Shedeur Sanders refuses to answer Ravens draft rumor after Browns loss

Shedeur Sanders entered the 2025 NFL Draft with sky-high expectations after lighting up defenses at Colorado. He threw for over 4,100 yards and 37 touchdowns in his final college season, finishing eighth in Heisman voting. But his stock tumbled after reports of rocky pre-draft interviews, and he slipped all the way to the fifth round, where the Cleveland Browns picked him up.

Now, he’s sitting as Cleveland’s third-string quarterback behind veteran Joe Flacco and backup Dillon Gabriel. Preseason action showed flashes of promise, Sanders went 17-for-29 with 152 yards and two touchdowns, but for now, his role is limited.

The Ravens connection

On Saturday, a new twist emerged. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Baltimore Ravens had been ready to draft Sanders but pulled back after he made it clear he wasn’t interested in sitting behind Lamar Jackson. That revelation stirred plenty of talk leading into Cleveland’s matchup on Sunday.

After the Browns’ loss, Sanders was asked directly about the report. His response was short and carefully measured.

“My response is I’m focused on the now,” Sanders told ESPN Cleveland. “I don’t really talk about anything in the past, and whatever happened in the past, it is what it is. I’m more focused on now. I’m more focused on how this game that we just gone and had and figuring out how to move forward from now.”

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What it means for Sanders

By brushing off the Ravens speculation, Sanders signaled he wants to leave the draft drama behind and focus on carving out a role with the Browns. Still, the idea that he declined a shot with a contender like Baltimore won’t be forgotten quickly.

Whether he eventually earns snaps in Cleveland or not, the spotlight is unlikely to fade. For now, Sanders’ message is clear: the past doesn’t matter, but the future will.

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