Cleveland Browns could make shocking Shedeur Sanders decision before 2025 season
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Shedeur Sanders was projected to be a first-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft by almost every mock draft.
Some analysts had Ole Miss' Jaxson Dart ahead of Sanders, but most evaluators had the Colorado passer as the second quarterback off the board behind Miami's Cam Ward.
TEMPE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 07: Quarterback Shedeur Sanders #2 of the Colorado Buffaloes watches from the sidelines during the second half of the NCAAF game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium...
TEMPE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 07: Quarterback Shedeur Sanders #2 of the Colorado Buffaloes watches from the sidelines during the second half of the NCAAF game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium on October 07, 2023 in Tempe, Arizona. The Buffaloes defeated the Sun Devils 27-24. MoreInstead, Sanders fell all the way to the fifth round before the Cleveland Browns ended his fall. Interestingly, though, the Browns selected quarterback Dillon Gabriel just two rounds earlier.
Now, Sanders joins a quarterback room that includes Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, Deshaun Watson, and Gabriel. But there's a possibility that Sanders doesn't even make the final roster.
"Sanders landed in a place where he's no sure thing to even make the roster, given that he'll likely open training camp fourth on the depth behind Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett and Dillon Gabriel. (Deshaun Watson is also on the roster but currently rehabbing an Achilles injury.) But he says he's willing to do whatever it takes to earn a roster spot," Pro Football Talk's Michael Davis wrote.
Additionally, general manager Andrew Berry made comments that imply he thinks Gabriel is a better prospect than Sanders.
"We talk oftentimes about quarterback being the most important position in the sport," Berry told ESPN. "We obviously spent a lot of time with Shedeur throughout the process. He's highly accurate, can play well from the pocket, very productive college career. And we felt like it wasn't necessarily the plan going into the weekend to select two quarterbacks, but we do believe in best player available, we do believe in positional value. We didn't necessarily expect him to be available in the fifth round. So, we love adding competition to every position room and adding him to compete with guys that are already in there, we felt like that was the appropriate thing to do."
Watson is recovering from an Achilles injury and likely won't factor into the competition. Flacco is currently projected to start, while Pickett is the backup and Gabriel is the third-stringer.
This means Sanders is starting as the fourth-stringer and the team would find it easier to cut a fifth-rounder than a third-rounder like Gabriel or a player they just traded for like Pickett.
The odds aren't in Sanders' favor, but much could chage this summer once practice starts. Either way, it will be fascinating to watch the Browns' quarterback battle this summer.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Nikhil Webb Walker returns to Colorado football workouts after lymphoma battle
Nikhil Webb Walker returns to Colorado football workouts after lymphoma battle Colorado Buffaloes defensive lineman Nikhil Webb Walker is back on the field, less than a year after being diagnosed with lymphoma. Webb Walker participated in Thursday's summer workout at CU's indoor practice facility, as reported by "The Pregame Show." The junior defensive end appeared in the first five games of last season, mostly on special teams, before stepping away in October to undergo treatment. "It feels good, man," Webb Walker told Thee Pregame Show. "The altitude gets me a little bit, but we're going to be back straight soon." According to Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, Webb Walker wrapped up his chemotherapy in March and has been on the mend since then. A native of Jamaica, Webb Walker began his college career at New Mexico State before transferring to Colorado ahead of his sophomore season. As an Aggie, he starred in 12 games, including four starts, where he put up good numbers, finishing the year with 25 tackles, five tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble. During his first year with the Buffs, Webb Walker was primarily a special-teams player but played his first defensive snaps during the Week 5 game against UCF. If Webb Walker is fully healthy entering the season, he provides defensive coordinator Robert Livingston another versatile weapon along the defensive line. The Buffs led the Big 12 in sacks last season, so it might be a formidable lineup to crack. Nonetheless, it is fantastic news to see Webb Walker back on the field and anything he produces on the field should be considered a bonus. Follow Charlie Strella on X, Threads and Instagram. Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.
