As he enters his sophomore season in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns, quarterback Shedeur Sanders has decided to make a big change that he was forced to go along with as a rookie
17:11 ET, 30 Mar 2026Updated 17:11 ET, 30 Mar 2026
Shedeur Sanders is entering his second season in the NFL
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Shedeur Sanders is entering his second season in the NFL(Image: Getty Images)
Shedeur Sanders has switched to his preferred No. 2 jersey after the Cleveland Browns decided not to re-sign receiver DeAndre Carter.
Sanders showed flashes of his potential down the stretch of his rookie season, tallying a 3-4 record as the Browns floundered to a 5-12 finish. Then-Cleveland head coach Kevin Stefanski didn’t trust him early and has since found himself out of a job, replaced by Todd Monken.
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Sanders may need to earn his starting role amid the change in leadership, and he's hoping the Browns are active in the trade market for offensive weapons. But amid all the pressure, Sanders is ready to prove himself in his sophomore season.
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After being selected in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders started the 2025 season as Cleveland’s fourth-string quarterback, sitting behind Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. He eventually got his opportunity when both veterans got traded, and Gabriel went down with a concussion.
He ended up starting the final seven games, leading a unit that was already struggling. Sanders threw for 1,400 yards and seven touchdowns with 10 interceptions, and even earned a Pro Bowl berth — although this was likely a choice made based on popularity rather than performance.
Still, it was a promising, if not testing, season for Sanders as he got to grips with the unknowns of the NFL. As he enters a crucial sophomore campaign, Sanders will enjoy a level of familiarity from his college days as he turns to the No. 2 jersey.
Last season, Sanders wore No. 12 after his preferred No. 2 was unavailable. Veteran receiver and return specialist Carter was seen as a long shot to make the Browns roster, but he had signed with the AFC North franchise before Sanders’ arrival and had been assigned the No. 2.
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Shedeur Sanders wore No. 2 during his time at Colorado in college
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Shedeur Sanders wore No. 2 during his time at Colorado in college(Image: Getty Images)
He refused to pay for the number like some players do, telling reporters during rookie minicamp: “I’m not trying to buy anything. My signing bonus ain't that high right now.”
However, Carter is now a free agent — so Sanders has swooped for his number. The all-time FBS/Division 1-A completion percentage leader at 71.8 percent for his career, Sanders wore No. 2 during his two seasons playing college football at Colorado.
Sanders had plenty of success with No. 2 in college; in his final season, he threw for 4,134 passing yards and 37 touchdowns with 10 interceptions across 13 games. He even got his jersey retired by the Buffaloes.
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Sanders is clearly pleased to get his number. He posted “#2” on social media, which suggests he is pleased to have the number on the back of his jersey entering his sophomore season.. The Browns will hope the move helps him find his best form on the field.