Sanders Chose opportunity Over Stability, Landing with the Browns
During the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the baltimore Ravens targeted Shedeur Sanders with their third pick, but the quarterback declined their offer, according too ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Ravens, holding the 139th overall pick, reportedly intended to select sanders. However, Sanders informed the team he preferred a situation offering a clearer path to playing time. With Lamar Jackson firmly established as Baltimore’s starter,Sanders anticipated limited opportunities,even in the event of an injury.
Sanders ultimately landed with the Cleveland Browns, selected three picks later. He began the 2025 season as the team’s third-string quarterback, behind veteran Joe Flacco and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel.
While Sanders faces an uphill battle for playing time, a starting role appears more attainable in Cleveland than it would have in Baltimore. Flacco, at 40 years old, has recently enjoyed a career resurgence, but his age raises the possibility of a shift to younger talent should he struggle or the team’s playoff hopes diminish.
Currently, Gabriel holds the No. 2 spot on the depth chart, having impressed during the preseason, especially in the final game. pre-draft evaluations frequently enough favored Sanders as the more promising prospect, but the Browns coaching staff currently assesses Gabriel as the superior player.
The decision reflects Sanders’ prioritization of potential playing time. While the Ravens offer a reputation for organizational stability under head coach John Harbaugh, and could have provided a valuable developmental environment, the Browns present a more immediate opportunity for Sanders to compete for a starting position. however, the Browns’ history of quarterback instability means Sanders’ success will be crucial to avoid repeating past patterns.
