League: NFL Sport: Football Country: United States Category: Coaching

Shedeur Sanders slides to fifth round amid Deion Sanders controversy

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 14, 2026, 1:06 AM

Last updated Aug 14, 2026

Shedeur Sanders slides to fifth round amid Deion Sanders controversy

Summary

Second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders, projected as a first-round pick, was selected 144th overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 2025 NFL Draft. His former teammate, LaJohntay Wester, suggested that Deion Sanders' stature as a coach created a perception of threat that adversely affected Shedeur's draft stock. This assertion has sparked mixed reactions among fans, with some supporting the notion that the Sanders family's prominence influenced team decisions. As the 2026 NFL season approaches, Shedeur competes with Deshaun Watson for the Browns' starting quarterback position.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Key Details

•Shedeur Sanders was selected 144th in the 2025 NFL Draft by the Browns.
•LaJohntay Wester claimed Deion Sanders' presence threatened other players' draft chances.
•Fans reacted strongly, suggesting bias against players linked to Deion Sanders.
•Wester was picked in the sixth round; other Colorado players faced similar issues.
•Shedeur competes with Deshaun Watson for Cleveland's starting QB role in 2026.

Latest Updates

1:06 AMYahoo Sports — ‘This Is Just Sad’ — NFL Fans React As Ex-Colorado WR Reveals ‘Threat’ of Deion Sanders Caused Shedeur Sanders’ Draft Slide

What they're saying

"
Second-year quarterback Shedeur Sanders experienced one of the most shocking draft slides of the decade. A projected first-round pick leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft, Sanders fell all the way to the fifth round, eventually being selected by the Cleveland Browns at 144th overall.
— Yahoo Sports

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