Shedeur Sanders' unexpected slide into Day 3 of the NFL Draft has come to an end. The Cleveland Browns made a notable move by trading up with the Seattle Seahawks to select Sanders with the 144th overall pick in the fifth round on Saturday. In exchange, the Browns offered the Seahawks their 166th and 192nd picks. After being drafted, Sanders expressed his gratitude on social media, posting to X, "Thank you GOD."
The Browns had been linked to Sanders throughout the drafting process, having spent considerable time evaluating him, yet they passed on him multiple times. Initially, Cleveland traded back with the Jacksonville Jaguars, moving from the No. 2 slot to No. 5. This strategic decision netted them a trade package that included the 36th pick, which was subsequently used to select running back Quinshon Judkins, along with a 2026 first-round pick. At the fifth overall pick, the Browns opted for defensive tackle Mason Graham.
Despite their interest, the Browns bypassed Sanders again at the end of the third round, choosing quarterback Dillon Gabriel with the 94th pick. When questioned about the decision to not select Sanders, general manager Andrew Berry mentioned on Friday night that four rounds remained in the draft and acknowledged his ongoing admiration for Sanders. A source within the team confirmed that even with the selection of Gabriel, Sanders remained on their radar, and his unexpected drop from being a potential top pick now leads him to Cleveland, albeit later than many anticipated.
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski stated earlier this week that every player in the quarterback room would compete for the starting position. This offseason, the Browns have made significant changes to their quarterback lineup, acquiring Kenny Pickett in a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles and signing veteran Joe Flacco in free agency. With Deshaun Watson expected to miss a substantial portion of the 2025 season due to a re-injury of his right Achilles tendon, the Browns are hoping for enhanced stability in their quarterback situation.
Since the franchise's return to Cleveland in 1999, the team has struggled with quarterback stability, having cycled through 40 different starting quarterbacks—10 more than the nearest team. Now, with Sanders joining a restructured quarterback room, he has a promising opportunity to compete for a starting role early in his career.
During the predraft process, the Browns engaged with Sanders multiple times. They met him at the East-West Shrine Bowl and again at the NFL Scouting Combine. Cleveland also hosted him for a visit and sent a large group to Boulder, Colorado, to dine with him and his father, Deion Sanders, the Pro Football Hall of Famer and Colorado football coach, the night before their Pro Day workout.
Team decision-makers frequently praised Sanders not only for his impressive on-field performance but also for his strong upbringing. A four-year starter in college, Sanders began his collegiate career at Jackson State, playing under his father's guidance, before transferring to Colorado. Last season, he led the FBS with a remarkable 74% completion rate, and his 37 passing touchdowns ranked second in the division. Sanders was recognized as a second-team All-American, earned the title of the 2024 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, and received the prestigious Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award as the nation’s top upperclassman quarterback.
