The 2025 NFL Draft kicked off with much anticipation, but one name notably absent from the first round was that of Shedeur Sanders. Despite declaring himself the top quarterback in this draft class and insisting that teams would be making a mistake by not viewing him as a franchise-altering player, Sanders was unable to secure a selection on Day 1. As the draft progressed into Friday, all 32 teams continued to overlook the Colorado standout. By the end of the third round, it became evident that Sanders, once projected as a potential top-five pick, remained unsought. This leads to the pressing question: what lies ahead for the son of former NFL superstar Deion Sanders? Will he finally attract interest on Day 3 of the draft? The final rounds, encompassing Rounds 4-7, are set to begin Saturday at 12 p.m. ET.
As teams prepare for the final day of the draft, several potential landing spots emerge for Shedeur Sanders. Here's a closer look at where he might land:
At first glance, it may seem improbable for Sanders to join a team that just won the Super Bowl and has Jalen Hurts firmly entrenched as their starting quarterback. However, with Sanders potentially viewed as a backup after his surprising slide, the Eagles could see value in adding him. If he were to slip to the sixth or seventh round, Hurts might welcome the competition, and general manager Howie Roseman could even leverage Sanders as a trade asset if he develops into a solid No. 2 quarterback.
The Cardinals don't currently appear to be in desperate need of a quarterback, especially with Kyler Murray and Jacoby Brissett on the roster. However, if Murray fails to elevate his game to a playoff-caliber level by 2025, Sanders could be viewed as a valuable addition. His larger-than-life personality may pose challenges in a backup role, but his talent cannot be overlooked.
The Jaguars have focused their offseason efforts on supporting Trevor Lawrence. However, considering Lawrence's injury history, adding Sanders as a high-upside insurance policy could be a wise move. He would not only provide a significant upgrade over Nick Mullens at the No. 2 spot but also has a pre-existing connection with new playmaker Travis Hunter.
With the Colts having invested in Daniel Jones to compete with Anthony Richardson, the team remains in the market for a quarterback. If they are open to a third candidate in this competition, Sanders could prove to be a valuable asset, offering coach Shane Steichen a pure pocket-passing option.
While Dak Prescott remains the starter for the Cowboys, owner Jerry Jones has shown a willingness to explore younger backup options. After trading for Trey Lance in 2023 and Joe Milton in 2025, adding Sanders as a late-round pick could be a strategic move that also pays homage to his legendary father, Deion Sanders.
Head coach Sean McVay has a history of taking on reclamation projects at quarterback, as seen with Baker Mayfield and Carson Wentz. With Matthew Stafford now 37 years old and on a year-to-year basis, the Rams could find value in developing Sanders as a future starter.
The Jets have primarily focused on enhancing their roster around new quarterback Justin Fields, but since Fields is on a one-year deal, they may want to consider future options. A potential pairing of Sanders and Fields could be intriguing, not to mention the media frenzy surrounding the Sanders family in New York.
The Steelers present a complex scenario, as they still have significant needs at quarterback but have surprisingly passed on Sanders twice. If they are able to secure Aaron Rodgers, Sanders could step in as a low-pressure heir apparent, providing a safety net for the franchise.
In win-now mode, the Raiders are led by Geno Smith and coach Pete Carroll. With Smith at 34 years old, the team might eventually need to explore younger options. Rumors suggest that Sanders has connections with minority owner Tom Brady, making it possible that the organization could take a chance on him if the value aligns.
As the final day of the draft approaches, all eyes will be on Shedeur Sanders and whether he can find a new home in the NFL. Stay tuned for updates as the action unfolds!
