NEWYou can now listen to Pakinomist articles!
The year 2025 was always going to be a big year for Shedeur Sanders – arguably the most important of his life. But there is no way he or anyone reading this could have predicted what has happened.
On January 1, 2025, Sanders was considered the 1B to Cam Ward’s 1A in the upcoming NFL Draft, with wide speculation that he was unlikely to get past the New York Giants at No. 3. At worst, he would practically round out the top 10 as the New Saints drafted retired Derek Carr.
But round one came and went without Sanders’ name being called, as did rounds two through four, all while Jaxson Dart, Tyler Shough, Jalen Milroe and Dillon Gabriel all heard their names called. Sanders finally got a call in the fifth round and went to the Cleveland Browns with the 144th pick.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON Pakinomist
Shedeur Sanders of the Cleveland Browns reacts after a touchdown during the first half of an NFL preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on August 8, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (David Jensen/Getty Images)
After the draft, the smear campaign seemed to be on — although two speeding tickets probably didn’t help his cause. At first, an assistant coach’s son prank-called him and pretended to be another team’s manager.
One coach said Sanders’ formal interview was “the worst,” adding that the quarterback was “eligible.” But the biggest thing is he’s not that good,” the coach said. Other reports said Sanders seemed disinterested in some meetings, particularly with the Giants.
CBS’ Ross Tucker also mentioned how Sanders skipped a media commitment before an important college game.
If anyone stood by Sanders from day one, it was President Donald Trump. Trump called NFL owners “stupid” after Sanders was not selected in the first round. After he picked up a win in his first start, Trump gave them an “I TOLD YOU SO.”
TRAVIS KELCE’S CHIEFS TEAMMAAT STARTS EMOTIONAL FOR STARS ABOUT PLAYING ONE MORE YEAR
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) looks on against the Philadelphia Eagles during the game at Lincoln Financial Field on Aug. 16, 2025. (Kyle Ross/Imagn Images)
Sanders entered training camp as the team’s third-string quarterback, behind Joe Flacco and Gabriel — and that was only because Deshaun Watson is rehabbing an Achilles injury and they traded Kenny Pickett shortly after the draft.
Flacco was traded mid-season, moving Sanders to the backup role. After Gabriel suffered a concussion in his second start, Sanders took over. Quite literally as it happened, three masked burglars broke into Shedeur’s home and stole $200,000 worth of merchandise.
In his first start, Sanders earned a win, prompting the Browns to hold on to their fifth-round quarterback. Since then, it’s been a whirlwind, and it doesn’t look like the storm will end anytime soon. Entering Week 17, Sanders is 1-4 with 1,103 passing yards, six touchdowns and eight interceptions with a 55.1 completion percentage.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) throws a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens in Cleveland, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/David Richard)
Cleveland will have another early pick, and they also own the Jacksonville Jaguars’ first-rounder this year, so there are plenty of options on the table.
But Sanders has been adamant that he is “the one” Browns fans “have been looking for.” By 2026, the answer will be clearer one way or the other.
