The Shedeur Sanders sweepstakes are getting more intense by the day. With all three teams at the top of the NFL Draft needing a quarterback, his landing spot remains uncertain. While the New York Giants have kept an eye out on veterans like Matthew Stafford and Aaron Rodgers, the other two have been relatively mum about their QB room moving forward.
However, the Cleveland Browns are becoming a likely landing spot for Sanders as the draft draws closer. One NFL analyst revealed how the Rock & Roll Capital has become not only a possibility but a potential favorite to acquire the Colorado Buffaloes’ superstar.
Why Shedeur Sanders to the Cleveland Browns Makes the Most Sense
During the latest episode of “The McShay Show,” trusted NFL analyst and draft expert Todd McShay made the case for Sanders going to the Browns. With their dire salary cap situation, the chances of Sanders landing in Cleveland seem favorable as the team explores options for cap relief.
“A week ago, I glossed over Cleveland taking Shedeur at No. 2. Right now, I truly believe that Shedeur Sanders is in play with that No. 2 pick for the Cleveland Browns,” McShay said.“They’re more handcuffed [than] any other organization by one contract: Deshaun Watson.”
He argued that the easiest way to fix the situation is by drafting a quarterback. He also highlighted Cleveland’s strong defense (No. 9 in PFSN’s Defense+ metric in 2024) and the pedigree of two-time Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski. But there are two reasons why he believes going after Sanders makes the most sense.
“They just need solid quarterback play. They don’t need elite quarterback play. … No. 1, [Browns GM Andrew Berry] can’t expect to be picking this high again … and if they are, Berry and Stefanski are very likely out of jobs.”
The second reason? “Because of the Watson deal, you don’t have the cap space to make any big-ticket signings. So, Cleveland’s best chance of winning short- and long-term is to strike gold with this No. 2 pick.”
Sanders finished the 2024 season with 4,134 yards and 37 touchdowns on an incredibly efficient 74% completion percentage despite playing behind a porous offensive line could be the way to go to, especially with Stefanski’s coaching pedigree.
“If I’m Andrew Berry, my greatest asset in this whole mess is my head coach. Stefanski is my greatest asset,” McShay said. “Stefanski has a proven track record of getting the most out of pocket-passing quarterbacks with limited mobility.”
Other analysts, like Mel Kiper Jr., have linked Sanders to the Giants. The latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft from PFSN also has him landing in New York.
Anthony Pasciolla wrote about the fit between the two, saying, “Sanders is a near-perfect fit in New York. Regardless of how he performs on the field, he’s a popular player and the son of an NFL legend joining one of the biggest markets.”
Cleveland will get its shot first given that they are higher in the current NFL Draft order and could spoil New York’s plans. Their need is clear, and the Buffaloes star could be their way out of quarterback uncertainty.