Shedeur Sanders was the biggest story of the 2025 NFL offseason, despite not having played a single NFL snap yet. His draft journey dominated headlines throughout April, with his shocking fall to the fifth round becoming one of the most surprising storylines in recent NFL Draft history.
Now with the Cleveland Browns, the young quarterback faces a tough battle to determine who will be the team’s starter in Week 1. Las Vegas Raiders defensive star Maxx Crosby, a personal friend of Sanders, shared his thoughts on the quarterback’s situation and the challenge that lies ahead.
Maxx Crosby Shares Thoughts on Shedeur Sanders’ Position With Browns
Crosby, who has known the Sanders family for years and Shedeur since he was a child, commented on the rookie’s situation on a recent episode of Johnny Manziel’s “Glory Daze” podcast.
“At the end of the day, you get drafted, that’s all that matters,” Crosby said. “You can be the number one overall pick, you can be the last pick. Brock Purdy was Mr. Irrelevant; he just got paid $265 million. So all that sh*t doesn’t matter. He just has to come in with the right mindset.”
The Raiders were linked to Sanders at one point and had multiple opportunities to draft him but went in a different direction, focusing on other positions after bringing in veteran Geno Smith as their quarterback for 2025.
In Cleveland, the Browns’ QB competition is expected to be one of the most intense in the NFL. Reports indicate the battle is wide open between Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Sanders.
Crosby believes the 23-year-old Sanders has a real chance to win it if he keeps his focus where it needs to be.
“I think if he just focuses strictly on football and goes out there and gets a hold of the locker room, I know he’s gonna have a chance to compete,” Crosby said.
Additionally, he thinks that perhaps going to the New York Giants wouldn’t have been the best option for Sanders, and that things happen for a reason. He believes Sanders will have to earn a spot in the league and fight for his position just like any other quarterback, but that Cleveland is the best place for him to do that.
“It works out how things are supposed to work out and he’s gonna have to really earn it,” Crosby said. “His leash is a little bit shorter now being a fifth-round pick, and he’s got to earn it. I think it’s gonna be the best thing for him at the end of the day.”
Time will tell. After having his father watch over him in college, Sanders is on his own now. There will be no more preferential treatment, and it’s up to him to prove he belongs in the league.
I respect Max Crosby alot.He is a HUGE talent.As for Shedeur Sanders,Iam tired of hearing his “saga” every f’in day.Its a sign of the Browns weakness that the only thing they can talk about is a pampered 5th round pick.Im 74,been a Browns fan My entire life.Win or lose I love the Browns.Is some guy named “Garrett” still there? Nick Chubb will be in the “ring of honor” but can’t be a backup.Cmon Jimmy.Get a clue.