Shedeur Sanders Reportedly Declined Baltimore Ravens Draft Offer; Joe Flacco Returns as Browns QB
In a surprising turn of events during the 2025 NFL Draft, Shedeur Sanders reportedly turned down an offer from the Baltimore Ravens. Simultaneously, veteran quarterback Joe Flacco prepares to face his former team, the Ravens, as the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns. These developments add intrigue to the AFC North rivalry.
Sanders' Draft Day Decision
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Ravens intended to select Sanders in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. However, Sanders declined, citing concerns about limited playing time behind entrenched starter Lamar Jackson. He reportedly didn't want to join a roster where a starting opportunity seemed improbable. Sanders was eventually selected by the Cleveland Browns three picks later.
Despite being considered a potentially better prospect by many talent evaluators, Sanders' draft stock fell, landing him in Cleveland. He began the 2025 season as the Browns' third-string quarterback, behind Flacco and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel. While a starting role is not immediately guaranteed, Sanders' path to playing time appears clearer in Cleveland, especially given Flacco's age (40) and the Browns' potential need to look to the future.
While the Ravens offer a more stable organization and coaching staff under John Harbaugh, Sanders prioritized immediate playing time. His success in Cleveland hinges on his ability to surpass Gabriel, who impressed in the preseason. If Sanders can seize the opportunity, it could prove to be a rewarding decision. If he falters, it will add to Cleveland's history of quarterback struggles.
Joe Flacco's Baltimore Return
Joe Flacco, a Ravens legend and Super Bowl XLVII MVP, is set to return to Baltimore as the Browns' starting quarterback. Flacco spent 11 seasons with the Ravens (2008-2018), establishing numerous franchise records and leading them to their second Super Bowl victory. Now at 40 years old, he will lead the Browns against his former team in an AFC North showdown at M&T Bank Stadium.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh acknowledged Flacco's iconic status in Baltimore football history. “What an amazing run, and what an era for the Ravens, the ‘Joe Flacco era,’” Harbaugh stated. While Flacco faced the Ravens as a member of the New York Jets in 2022, this marks his first game against them in Baltimore since his departure.
Flacco departed Baltimore amicably after the team drafted Lamar Jackson in 2018. During his time with the Browns, Flacco has embraced a mentoring role, offering guidance to rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. He expressed fondness for the city and the Ravens organization, emphasizing the positive memories from his tenure in Baltimore. While he sees it as "another division game," he acknowledges the significance of returning to M&T Bank Stadium and playing in front of the Baltimore fans.
Browns' Quarterback Situation: Sanders, Gabriel, and Zappe
Recent reports suggested that Shedeur Sanders was not receiving practice reps with the Browns, but Browns quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave clarified the situation. Musgrave stated that Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Bailey Zappe are all participating in scout-team duties, replicating opponents' offenses for the Browns' defense. This approach is designed to prepare the defense while simultaneously allowing the quarterbacks to develop their skills and understanding of various offensive concepts.
Musgrave highlighted that both Gabriel and Sanders have adapted well to their reserve roles, actively studying the game plan and engaging in extra drill work. He acknowledged the importance of keeping both quarterbacks prepared, noting that "Dillon [is] one play away and Shedeur [is] two plays away." The Browns' unconventional approach to the scout team aims to maximize the development of all quarterbacks on the roster.
