Breaking: Browns QB Shedeur Sanders Responds to Report That He Told Ravens NOT TO DRAFT HIM

Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is setting the NFL on fire — both on the field and in the headlines. But this week, it wasn’t a touchdown pass that had fans talking — it was a bombshell report suggesting Sanders told the Baltimore Ravens not to draft him before the 2025 NFL Draft.

The rumor, which surfaced earlier this week via a segment on ESPN’s NFL Countdown, claimed that Sanders’ camp “strongly communicated” to the Ravens’ front office that the young quarterback had “no interest in playing in Baltimore.” The report ignited a media frenzy, with some questioning Sanders’ professionalism and others praising his assertiveness in controlling his future.

But now, Shedeur is setting the record straight.

In a surprise post-practice press conference Friday afternoon, Sanders addressed the rumors head-on.

“Let me be real clear — I never told any team not to draft me,” Sanders said. “People talk a lot this time of year. But I respect every organization in this league, including the Ravens. That’s a great team, a great city, and a great culture. But I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.”

Sanders, the son of NFL legend and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, was selected by the Browns with the 12th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The pick came after weeks of speculation, with Shedeur widely projected to go in the top 10. The Ravens, who held the No. 10 pick, passed on Sanders in favor of a defensive end — a move now under scrutiny given Sanders’ electric start to the season.

In just two games, Sanders has thrown for 604 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions, earning him AFC Offensive Rookie of the Month honors and sparking early comparisons to other elite young quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and C.J. Stroud.

When asked if he had any “preferred destinations” going into the draft, Sanders offered a mature response.

“Of course you think about fit, coaching, the system — everybody does. But I’ve never been afraid of hard work or challenge. Cleveland gave me a chance, and I’m locked in on repaying that trust.”

Deion Sanders, who has often been vocal about the business side of football, also addressed the rumors subtly via social media, writing on X:

“Never told anyone where NOT to go. We just prayed for where he BELONGED. #TruthOverTalk”

The Ravens, for their part, have not commented publicly on the report.

Still, the idea that a rookie quarterback could influence draft strategy at that level has added another layer to the growing legend of Shedeur Sanders — a player who carries both hype and heritage, and so far, has lived up to both.

One thing is certain: Whether or not the Ravens were ever in the mix, the Browns — and Shedeur — are making the most of the moment.

“Cleveland believed in me,” Sanders said. “That’s all I needed.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvTVRAoqlRU