Shedeur Sanders Shocks the Browns With Surprise Deal After Unexpected Draft Slide

In a move that has stunned fans and insiders alike, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders has signed a surprising deal with the Cleveland Browns, just months after his dramatic fall in the 2025 NFL Draft. Once considered a potential first-round pick, Sanders slid all the way to the fifth round, where the Browns selected him at No. 144 overall. Despite the drop, the 23-year-old quarterback has now signed a four-year rookie contract worth $4.6 million, including a $447,000 signing bonus.

This contract has become a hot topic of conversation—not just for its financial implications, but for what it means in the larger context of the Browns’ quarterback situation and front-office strategy. Some fans see it as a massive steal. “Cleveland got that young man for CHEAP,” one fan wrote, pointing to Sanders’ college popularity and strong marketability. Others believe Sanders could turn the tables on everyone who doubted him, with one user predicting he’ll be “the highest paid QB in 5 years.”

But not everyone in Cleveland seems thrilled.

Reports suggest that Browns owner Jimmy Haslam was initially not in favor of drafting Sanders, and some sources even claimed the decision came directly from General Manager Andrew Berry, not Haslam. This has led to speculation that the front office may not be fully unified in their vision for the young quarterback. Haslam, for his part, has made no public comment on the situation, but insiders say he was “caught off guard” by the contract and the attention it has generated.

Meanwhile, Sanders enters a quarterback room full of competition. Veteran Joe Flacco, former Steelers QB Kenny Pickett, and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel are all vying for playing time. On top of that, Deshaun Watson—still recovering from injury—is expected to return mid-season. The crowded QB depth chart has raised concerns about whether Sanders will be given a fair shot to prove himself.

The controversy intensified when NFL analysts like Ryan Clark dismissed the idea of a conspiracy to sabotage Sanders, stating that he’s simply being treated like any other fifth-round pick. However, others, including former stars Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson, have accused the Browns of mishandling Sanders, even suggesting that the team may be trying to “break” him mentally by limiting his reps and visibility.

Even Travis Kelce, star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, weighed in, urging the Browns to start Sanders. “The energy this kid brings is electric,” he said, joining a growing list of players calling for Sanders to get his shot.

The pressure is now on Cleveland’s coaching staff and front office. As the Browns prepare for their season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals, all eyes will be on how they manage their quarterback room—and whether Sanders will rise above the noise.

From being doubted and dropped, to potentially becoming the face of a franchise, Shedeur Sanders’ journey is only just beginning.