Shedeur Sanders: From Potential Saint to Browns Backup

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Shedeur Sanders, the son of long-time NFL star Deion Sanders, had hoped to join the New Orleans Saints during the 2025 NFL Draft. Deion, now head coach at Colorado, wanted his son to learn under veteran quarterback Derek Carr. He believed Carr would provide valuable guidance for Shedeur as he transitioned to the NFL.

In a recent episode of the ‘Home Grown’ podcast, Deion explained his strong desire for the Saints to draft Shedeur, stating, ‘I wanted my son to be on the same team that you were on because I know what you would pour into him.’ He emphasized the importance of mentorship over immediate playing time.

However, the Saints decided to select quarterback Tyler Shough from Louisville instead of Shedeur, a surprising choice that has left many fans questioning what could have been. Coach Kellen Moore acknowledged that while they admired Sanders, they saw Shough as a better fit for the team.

This decision comes as the Saints struggle with a 1-4 record. Current starter Spencer Rattler has faced criticism for his performance, leading many Saints fans to wonder if Shedeur could have made a difference.

In contrast, Shedeur was picked in the fifth round by the Cleveland Browns and initially sat fourth on their quarterback depth chart. Following a significant trade that sent veteran Joe Flacco to the Cincinnati Bengals, Shedeur quickly moved up to the backup role behind fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel.

This rapid ascent means that Shedeur is now one snap away from making his NFL debut, a far cry from being overlooked during the draft. Despite initially being disappointed at not being drafted by the Saints, Shedeur’s career is moving forward with new opportunities in Cleveland.

While the path for Shedeur isn’t what Deion Sanders envisioned, his opportunity to develop and potentially start games this season suggests a bright future ahead.