NFL Draft Twist: Shedeur Sanders reacts as Travis Hunter lands $46.6M Jaguars rookie deal

The 2025 NFL Draft spotlighted two former Colorado stars — but their journeys couldn’t have been more different. While Travis Hunter catapulted into the league as the No. 2 overall pick, Shedeur Sanders saw his stock drop sharply.

One landed a historic rookie deal. The other walked into the NFL with something to prove. Yet both are making headlines — for very different reasons.

Jaguars back Hunter’s two-way talent with big money

The Jacksonville Jaguars made a bold statement by selecting Travis Hunter at No. 2 and celebrating his rare versatility. They released two separate posts announcing his arrival — one as a wide receiver, the other as a defensive back. According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Hunter signed a four-year contract worth $46,649,114, including a $30,566,628 signing bonus.

It’s one of the richest rookie contracts in Jaguars history.

The franchise sees Hunter as a potential game-changer on both sides of the ball — a two-way athlete in the mold of Deion Sanders. The dual announcements weren’t just marketing — they reflected a real strategic vision. Hunter’s role in Jacksonville could redefine how teams view hybrid players in today’s NFL.

Sanders' understated response earns respect

While Hunter’s deal turned heads, Shedeur Sanders responded without flair — but with class.

He reposted the Jaguars’ defensive back announcement and wrote just two words: “Fingers crossed.” The subtle message spoke volumes. It wasn’t jealousy or disappointment — it was support. In a league often dominated by ego, Sanders’ reaction was a rare show of sportsmanship.Sanders, now with the Cleveland Browns, signed a much smaller rookie deal reportedly worth $4.6 million over four years. He enters a crowded quarterback room with limited expectations but a chip on his shoulder. Despite the financial gap, the bond with Hunter — forged under Deion Sanders at Colorado — remains unshaken.Also read: Travis Hunter vs Shedeur Sanders: The $40 million rookie gap that defines their NFL futureOne player earned millions. The other earned respect. And as both enter the NFL with very different roles, the spotlight isn’t just on what they signed — but how they carry themselves beyond the contracts.