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Shedeur Sanders' NFL Draft Decision Looks More Foolish Tuesday

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Sep 30, 2025 5:49 PM ET

Before the Cleveland Browns selected Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders with the 144th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, he received interest from the Baltimore Ravens.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the reason the Ravens didn't select Sanders is because he didn't want to join their roster. Apparently, the son of NFL legend Deion Sanders didn't want to spend several years sitting behind Lamar Jackson.

“Sanders knew that Jackson, a two-time MVP and one of the top players in the league, was not going to be losing his job as Baltimore’s starting quarterback anytime soon,” Schefter said. “So, the message was conveyed to the Ravens that Sanders did want to be drafted by Baltimore and preferred to end up in a place where he might have a better chance to play sooner. The Ravens instead drafted offensive lineman Carson Vinson with the 141st pick."

Well, Sanders now finds himself sitting behind Joe Flacco and Dillon Gabriel on Cleveland's depth chart. It'll take an injury or two in order for him to claim the starting spot.

Aug 8, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) at the line of scrimmage in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images© Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Shedeur's decision has already backfired.

Just two days ago, Jackson suffered a hamstring injury. The two-time MVP could miss Sunday's game against the Houston Texans, according to the Baltimore Sun.

If Sanders didn't turn down Baltimore during the draft, he'd have a chance to potentially start Week 5 against the Texans. That is, of course, if he beat out Cooper Rush for the backup job.

"Crazy how life works…Shedeur could’ve started this weekend if he didn’t say no to the Ravens," former All-Pro defensive end Marcellus Wiley wrote on X.

"Damn if Shedeur would’ve went to theRavens he would’ve had his chance to play now,"

"Shedeur Sanders would really be starting in place of Lamar Jackson for the Ravens the next month if he didn’t turn down the Ravens in the 5th round," another person said.

Crazy how life works…Shedeur could’ve started this weekend if he didn’t say no to the Ravens
— Marcellus Wiley (@marcelluswiley) September 30, 2025

Even though Sanders is buried on Cleveland's depth chart right now, his confidence hasn't wavered.

“I know if you see the quarterback play in the league right now, I know I’m capable of doing better than that,” Sanders told reporters last week, via ESPN Cleveland.

It's possible the Browns will give Sanders a chance to start later this year. For now though, it sounds like Gabriel is next on deck.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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