The anticipation surrounding the NFL Draft this April raised questions about who would clinch the top overall pick. While analysts generally agreed that the Tennessee Titans were on the hunt for a quarterback, opinions varied about who would be the best choice. Ultimately, Cam Ward from Miami made headlines when the Titans selected him, leaving Shedeur Sanders, son of the legendary Deion Sanders, to be picked ninth overall by the New Orleans Saints. Sanders’ unexpected slide down to the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns sparked intrigue about his prospects in the league.
Sanders’ Unexpected Draft Journey
Before the draft, there was considerable discussion among analysts and fans regarding the potential No. 1 overall pick. Many recognized that the Tennessee Titans needed a quarterback, and some, including ESPN’s Mel Kiper, believed Shedeur Sanders was the top choice. However, Kiper ultimately predicted that the Titans would select Cam Ward from Miami, which indeed came to pass, with Sanders being selected later by the New Orleans Saints in the ninth position. Various mock drafts even had Sanders going as high as third to the New York Giants.
In a surprising turn, the Giants opted for Abdul Carter with the third pick and selected Jaxson Dart, the former Ole Miss quarterback, with the 25th pick. Meanwhile, Sanders fell to the Browns, who took him in the fifth round with the 144th overall pick. The decision raised eyebrows as Sanders became the fifth quarterback on Cleveland’s roster, yet the minimal risk associated with late-round picks made the move understandable.
Sanders Takes the Helm
Now, with his father, the Hall of Famer and current Colorado coach Deion Sanders, as a mentor, Shedeur Sanders is ready to prove himself. Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski announced that Sanders will start against the Las Vegas Raiders this Sunday, marking the rookie’s first career start.
He’s stepping in for Dillon Gabriel, who has been the starting quarterback since Week 5 but is currently recovering from a concussion suffered during last week’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens. There is currently no timeline for Gabriel’s return as he navigates the NFL concussion protocol.
In relief of Gabriel, Sanders took the field but struggled, completing 4 of 16 passes for 47 yards and one interception, while also being sacked twice. Adding to his challenges, Sanders experienced a personal setback when his home was robbed during the game.
Since their return to the NFL in 1999, Sanders will be the 42nd different quarterback to start a game for the Cleveland Browns. His modest contract as a fifth-round pick includes a four-year deal valued at approximately $4,647,380. The only guaranteed portion is a signing bonus of $447,380, received prior to the season, with a base salary of $840,000 for 2025, bringing his total earnings this year to $1,291,083.
In contrast, Ward, the first overall pick, secured a four-year contract worth roughly $48.7 million, while Dart, selected by the Giants instead of Sanders, has a four-year deal approaching $17 million, featuring an $8.9 million signing bonus.
Despite a rocky debut, Sanders had not practiced with the first team leading up to the game. With a full week of preparation under his belt, the Browns are hopeful for an improved performance. At the very least, Sanders aims to impress enough to secure a backup position, following in the footsteps of successful quarterbacks like Chase Daniel and Matt Flynn, who have thrived in similar roles while minimizing physical risks on the field.
John is a seasoned journalist at The Bothside News, specializing in balanced reporting across news, sports, business, and lifestyle. He believes in presenting multiple perspectives to help readers form informed opinions. His work embodies the publication’s philosophy that truth emerges from examining all sides of every story.
