If you’ve been living under a rock or just tuned out the 2025 NFL Draft, you might still be asking what NFL team is Shedeur Sanders going to. Here’s the reality: he already went. In a move that didn’t quite get the "Prime Time" first-round fanfare everyone expected, Shedeur was snagged by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the 2025 draft.
Yeah, the fifth.
It was a weird vibe. While everyone was busy mocking him to the Raiders or the Cowboys, Cleveland sat back and grabbed him as a developmental piece. Fast forward to January 2026, and the conversation isn’t about where he’s going, but whether he can actually stay the starter in "The Land."
Honestly, the kid had a rollercoaster of a rookie year. He didn’t even start the season as the guy. He was buried on the depth chart behind Joe Flacco and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. But after a dismal 2-8 start for the Browns, the team finally pulled the trigger in Week 12.
The Cleveland Situation Right Now
The Browns finished the 2025 season with a 5-12 record. Not great. But Shedeur went 3-4 as a starter, which is basically a winning record by Cleveland quarterback standards. He threw 7 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Those picks? They were ugly. But he also led the team to two straight wins to close out the season against the Steelers and Bengals.
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Now, the front office is in a total state of flux. Kevin Stefanski is out. The search for a new head coach is the only thing people in Northeast Ohio are talking about. Some fans are even banging the drum for Deion Sanders to come to Cleveland, though that feels like a stretch even for a franchise as chaotic as this one.
The big question for 2026 isn't which jersey he'll wear, but who will be coaching him. If the Browns hire an offensive-minded coach like Joe Brady or Ben Johnson (if he ever leaves Detroit), Shedeur might actually have a shot. But if they go with a "rebuild everything" guy, they might use their No. 6 overall pick on a new arm.
Why the 2026 Draft Matters for Shedeur
The Browns are sitting at the 6th pick. Normally, that’s prime "take a quarterback" territory. But the 2026 QB class is kinda weird. Dante Moore, who everyone thought was a lock for the top 5, just announced he’s staying at Oregon for another year. That leaves Fernando Mendoza (Indiana) and Ty Simpson (Alabama) as the big fish.
If the Browns pass on those guys, it’s a massive vote of confidence for Shedeur.
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Most experts, like Field Yates and the folks at A to Z Sports, are mocking wide receivers to Cleveland instead. They’re looking at guys like Carnell Tate from Ohio State or Jordyn Tyson from Arizona State. Basically, the plan seems to be: "Let's actually give Shedeur someone to throw to and see what happens."
- The Deshaun Watson Factor: We can't talk about the Browns without mentioning the $230 million ghost in the room. Watson’s contract is still a mess. He’s likely to be healthy for the 2026 season, but his relationship with the team is... let’s call it "complicated."
- The "Prime" Influence: Deion hasn't been quiet. He's been at the games, he's been on the podcasts, and he's clearly pushing for the Browns to build around his son.
- Off-field Business: Shedeur isn't just a QB; he's a brand. He just signed a deal with Peaceful Struggle, a clothing line started by his teammate Ahmani Marshall. He’s making moves, regardless of the scoreboard.
Is he actually the long-term answer?
Depends on who you ask. If you check Reddit or the comments on any Mel Kiper post, you’ll see a civil war. Half the people think he’s a high-IQ pocket passer who just needs an offensive line that doesn't crumble like a dry cookie. The other half thinks he’s a mid-tier talent who only got the job because of his name.
His completion percentage was 56.6%. That's not going to win you a Super Bowl. But he’s shown a "clutch" factor that Joe Flacco lost somewhere back in 2014. He’s got that Tom Brady mentorship thing going on, and he doesn’t seem rattled by the Cleveland pressure. That alone is worth something.
What to Watch for This Offseason
If you're tracking Shedeur’s future, keep your eyes on the NFL Combine and the coaching hires. If Cleveland hires a coach who specifically mentions "developing young talent," Shedeur is safe. If they hire a veteran-heavy coach, he might be looking at a trade or a backup role.
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There’s also a slim chance he gets traded. Some teams are still desperate for a QB with "star power." If a team like the Raiders misses out on Mendoza in the draft, they might call Andrew Berry and see what the price is for Sanders.
Next Steps for Browns Fans and Dynasty Owners:
- Track the Coaching Search: The next 14 days will decide Shedeur’s career trajectory.
- Watch the 2026 Mock Drafts: If the Browns keep picking WRs or O-linemen in mocks, they are sticking with Shedeur.
- Check the Health Report: If Deshaun Watson is fully cleared by March, expect a training camp battle that will be the most-watched thing on NFL Network.
Basically, Shedeur Sanders is a Cleveland Brown. For now. Whether he stays "The Guy" depends on if the front office decides to build a house around him or just knock the whole thing down and start over.
Actionable Insight: Keep a close eye on the January 23rd deadline for underclassmen to declare for the draft. With Dante Moore already out, any other big-name QB staying in school significantly increases Shedeur's job security in Cleveland for the 2026 season.