Shedeur Sanders Could Be The Cleveland Browns Last Option At Quarterback

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, speculation continues to grow around the future of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders. If the Cleveland Browns were to select him, the reality is that there would be little his father, Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, could do to alter the outcome.

No Option to Return to College

Unlike previous years when players could decide to return to school if they didn’t like their draft position, that window has officially closed for Shedeur. His eligibility is up, meaning there is no option to head back to Colorado or transfer elsewhere.

The UFL Is Not a Viable Alternative

While alternative professional leagues like the UFL exist, they simply don’t have the financial power to lure Shedeur away from the NFL. Given his marketability, talent, and projected contract value, playing in a secondary league isn’t a realistic possibility.

Trade Market Would Be Steep

If Shedeur were to refuse to play for the Browns, any potential trade scenario would require a significant return. Cleveland would likely demand at least a first-round pick or more in exchange for his rights, making it a costly move for any team hoping to acquire him.

Could He Just Sit-Out?

The final option—sitting out—rarely works in a player’s favor. Holding out would mean delaying his development, missing valuable playing time, and potentially hurting his draft stock in the long run. While players have tried this route before, it’s a risky gamble with no guaranteed success.

If the Browns draft Shedeur Sanders, the path forward is relatively straightforward: either he plays for Cleveland or another team meets the Browns’ demands in a trade. With no realistic alternatives outside of the NFL, the decision will ultimately come down to how Sanders and his camp choose to handle the situation.