After a turbulent rookie season that began with a drop in his draft stock and depth-chart battles, Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders fought for playing time. Despite his team’s 5-12 season, Sanders settled into the starting role.
Even with a new head coach, Sanders appears ready to make a bid to retain his starting spot. The second-year passer made a decision that showed this, prompting a reaction from NFL analysts.
Analysts Urge a Refund After Shedeur Sanders Changes His Jersey Number
During his first season, Sanders wore No. 12. Now, seemingly established in Cleveland, Sanders recently changed his jersey number to No. 2, which he wore at Jackson State and Colorado. It is the same number his father wore as an All-American at Florida State.
Two analysts think that either the Browns, the NFL, or Sanders himself needs to reimburse fans for buying the original No. 12. CBS NFL insider Jonathan Jones offers this thought.
“Would be cool to see the team/player do something for folks who purchased now outdated jerseys just a few months ago. An autograph day or meet and greet or a one-time buyback program.”
Would be cool to see the team/player do something for folks who purchased now outdated jerseys just a few months ago. An autograph day or meet and greet or a one-time buyback program. https://t.co/XDczw6Sx7U
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) March 30, 2026
Players are allowed to change their jersey numbers after the regular season ends, which makes Jones’ suggestion possible. He believes the Browns should initiate a buyback, purchasing the older jersey in exchange for a new one, which, in theory, would be a strong public relations move.
However, there were two complications in the timeline of Sanders’ jersey number change. First, veteran wideout/special teamer DeAndre Carter had been assigned No. 2 when he signed with the Browns in March, before Sanders was drafted.
This prevented Sanders from wearing No. 2 during his rookie season. After free agency began, Carter was no longer on the Browns’ roster, making No. 2 available for Sanders.
Sanders won 3 of his 7 starts, landing at the No. 46 position in the PFSN NFL QB Impact Rankings.
In essence, the number was up for grabs, and a player took it. Similar to Jones, Front Office Sports editor Ben Axelrod offers the same take with a slight difference.
Pretty wild considering how many No. 12 jerseys the Browns sold last year. Would be a nice gesture if they offered some sort of trade-in special. https://t.co/15xTaRrksU
— Ben Axelrod (@BenAxelrod) March 30, 2026
“Pretty wild considering how many No. 12 jerseys the Browns sold last year. Would be a gesture if they offered some sort of trade-in special.”
According to the NFLPA, from March 1 to July 31, 2025, Sanders’ No. 12 jersey ranked fifth in league sales. The idea of a trade-in isn’t new. However, the circumstances for the Patriots’ offer to buy back jerseys from those who bought former tight end Aaron Hernandez’s No. 81 were different.
The question now is whether the Browns will give fans the option to exchange their jerseys following Sanders’ number change or if supporters will be left to decide for themselves how to respond.
