Shedeur Sanders Faces Uncertainty as Browns Move Forward Without Lamar Jackson in the Spotlight
In an unexpected twist, Shedeur Sanders, the promising rookie quarterback for the Cleveland Browns, finds himself in a situation full of both challenge and opportunity. While many saw Sanders as a future NFL star, his decision to turn down the chance to back up Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is now raising questions in the wake of Jackson’s recent injury.
After opting out of a potential backup role in Baltimore, Sanders is currently stuck as the third-string quarterback in Cleveland, with Joe Flacco and rookie Dillon Gabriel ahead of him on the depth chart. Sanders, who made the bold decision to bypass the Ravens’ backup quarterback position, had hoped for a starting role or at least some meaningful snaps by now. Yet, with Lamar Jackson out due to a significant knee injury in Week 5, Sanders is left to watch from the sidelines as the Ravens turn to Cooper Rush to fill in for Jackson.
Had Sanders accepted the Ravens' offer, he could’ve been in a prime position to take over if Jackson’s injury lingered. Instead, in Cleveland, despite his potential, he’s now waiting in the wings as the team’s third option, unsure of when, if ever, he will get the opportunity to prove his worth on the field.
Sanders’ predicament highlights the challenging reality of the NFL draft process, where every decision can drastically shape the course of a player’s career. The Browns’ decision to start veteran Joe Flacco and later give Dillon Gabriel the first-team reps in their Week 5 game against the Minnesota Vikings suggests the team is leaning on experience while they assess the future of the position. However, for Sanders, the situation could be seen as an unfortunate turn of events.
The most recent twist came when Jackson’s injury forced the Ravens to search for an immediate solution. Sanders’ decision not to join Baltimore now looms large as an example of how rapidly opportunities can change in the NFL. For many players, a backup role with a team like the Ravens, a team with playoff aspirations, might have been the ideal place to grow. Instead, Sanders’ path in Cleveland is uncertain, and as his team looks to find consistency in a crowded quarterback room, Sanders is forced to be patient.
Despite the situation, Sanders remains confident in his abilities, but the clock is ticking. As the Browns prepare for their next game, it remains unclear if or when Sanders will see the field. With Flacco taking the reins and Gabriel showcasing potential, Sanders’ future with Cleveland may depend on his ability to prove he can handle the spotlight when it’s his turn.
It’s easy to overlook how quickly things change in the NFL, and Sanders is learning that the hard way. Though he may have avoided the immediate pressure of playing behind Lamar Jackson, his patience will soon be tested. The question remains: will Shedeur Sanders be ready when his moment finally arrives, or will this decision lead to a lost opportunity? Only time will tell.
Jets Target Justin Fields Replacement in New NFL Mock Draft: 'Sky's the Limit'
Justin Fields has 13 games left to determine if he remains with the New York Jets, or see if he can ink a big money payday elsewhere.
One new NFL Mock Draft, though, has the franchise adding his replacement. Even calling this move a "sky's the limit" scenario for the winless Jets.
And this idea arrives after Fields impressed as a runner, but struggled as a passer in the Monday Night Football loss to the Miami Dolphins.
Jets Draft Dynamic, Intriguing Replacement for Justin Fields
Luke Easterling of Athlon Sports calls for LaNorris Sellers of South Carolina as the Jets' QB of the future -- and Fields successor.
"None of the preseason favorites among the top quarterback prospects in this class of lived up to the hype so far, but Sellers is still the one I’m most excited about when it comes to his tools and upside," Easterling wrote in his evaluation.
Sellers and South Carolina have underwhelmed so far in 2025. They're only 3-2 after hearing Heisman Trophy hype for the dual-threat quarterback.
Easterling, however, still believes in Sellers' potential and calls him a prime "long-term replacement" for New York's current QB1.
"He’s still got a rocket arm and rare athleticism/playmaking ability when things break down, and if he can continue to develop as a passer from the pocket, the sky’s the limit," Easterling said. "Justin Fields is playing on a one-year deal, and Sellers could be his long-term replacement."
Does Sellers Rank Ahead of Notable SEC Passers?
Sellers lands at No. 4 to the Jets in this mock. That doesn't make him the first QB taken, though. Fernando Mendoza of Indiana goes two spots ahead to the New Orleans Saints.
The Gamecocks standout, however, lands ahead of some renown SEC passers who garnered equal or more attention before the season.
Arch Manning is nowhere listed in this new mock draft, with many believing he needs another season with Texas amid his '25 struggles. DJ Lagway of Florida is another unmentioned Southeastern Conference star in this first round mock. Even Garrett Nussmeier of LSU goes from top pick to no mention here.
That makes Sellers the top NFL QB talent from the SEC, for this week only.
Sellers can still draw hefty intrigue with his arm strength and ability to make plays under duress. But his stock boosts if he gets South Carolina out of this current inconsistent period its in.
He'll more than likely command top 10 draft attention if the Gamecocks go on a sudden surge with five straight ranked foes all on deck next.
