Shedeur Sanders’ NFL Dream Under Threat as Browns’ Quarterback Battle Heats Up
Shedeur Sanders, the 23-year-old quarterback, has been handed a lifeline by the Cleveland Browns after sliding down the 2025 draft board. According to talksport.com, Sanders was selected in the fifth round as the 144th pick and joined a crowded quarterback room.
The Browns have veteran Joe Flacco and former Pittsburgh Steelers signal caller Kenny Pickett on their roster, who are expected to battle for $240million Deshaun Watson’s starting spot as he recovers from Achilles surgery. Cleveland also selected another quarterback, Dillon Gabriel, ahead of Sanders in the 2025 draft. Gabriel was taken in the third round, 50 selections before Shedeur.
While both Gabriel and Sanders could represent the future of the Browns franchise, one NFL insider has warned that Sanders’ roster spot isn’t ‘guaranteed’. ESPN’s Daniel Oyefusi believes that Sanders will have work to do if he wants to move up the roster. “Getting drafted behind Gabriel adds an element of uncertainty to Sanders’ rookie season,” Oyefusi reported. “While he was widely ranked ahead of the third-rounder before the draft, Sanders will likely begin training camp as the fourth QB on the depth chart and won’t be guaranteed a roster spot.”
As talksport.com previously reported, the NFL can be a brutal business, and right now, the Browns have five quarterbacks on their roster. It’s likely that only three, maybe four, will survive final cuts, and no one will want to be at the bottom of the depth chart as the season comes around.
Sanders was touted as a top pick heading into this year’s draft, but his fall came down to the perception of the former Colorado Buffaloes star, who was by far the highest-profile name on the board thanks to his NIL deals. Recently, there have been reports that Sanders splashed his $447,000 Browns signing bonus on a $500,000 Rolls-Royce.
Footage posted by Shedeur’s brother Deion Sanders Jr, on his Well Off Media YouTube channel, shows a dark green sedan delivered to the family’s Texas ranch. However, father Deion has hit back at claims Shedeur blew his signing bonus, writing “LIES!” in response to the suggestion.
According to talksport.com, Sanders, who recently revealed the hidden pitfalls of his seven-figure NIL wealth, already has a battle on his hands to move up the Browns depth chart — and his every move playing out in the media will no doubt add to that challenge. The young quarterback has shown in the past that he thrives when the odds are stacked against him, and this summer he will be focused on just one thing: Playing his way into Cleveland’s immediate plans.
In a recent interview with SportsCasting’s DJ Siddiqui, Sanders suggested that he and fellow rookie Gabriel are already forming a strong bond. “Everything’s been cool,” he said. “He’s a cool person. I like how he handles situations, especially just the negative media that’s coming his way. I’m just happy he’s positive, he’s able to handle everything. We’re truly cool.”
As the NFL preseason approaches, Sanders will be looking to prove himself and secure a spot on the Browns’ roster. With a talented quarterback room and a crowded depth chart, it will be an uphill battle for the young quarterback. However, with his determination and skill, Sanders may yet prove himself to be a valuable asset to the Browns.
The NFL can be unpredictable, and Sanders’ future is far from certain. But one thing is clear: he will have to work hard to earn his place on the team. As talksport.com reported, Sanders will have to navigate a challenging offseason and make a strong impression on the coaching staff if he is to have any chance of success in the NFL.
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