least $200 million. For both Gabriel and Sanders, the dream of joining that elite club hinges on how well they play — especially when contract extension considerations roll around after the 2028 season.
As they gear up for their first season with the Browns, one pressing question looms: who will take the helm as the starting quarterback in Week One?
The challenge they face is daunting. Only one will earn that coveted position—and the financial rewards that come with it. Sanders and Gabriel aren’t just competing against each other; they have to outperform veteran quarterbacks Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, both of whom bring their unique strengths to the field. Flacco, the Super Bowl MVP, has made it clear that he’s not just looking to fade into the background as a backup.
“I’ve said, ‘I’m not a mentor. I play football,’” Flacco stated during the Browns’ offseason training activities. He’s realistic about his role, emphasizing that while he has insights to share, his primary focus is on his own game.
Flacco certainly backed up his words during the first OTA, showcasing his skills alongside Gabriel, Sanders, and Pickett. Here’s a quick look at how they fared:
– Joe Flacco: 9 completions on 14 attempts, 1 touchdown
– Shedeur Sanders: 7 completions on 9 attempts, 3 touchdowns
– Kenny Pickett: 9 completions on 16 attempts
– Dillon Gabriel: 11 completions on 16 attempts, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception
Post-OTA, ESPN Cleveland reported that the general consensus ranked Flacco at the top, followed by Sanders, Gabriel, and Pickett. For Gabriel, this is just the beginning. If he wants to revolutionize the narrative and earn the starting job against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 7, he’ll need to consistently deliver strong performances throughout OTAs and training camp.
This phase is not just about wins and losses but about making a personal and professional mark, proving that he has what it takes to lead the Browns, not just in practice, but under the Friday night lights. Every throw, every decision matters now more than ever as the pressures of the NFL set in. Gabriel’s journey is just beginning, and for football fans, this is a storyline to watch closely.
Image Source: Dillon Gabriel @ Instagram
