Browns Owner Allegedly Confronted Over Shedeur Sanders QB Role Amid League-Wide Scrutiny

Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam is reportedly under scrutiny from NFL leadership following growing controversy surrounding rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders. While no official statements have confirmed a direct confrontation, sources close to the league suggest that key figures within the NFL have voiced concerns over the way Sanders is being handled — and whether it aligns with the league’s broader image of fair player development.

Shedeur Sanders, drafted in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, was one of the most talked-about prospects due to his standout college career at Colorado and his high-profile father, Hall of Famer Deion Sanders. Many analysts projected him as a top-15 pick, but his unexpected slide down the board sparked confusion, speculation, and now, allegations of behind-the-scenes politics.

The controversy escalated during the Browns’ preseason finale. Sanders, after taking multiple sacks and showing signs of pressure behind a weak offensive line, was benched in the final two minutes of a close game. The coaching staff replaced him with veteran Tyler Huntley — a quarterback who was waived shortly after — allowing him to lead the game-winning drive. The move was seen by many as robbing Sanders of a crucial evaluation moment.

What followed was a media storm. Prominent voices such as Shannon Sharpe, Cam Newton, and Chad Johnson accused the Browns of mishandling Sanders’ development. Fans on social media echoed similar sentiments, calling the decision “shady,” and even accusing the organization of trying to “break” Sanders psychologically.

Sources close to the league office say that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and his executive team have “taken notice” of the situation. While the NFL traditionally avoids interfering in team personnel decisions, one executive reportedly “raised eyebrows” at how a high-visibility rookie was being treated, especially given the league’s push for diversity, marketability, and next-generation quarterback talent.

Adding fuel to the fire, former NFL player Antonio Brown made unverified claims that Jimmy Haslam had broken a supposed “draft agreement” among team owners not to select Shedeur Sanders — a claim that has not been substantiated but continues to circulate online.

Haslam, when asked about Sanders’ role and the decision to draft him, distanced himself from the move, stating, “That was Andrew Berry’s call.” Berry, the Browns’ general manager, has remained mostly silent amid the fallout, while head coach Kevin Stefanski insists that all quarterbacks are evaluated fairly, regardless of draft position.

Meanwhile, the Browns’ quarterback room remains crowded, with veteran Joe Flacco named the starter and Sanders currently listed fourth on the depth chart. Many see this as a demotion that doesn’t match Sanders’ skill level — and are questioning whether internal dynamics or politics are at play.

As the regular season approaches, pressure is mounting on the Browns’ front office to clarify their direction. Whether or not an official confrontation between the NFL and Haslam occurred, the message is clear: the eyes of the league — and the public — are watching closely.