The Cleveland Browns wound up taking Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. That decision came after the team already had Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and 3rd round draft pick Dillon Gabriel on their roster.
However, on Monday the team made a big announcement regarding the fifth quarterback they acquired.
“Perfect Timing” Browns Release Huge Statement On Shedeur Sanders (Report)
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) looks downfield during day two of NFL rookie minicamp at the Cleveland Browns training facility on Saturday, May 10, 2025, in Berea, Ohio. © Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) looks downfield during day two of NFL rookie minicamp at the Cleveland Browns training facility on Saturday, May 10, 2025, in Berea, Ohio. © Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
According to the Browns’ official website:
Perfect Timing
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Darrelle Lincoln of Total Pro Sports broke down the contract:
Sanders and the Cleveland Browns have agreed to terms on a four-year, $4.6 million deal. The former Colorado Buffaloes star is now officially part of the NFL after dropping to the fifth draft round.
Sanders’ deal includes a $447,380 signing bonus.
Sanders, selected No. 144 overall in the fifth round, had an incredible announcement about his signing when the Browns took to social media and posted a two-word response.
“Perfect Timing,” the post read, referencing Sanders’ rap song, which dropped in 2024 and has over 1 million views.
Nov 29, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) before the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Nov 29, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) before the game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Had the Browns taken Shedeur Sanders at No. 2 overall, which is where he was projected to go, he would have been in line for a deal worth $46.571 million.
While Sanders is in the headlines for his new contract, NFL analysts have also been reviewing his game since he was drafted.
Former Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel will continue to battle with Shedeur Sanders and others for the Cleveland Browns’ starting job before the 2025 NFL regular season.
May 9, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) walks off the field after rookie minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
May 9, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) walks off the field after rookie minicamp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
A third-round pick by Cleveland in the 2025 NFL Draft, Gabriel is not getting the attention, but is putting in the work.
Gabriel and Sanders already got things rolling at Browns rookie minicamp, where conflicting reports emerged about which quarterback looked better.
Browns reporter Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reported tight competition between the two rookies, with Gabriel likely having the slight edge.
“(Sanders) looked comfortable running the offense, but more so from a post-snap standpoint. . . .” Cabot wrote. “He didn’t beat out Gabriel hands-down like some have reported — it was much closer to a tie — but he looked very good and more than held his own.”
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) watches from the sideline during day two of NFL rookie minicamp at the Cleveland Browns training facility on Saturday, May 10, 2025, in Berea, Ohio. © Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Browns quarterback Sanders (12) watches from the sideline during day two of NFL rookie minicamp at the Cleveland Browns training facility on Saturday, May 10, 2025, in Berea, Ohio. © Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Browns’ beat writer Zac Jackson discussed how the two quarterbacks look against each other and stated Sanders has looked better throughout the rookie minicamps.
“In just throwing the ball, it’s not close — [it’s] Shedeur Sanders,” Jackson said in regards to the battle between Gabriel and Sanders.
At this point, it is just a toss-up.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) works with offensive coordinator Tommy Rees during NFL rookie minicamp at the Cleveland Browns training facility on Friday, May 9, 2025, in Berea, Ohio. © Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Browns quarterback Sanders (12) works with offensive coordinator Tommy Rees during NFL rookie minicamp at the Cleveland Browns training facility on Friday, May 9, 2025, in Berea, Ohio. © Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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