- Cleveland Browns. Browns QB decision: Why Dillon Gabriel may win the starting job over Shedeur Sanders
- Cleveland Browns. Cam Newton called out Shedeur Sanders: Now his first coach is firing back
The disappointments don't end for Shedeur Sanders. After being selected in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the brand-new Cleveland Browns quarterback will have to accept another disappointment at the start of his professional career, and it's all because of DeAndre Carter.
The son of the legendary Deion Sanders hasn't had it all right after leaving college football. First, rumors about his alleged bad temper and criticism of his physique tarnished his reputation. Then, these rumors led to a dramatic fall that ended with him being selected 144th overall in the last draft.
Now, the young Sanders will have to accept another harsh reality: he is no longer the star player of the Colorado Buffaloes but the rookie and fifth quarterback of the Browns. That comes with consequences few could have foreseen.
A new jersey for Shedeur
In a recent social media post, Cleveland announced the numbers its rookies will wear. Sanders wore number 2 in his two years with the Buffaloes; however, that number has already been taken by veteran DeAndre Carter.
Signed just a few weeks ago to add depth to the receiver room, Carter is also a newcomer to the Browns. However, as a 10-year veteran, he has precedence in choosing his number, and everything indicates he doesn't plan on leaving it to Shedeur, who will have to settle with No. 12.
Sanders wasn't the only one who debuted a number. Quarterback Dillon Gabriel, drafted in the third round by Cleveland, traded the number 8 he wore at Oregon for number 5. As for the rest of the rookies, Quinshon Judkins will wear 10, Dylan Sampson 22, Carson Schweisinger 49, Harold Fannin Jr. 88, and Mason Graham 94.
A silver lining for Sanders
But it's not all bad news for Shedeur. Although his number wasn't known yet, Sanders' jersey is the top seller in the 2025 rookie class. The former Buffs quarterback even sured his old friend, Travis Hunter, and this year's first-round pick, Cam Ward.
Another consolation? Hunter's jersey at Colorado was number 12, so at least Sanders can feel like he's paying tribute to his old teammate. Now, all that remains is for him to secure a spot on the Browns' final roster and climb the ladder to become a starter.