Shedeur Sanders drafted by Browns: Deion Sanders threw shade at Joe Flacco after team passed on son Round 1

The Cleveland Browns stopped the fall of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. They selected him in the fifth round with the No. 144 overall selection of the 2025 NFL Draft. Shadeur Sanders was viewed by many as the No. 2 QB in this class and was commonly mocked to go in the first round. However, he suffered an unprecedented tumble. This was the headline of the draft this year. 

The Browns are an interesting landing spot for more reasons than one. Not only did Cleveland pass on Sanders multiple times, but they actually selected another quarterback in Oregon’s Dillon Gabriel in the third round. Furthermore, the Browns have a loaded quarterback room that includes Deshaun Watson, Kenny Pickett, Gabriel, and the veteran Joe Flacco. It’s humorous that Sanders’ father, NFL legend Deion Sanders, threw some shade at Flacco during opening night of the draft! Clearly, this acquisition created some buzz. Notably, the addition of Shedeur Sanders to their roster was of significant interest.

In the first round, a camera caught Deion and Shadeur Sanders discussing the Browns. It was quite a moment for Shedeur Sanders. The team traded back from No. 2 overall before selecting Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham with the No. 5 overall pick. Due to the trade, Cleveland held two of the top four picks in the second round. 

“I’ll tell you who they got. They got Joe Flacco,” Shedeur Sanders told his father.

“Flacco my age!” the elder Sanders said with a smile. “I like Flacco,” he added, referring to the team dynamic after drafting Shadeur Sanders. 

While he’s not that old (Sanders is 17 years Flacco’s senior), the 40-year-old Flacco obviously isn’t a spring chicken. The Browns have been busy revamping their QB room this offseason with the addition of Shadeur Sanders. Watson may miss the entire 2025 season after re-injuring his Achilles back in January. This gives Shedeur Sanders an opportunity to step up.

According to CBS Sports Research, the Browns are the first team since the 2012 Washington Commanders to draft two quarterbacks in the first five rounds. Robert Griffin III and Kirk Cousins both went to Washington in 2012. Now, Gabriel and Sanders are both set to join the Browns. Shedeur Sanders is ready to make his mark in the NFL.

Source: CBS Sports