The 2025 NFL Draft delivered its fair share of drama, but no storyline stood out more than Shedeur Sanders' unexpected slide down the draft board. Once projected as a first-round pick and considered by many to be the No. 2 quarterback behind Cam Ward, Sanders wasn't selected until the fifth round, when the Cleveland Browns traded up to pick him at No. 144 overall.
Shedeur Sanders' Draft Day Slide Stuns NFL Fans
Sanders' fall was one of the most talked-about moments of the draft. After being hyped as a top-tier prospect from Colorado, the fact that he slipped to Day 3 raised serious eyebrows. The Browns' move to trade up with
the Philadelphia Eagles for Sanders was unexpected, especially since they had already drafted Dillon Gabriel in the third round.
Now, Sanders joins a crowded quarterback room in Cleveland that includes Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and Deshaun Watson, who is expected to miss the entire 2025 season after re-injuring his Achilles in January.
Fan Files $100 Million Lawsuit Over Shedeur Sanders' Draft Position
The fallout from Sanders’ draft position went beyond social media debates. In a surprising twist, a fan filed a $100 million lawsuit against the NFL, claiming “emotional distress and trauma” over Sanders’ draft slide.
According to MSNBC’s Jordan Rubin, a plaintiff using the pseudonym John Doe filed the lawsuit in Georgia federal court. The self-proclaimed “dedicated fan of Colorado football” alleged that leaked reports and negative narratives influenced teams to pass on Sanders, resulting in psychological harm.
“Despite Sanders’ demonstrated skills and significant attention during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, the NFL drafted him at the 144th pick during the 2025 NFL Draft,” the complaint stated.
Redemption Opportunity in Cleveland
While Sanders’ fall may have shocked analysts and fans alike, his situation in Cleveland could provide the perfect platform for a comeback. With Deshaun Watson sidelined, the starting quarterback role is up for grabs. Sanders will compete with Flacco, Pickett, and Gabriel for a chance to lead the Browns offense.
Donning jersey
No. 12, Sanders now has the opportunity to silence critics and prove that he should have been selected much earlier. While the lawsuit may not succeed, fans of Sanders will be watching closely as he begins what could be a powerful redemption arc in the NFL.
