Denver Columnist points to $8M reason why Coach Prime could leave for Las Vegas

Coach Prime has generated a lot of buzz in recent weeks as his contract status remains uncertain. Despite saying several times that he is happy in Colorado, he has not signed a contract extension to remain the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes. He still has three years remaining on a five-year, $29.5 million contract, but it is common for college coaches to sign extensions well in advance.

Coach Prime's contract has a clause that says that CU and Sanders will:

"Meet and confer in good faith on an extension after Year 3."

That would be at the end of next season, but Coach Prime has already more than paid for his contract in merchandise sails and school admissions, as per Denver columnist Troy Renck. Renck suggested that Coach Prime is worth over $8 million a season. He is making under $6 million a year on his current contract.

With no contract status signed, Renck suggested that Sanders could sign with the Las Vegas Raiders in the NFL. He pointed out that Tom Brady as a team's minority owner could appeal to Sanders. It could signal to him that the Raiders are more committed to winning.

Additionally, he noted that the Raiders do not have a stable quarterback situation. As a result, there is a possibility that they could draft Sanders' son, Shedeur Sanders, in the 2025 NFL Draft. If that happens, there would certainly be an incentive for Coach Prime to join the Raiders.

Coach Prime spoke about his contract status before the Alamo Bowl

Deion Sanders has said several times that he is happy in Colorado. He has said he has no intention of leaving for the NFL, but that has not stopped media members from asking him about it. Before the Alamo Bowl, Sanders appeared on "The Rich Eisen Bowl" and discussed a new deal when asked whether he would follow his son to the NFL.

"I haven’t spoken to anyone about a package or anyone about a deal, period. We are trying to work out something hereas you speak. I am not going to lie about that," Sanders said.

I have one of the best, if not the best AD in the country in Rick George, and I am confident that you know we will get something done to keep me here so that we can bring this wonderful city a national championship."

It will be interesting to see if the Buffaloes try to use an early contract extension to keep Sanders in Colorado.