Analysts and fans alike are buffaloed by Shedeur Sanders’ draft stock.
The former Colorado QB was once slated to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft, but that wasn’t meant to be. Instead, Miami’s Cam Ward and Ole Miss passer Jaxson Dart were the lone quarterbacks taken in the first round on Thursday night.
Now, one of the top-ranked passers in the 2025 draft class will have to wait until Day 2 to hear his name called. While Sanders is an imperfect prospect, few could have seen the fall coming, including Sanders himself.
Entering Day 2, there are still plenty of quarterback needy teams, and plenty that are picking at or near the top of Round 2. The Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets are among teams who could target the passer if they want to roll the dice.
So, which team may be the best landing spot for Sanders? Here are some of his best fits, ranked.
Shedeur Sanders landing spots, ranked
5. New Orleans Saints
Kellen Moore has done good work with quarterbacks throughout his coaching career, but the Saints don’t currently have the infrastructure in place to develop a passer to their full potential. Plus, Derek Carr’s injury casting doubt over his 2025 availability makes for a pretty messy QB room at the moment. The Saints would be wise to wait and evaluate before taking a quarterback, potentially in 2026, rather than any of the remaining passers this year.
4. New York Jets
The Jets’ new regime opted for the safe, smart pick in right tackle Armand Membou in the first round. Should the offensive line develop, it’ll be the best one that Sanders has ever played behind. That would be a major plus for any rookie quarterback, especially one who was sacked 42 times in 2024. Sanders could also potentially learn a thing or two from journeyman passer Tyrod Taylor, the current QB2 on the Jets’ roster.
3. Las Vegas Raiders
In Geno Smith, the Raiders have a solid, veteran quarterback from which Sanders can learn. Couple that with Pete Carroll’s desire to pound the rock and you have a good situation for Sanders to thrive in – whenever he’s handed the keys to the car.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
With a pair of wide receivers in DK Metcalf and George Pickens and only Mason Rudolph as the only real (current) hurdle to the QB1 spot, the Steelers seem like a sensible landing spot for Sanders. That said, Pittsburgh did pass on Sanders with the No. 21 overall pick in the first round, so maybe the infatuation isn’t there. Still, Pittsburgh would be wise to select a passer of the future, and there’s arguably no better coach to guide Sanders into the NFL world than Mike Tomlin. The Steelers would have to get creative, though: They don’t own a second-round pick and aren’t on the clock until No. 83 overall on Friday night.
1. Cleveland Browns
This still seems like a seamless fit. With Deshaun Watson out for the duration of the 2025 season, the Browns are heading into a crucial year with Kenny Pickett and Joe Flacco under center. That room probably doesn’t inspire much confidence to compete for a division crown, but what it does do is offer the ability for Sanders to sit until he’s ready to start. Couple in the fact that Kevin Stefanski and Colorado OC Pat Shurmur crossed paths with the Minnesota Vikings, the Browns might be the ideal destination for Sanders.