Stephen A. Smith doesn't often provide half-measured takes.
That was true during the 2025 NFL Draft when it came to Shedeur Sanders, who the Cleveland Browns eventually took after a free fall to the 144th pick, in the fifth round.
Smith had compared Sanders to Colin Kaepernick. Smith wrote on X:
"Someone just texted me this message and they are absolutely correct: 'This is a bad look for the NFL. This feels like Kaepernick-level collusion.' All the hard work the NFL League Office puts in to eradicate these kinds of perceptions, only to turn around and watch as the OWNERS look like they’re colluding, messing up everything. What has been done to Shedeur will outshine everything else in this draft. We’ll never believe this is about just talent evaluation again."
MORE: Josh Allen's 6-TD day leads Bills to epic bounceback win
Comparing Sanders to Kaepernick in the first place was quite the move.
And now, it hasn't aged particularly well.
Sanders made his regular season NFL debut on Sunday. He came on in relief of Dillon Gabriel (concussion).
The rookie out of Colorado did not play well. He completed 4-of-16 throws, tossed an interception and was sacked twice for big losses.
There could still be an NFL future for Sanders, yes. He may even start this week if Gabriel can't go, and with a week of preparation, things might go better.
But to suggest that there was collusion against this player who looked overmatched in his debut? It may never have been the right take, and it certainly doesn't seem to be now.
More NFL news:
- NFL broadcaster joked that Tua Tagovailoa is on drugs
- Watch Steelers' 300-pound Darnell Washington hurdle defenders
- Sean Tucker had an epic career game
- Why Shedeur Sanders is in at QB for the Browns
- Why the Rams let Cooper Kupp leave for the Seahawks
- Jalen Ramsey ejected for punching Ja'Marr Chase