Shedeur Sanders and his potential fit with the Cleveland Browns have stirred quite the buzz this season. Selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders is currently placed behind seasoned quarterback Joe Flacco and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel on the depth chart. Despite showcasing impressive accuracy and notable play during his collegiate career, Sanders faces the formidable task of proving his readiness for the professional league.
The debate on whether Sanders should be the Browns’ third quarterback has divided fans and analysts alike. While many former players and draft experts have reservations about his immediate readiness for the NFL, his father, NFL Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, along with a legion of supporters, express unwavering confidence in his abilities. ESPN’s Mike Greenberg echoed the confusion surrounding the Browns’ decision, highlighting that no draft analysts had pegged Gabriel ahead of Sanders.
The challenge linked with his current position as the third-string quarterback is palpable; limited practice reps mainly go to Flacco and Gabriel. Consequently, Sanders’ opportunities to play in 2025 hinge on potential injuries to the starters. Preseason performances have provided glimpses of his promise, albeit marred by struggles such as being sacked multiple times due to an oft-criticized tendency of holding onto the ball for too long — a habit from his college days at Colorado.
The Sanders family has been particularly vocal about his trajectory. Deion Sanders predicted his son would eventually start for the Browns and revealed that Shedeur rejected offers from other teams to focus on Cleveland, viewing it as his best pathway to a starting role. This decision has sparked dialogue, especially since Gabriel, who the Browns selected earlier, is currently ahead of Shedeur.
The conversation around Sanders is set to persist as analysts like Greenberg remain puzzled, and fans stay divided. While the Browns have crafted their strategy, for Shedeur Sanders, the journey is one that demands patience, perseverance, and a demonstration of his talent. The football community eagerly awaits the moment he gets his chance to step into the spotlight.