The Cleveland Browns selected Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round of the NFL Draft back in April, but he could have ended up with the Baltimore Ravens. Instead, Sanders declined the Ravens' interest — and now finds himself in a difficult situation in Cleveland. The decision has drawn heavy criticism since the report became public.
“I think this is insane. ... At this point you're in the fifth round. I understand you had higher hopes, but you've dropped to the fifth round and you're thinking about being a starting quarterback the next year. I think this is incredibly shortsighted. ... You want to go to a good organization where you can develop and reach your potential,” Alex Smith said on Sunday NFL Countdown.
With things not going particularly well in Cleveland, a trade may be the most realistic path forward. Sanders wants an opportunity — and he might have a better shot at that with the New Orleans Saints.
“The New Orleans Saints are hoping either Spencer Rattler or Tyler Shough can be a competent QB in 2025. And hopefully much more in the years ahead. However, that is far from a guarantee. With their QB situation wide open, adding Sanders to the mix could give them another option long-term if the aforementioned pair don’t show growth this year,” Sportsnaut’s Jason Burgos wrote.
The Saints find themselves in the middle of a quarterback dilemma. They've named Rattler the starter coming out of camp, but he remains a work in progress. Still, offensive coordinator Kellen Moore expressed confidence in the group.
“We feel great about this group," Moore told reporters. "We've invested and poured a lot into these guys. These guys are young guys who are going to keep growing each and every day, and we are excited to see where this thing goes for all of them."
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Adding Sanders would bring depth, competition, and long-term upside to a QB room still searching for stability. He could ultimately prove to be a blessing in disguise for the Saints.
It’s a low-risk move for New Orleans, as the Browns likely wouldn't ask for much in return. Sanders would welcome a fresh start — and could potentially become the answer at quarterback for a franchise still trying to find one since the departure of Drew Brees.