UPI
7 hours ago
- UPI
Arsenal signs defender Gabriel Magalhaes to four-year deal
Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes appeared in 210 games since joining the Gunners in 2020. File Photo by Vince Mignott/EPA-EFE June 6 (UPI) -- Arsenal signed Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes to a four-year contract extension, the Premier League soccer franchise announced Friday. "It's an amazing club," Gabriel told the team website. "I'm so proud to sign a new contract. I love this club. I love the fans, my teammates, I love this stadium. "I'm so proud. Thank you for all the support." Gabriel, 27, joined the Gunners in 2020. He helped anchor a defense that allowed the fewest goals (34) in the Premier League for the second consecutive season in 2024-25. He also contributed 20 goals over 210 career appearances for the Gunners. The veteran center back made his senior career debut in 2016 for Brazil's Avai. He also played for Lille of France's Ligue 1 before loans to Ligue 2 club Troyes and Croatia's Dinamo Zagreb. "I arrived here as a young player and it's almost five years at this club," Gabriel said. "I've learned a lot here. I'm so proud of myself as well to have worn the captain's armband. It's an amazing journey. "I'm so happy to continue this journey and hopefully win some trophies for this club." The Gunners (20-4-14) finished second in the 2024-25 Premier League standings, 10 points behind first-place Liverpool (25-4-9). Gabriel sustained a hamstring injury during an April 1 win over Fulham and missed the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign, but said he expects to be healthy for next season. "It's going very well," Gabriel said of his recovery. "It was a bit difficult for me, but I know it's time to recharge. I'm feeling much better now and I'm so excited for next season." The Gunners will take on AC Milan in a friendly July 23 in Singapore.
Newsweek
7 hours ago
- Newsweek
Jayden Daniels Reveals Thoughts on Frustrated Commanders WR
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Before he reaches year two in the NFL, Washington Commanders wide receiver Jayden Daniels is watching a potential holdout situation play out. If Terry McLaurin feels he has to force his team's hand to offer him a new deal, it could directly affect the sophomore passer. Fortunately for the Commanders, Daniels hasn't lost his focus. He remains in good standing with his All-Pro weapon and, ultimately, understands that the business side of the game sometimes overshadows the rest. Recently, Daniels spoke on the situation involving McLaurin, which includes an absence from minicamp. PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 14: Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders celebrates after a touchdown during an NFL Football game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 14, 2024 in Philadelphia,... PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 14: Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders celebrates after a touchdown during an NFL Football game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 14, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. More"Me and Terry have a good relationship outside of football," Daniels told reporters recently, according to Pro Football Talk. "Obviously, he has to handle what he has to handle, but that doesn't change anything, the fact that he is part of our brotherhood. We know Terry is working and everything. We have to get better, and he knows he has to get better each and every day." Commanders head coach Dan Quinn didn't have much to say on the matter outside of confirming that he's been in contact with the star wideout, and claims that McLaurin has had a "great offseason," based on their discussions. What's the Latest on the Terry McLaurin Saga in Washington? On Thursday, NFL Insider Jordan Schultz reported that McLaurin has "made it clear" to the Commanders' organization that he's frustrated with the lack of progress in contract discussions. Sources: #Commanders All-Pro WR Terry McLaurin has made it clear to the team that he's frustrated with the lack of progress on a long-term deal. As I previously reported, McLaurin unexpectedly left voluntary workouts after initially attending, and it remains to be seen whether… — Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) June 5, 2025 McLaurin, who's entering the final season of his current contract, does not have an extension in place. Clearly, the star wideout wants to lock in a new deal before heading into the 2025 NFL season. Securing money for the future, while eliminating the distractions of talking shop throughout the year, should be a priority for a team that hopes to make a deep postseason run in 2026. While McLaurin's absence at minicamp recently was notable and seemingly part of plan to make a push for a new deal, he was required to attend. When it comes to June 10-12, those are the dates to really keep an eye on. According to Schultz, McLaurin's plans for attending the mandatory phase of minicamp are unknown. "It remains to be seen" is the messaging coming from reports. While the situation is far from ideal, the Commanders remain in a good spot, especially since Daniels is seemingly comfortable with the situation. The last thing Washington wants to do is find a reason to break up the duo. In 17 games with Daniels under center, McLaurin thrived by catching 82 passes for 1,096 yards and a career-high 13 touchdowns. For the second time in his career, McLaurin was a Pro Bowler. He was voted Second-term All-Pro in 2024.
