“I don’t think he is 100% a lock”: NFL insider questions if Shedeur Sanders could make Browns’ roster

It’s been a turbulent few months for Shedeur Sanders. After an impressive college season with Colorado he was expected to be one of the first QBs selected at the 2025 NFL Draft, only to slip to the fifth round.

He was selected by the Cleveland Browns, a team that is not short of options at quarterback. The Browns already have veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, while fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel was a third round pick.

There is still much uncertainty surrounding the Browns for the 2025 season and NFL Insider James Palmer has reported that Sanders may not even make it onto the team’s final roster.

“Fifth-round picks are not a lock to make the roster,” Palmer said. “So, no, I don’t think he is 100% a lock.”

“I think he is one of the highest-selling jerseys in the NFL right now. I think that, sometimes, plays a part, popularity. I hate to say it but it does oftentimes, especially in the eyes of owners. But you don’t draft a guy in the third round and cut him. I think one of the two, Kenny Pickett or Joe Flacco, will make the team,” Palmer continued.

Without a clear pecking order, Cleveland may choose to base their decision on each player’s performances during the offseason practice work. Sanders has not yet had many reps during the OTAs but finished a recent practice going 7-of-9 and recording three touchdowns. That was the most of any of the four QBs in contention.

It’s been a rocky start to life in the professional game for Sanders but will it all be worth it. For his part, Palmer beleieves that Sanders will make the team. He said: “I think Shedeur is not a lock to make the roster. Do I think he does? Yes.”

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