Reports suggesting that quarterback Shedeur Sanders has signed with the Carolina Panthers are false. In reality, Sanders was selected by the Cleveland Browns during the 2025 NFL Draft. The Browns took him in the fifth round with the 144th overall pick, bringing to an end a surprising draft slide for the talented former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback. Many analysts had previously projected Sanders as a potential first- or second-round pick, but he fell further than expected due to a variety of factors including concerns about his decision-making under pressure and his adaptability to NFL systems.
Sanders, the son of NFL Hall of Famer and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, entered the draft with significant hype. During his time at Jackson State and later at Colorado, he demonstrated excellent field awareness, arm strength, and leadership ability. At Colorado, he threw for over 3,000 yards and accounted for 27 touchdowns in his final college season, earning attention from scouts across the league. However, some teams reportedly viewed him as a developmental prospect rather than an immediate starter, contributing to his drop in draft position.
After being drafted by Cleveland, Sanders was seen at the Browns’ training facility in Berea, Ohio, where he met with coaching staff and teammates. In interviews, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity and emphasized his desire to prove himself at the professional level. His father, Deion Sanders, also spoke publicly about the selection, noting that the NFL is about opportunity and fit more than draft position. “God doesn’t make mistakes,” Deion said, affirming his belief that Shedeur is exactly where he’s meant to be.
The quarterback room in Cleveland is now crowded, with Deshaun Watson entrenched as the starter and veteran Joe Flacco still under contract. The Browns also selected another quarterback, Dillon Gabriel, earlier in the draft. This means Sanders will have to compete not just for a backup role but potentially for a place on the 53-man roster. However, the Browns’ coaching staff has hinted they value his upside and may be willing to develop him over time.
Social media briefly buzzed with unverified claims that the Carolina Panthers had signed Sanders, perhaps due to the team’s need at quarterback and the confusion surrounding his unexpected draft fall. These rumors were quickly dispelled by official announcements and reporting, which confirmed Sanders’ status with the Browns.
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on how Shedeur Sanders adapts to the speed of the NFL and whether he can distinguish himself among a crowded field of quarterbacks. Though he may not start right away, his story is far from over. If he can harness the same drive and discipline that defined his college career, Sanders could still become a long-term contributor in Cleveland — or eventually elsewhere in the NFL.
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