The Cleveland Browns recently announced the jersey numbers for their rookie class and free agent signings, revealing that Shedeur Sanders will don No. 12 instead of the No. 2 he wore at Colorado. The change in number is due to the signing of wide receiver DeAndre Carter, who will also wear No. 2 for the Browns this season. Sanders was drafted in the fifth round as the 144th overall pick after a significant drop in his draft stock. Alongside him, the Browns’ first-round pick, Mason Graham, will wear No. 94, while fellow rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel has been assigned No. 5, at least for now.
There’s a possibility that jersey numbers could change before the beginning of the 2025 season, as noted by the Browns in their announcement. This introduces a level of uncertainty regarding whether Sanders will stick with No. 12 for the entire season. He finds himself among a competitive roster of quarterbacks, which includes Deshaun Watson, who is currently dealing with an injury after re-rupturing his Achilles tendon, as well as the newly acquired Kenny Pickett and seasoned veteran Joe Flacco.
Sanders’s transition to the NFL is under keen observation, especially since the Browns do not currently have a definitive starting quarterback. With Watson’s recovery timeline unclear, the implications of Sanders’s performance during training camp and preseason games will be significant in determining who earns the starting position. The pressures of competing against established players in an already crowded quarterback room make this a pivotal moment for Sanders as he embarks on his professional career.
Additionally, the Browns’ quarterback situation has been complicated by recent trades and acquisitions, making the competition even fiercer. The recent signing of Joe Flacco hints at the franchise’s intent to bolster its quarterback depth, especially in light of Watson’s ongoing recovery. This mixed bag of talent in the quarterback position opens multiple avenues for the team’s strategy moving forward into the season.
While the immediate focus lies on which quarterback will claim the starting role, Sanders’s journey is also about adapting to the demands of the NFL. Excelling in this environment requires not only skill and poise but also the ability to quickly understand and execute plays. His past experiences at Colorado, where he faced intense pressure and high expectations, may equip him to handle the rigors of professional football, but every player’s journey is unique.
In summary, Shedeur Sanders’s entry into the NFL with the Cleveland Browns is layered with anticipation and uncertainty. His jersey number reflects the shifting dynamics within the team, particularly in the crowded quarterback race. As the Browns navigate their complicated quarterback landscape, all eyes will be on Sanders to see if he can leverage his college experiences and emerge as a reliable contender for the starting role in the upcoming season.
