The Cleveland Browns entered Sunday with attention on their quarterback room, but the spotlight was not on the field. Instead, it shifted to rookie Shedeur Sanders and a stunning revelation about how he manipulated his own draft path.
The details, first reported by ESPN, have stirred pointed reactions across the NFL and left many questioning the young quarterback’s judgment.
Why Did Shedeur Sanders Reject a Super Bowl Contender?
Adam Schefter of ESPN reported Sunday morning that Sanders, who starred at Colorado with 4,134 passing yards in his final season, blocked a team from selecting him in April’s 2025 NFL Draft.
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According to Schefter, the Baltimore Ravens were preparing to take Sanders with the 141st overall pick in the fifth round. The rookie quarterback, however, made it clear he did not want to play in Baltimore, where Lamar Jackson is entrenched as the starter.
Schefter explained that Sanders “did not want to sit behind Lamar Jackson,” recognizing that the two-time MVP was unlikely to lose his job. In response, the Ravens pivoted, selecting offensive lineman Carson Vinson instead. Just three picks later, the Browns drafted Sanders at No. 144 overall.
The decision was immediately met with sharp criticism. Former Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith said, “I think this is incredibly short-sighted… You want to go to an organization that’s going to develop you… Instead, you choose the Cleveland Browns?”
Additionally, Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss weighed in, noting that Jackson is likely to retire as a Raven. In his words, “Lamar Jackson is probably going to retire with this organization, so if the backup does get in, he’s in for garbage time.”
What Does This Choice Mean for Sanders’ Future?
At first glance, Sanders’ desire to find a faster path to playing time might appear logical. Yet, history has shown that patience in the right environment often pays off for young quarterbacks.
Signal-callers like Tom Brady, Dak Prescott, and Jalen Hurts all began their careers as backups but capitalized when opportunities arose, whether through injuries or inconsistent play by the starters. By rejecting the Ravens, one of the NFL’s most stable franchises, Sanders passed on a chance to learn under a proven system and a top-tier coaching staff.
Instead, he joined a Cleveland team that already features veteran Joe Flacco and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel ahead of him on the depth chart. His path to playing time in that situation is far from clear.
NFL analyst Brett Kollmann summarized the growing sentiment, writing, “Everyone who has been giving Shedeur advice for the last 18 months has completely failed him.”
Everyone who has been giving Shedeur advice for the last 18 months has completely failed him. https://t.co/j4mtinGL9T
— Brett Kollmann (@BrettKollmann) September 14, 2025
As a result, Sanders’ draft demand is now being framed as a lesson in foresight. While he sought an immediate opportunity, he may have sacrificed the long-term stability and development offered by a contender like Baltimore.
Time will ultimately determine whether his gamble pays off, but the immediate criticism from respected voices like Smith suggests that many around the league remain unconvinced.
