Shedeur Sanders didn’t see the field in the Cleveland Browns‘ opener but his jersey continues to fly off the shelf.
Sandersâ jersey ranks as the NFLâs fifth-best seller, according to NFLPA sales data from March 1 to July 31. The only players ahead of the Browns rookie are Philadelphia Eagles stars Saquon Barkley and Jalen Hurts, Washington Commanders Pro Bowler Jayden Daniels, and reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen. No other Browns player made the top 50.
It’s a testament to Sanders’ popularity, despite his slide from a projected first-round pick to the fifth round. The Browns scooped up Sanders at No. 144, ending his unexpected April draft slide. Sanders has had his moments in training camp and the preseason but opened the year as the No. 3 quarterback on the Browns’ roster. He’s sitting behind 40-year-old starter Joe Flacco and fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel.
Sanders was officially dubbed “inactive” for a Week 1 matchup against the Bengals. The former Colorado star functioned as the team’s third, emergency quarterback. He would have only been able to enter the game if both Flacco and Gabriel were injured and unable to play.
Shedeur Sanders Unlikely to Play for Browns This Season
The Browns face pressure to evaluate both Gabriel and Sanders before next year’s draft. Cleveland holds two first-round picks and could use those assets to pursue one of the top passers. And if the Browns aren’t stringing together wins, it could come sooner than later.
However, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported that Sanders is unlikely to see the field this season under the current circumstances.
âFor all the football conspiracy theorists out there trying to decode the real reason the Cleveland Browns drafted Shedeur Sanders, hereâs the truth: There is no big secret. The pick wasnât some master plan from ownership,â Russini said. âIt was GM Andrew Berryâs call, rooted in his belief that Clevelandâs coaching staff could bring out the best in Sanders and help him grow into an NFL quarterback. It will be a process, and the Browns want to keep developing him.â
She continued, âDonât plan on seeing the fifth-round pick on the field this season unless things get really weird. Cleveland believes in Joe Flaccoâs experience and Dillon Gabrielâs development as the backup.
Shedeur Sanders Understands He Can Improve
Sanders capitalized when he got his first preseason start and the spotlight against the Carolina Panthers. He passed for 138 yards and two touchdowns. Sanders suffered an oblique injury in practice, which prevented him from building on the momentum from his strong performance.
Sandersâ final preseason outing was rough. He completed just three passes and was sacked five times. The Browns also decided to pull Sanders for a two-minute drill situation late with the game on the line.
âObviously, I feel like I can improve in a lot of areas, like the same thing I said last time. Iâm just excited for the opportunity to get out there and play,â Sanders said after the game. âEvery day was a new day, every day you learn different things and life lessons that you learn in every situation. Iâm coming out of training camp happy that I got the opportunity.â
The Browns face the Baltimore Ravens this week as a double-digit underdog. Sanders is not expected to be active for that matchup.
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