Browns owner Jimmy Haslam makes astonishing claim about Shedeur Sanders: What happened before the NFL Draft?

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Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has publicly clarified that the decision to select quarterback Shedeur Sanders in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft was made by General Manager Andrew Berry.

During a press appearance on Tuesday, Haslam stated that as of the evening of Day 2 of the draft, he did not anticipate the organization selecting Sanders.

However, following discussions held on the morning and afternoon of Day 3, the Browns ultimately used the 144th overall pick to draft the quarterback.

“At the end of the day, that’s Andrew Berry’s call,” Haslam revealed. “Andrew made the call to pick Shedeur.”

He emphasized the delineation of roles within the organization, noting that personnel decisions fall under Berry’s authority, while coaching responsibilities, including starting lineups and play-calling, are the responsibility of head coach Kevin Stefanski.

Sanders’ status and early evaluation

Sanders, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, entered the draft with significant media attention due to both his college production and family legacy.

Despite early projections positioning him as a potential early-round selection, Sanders remained undrafted through the first two days. His eventual selection in the fifth round raised questions about his draft stock and future role.

Currently, Sanders is participating in a competitive quarterback room that includes veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, as well as fellow rookie Dillon Gabriel, a third-round pick.

He is listed as the fourth quarterback on the depth chart and has yet to receive first-team practice repetitions. According to Browns sources, the majority of starting reps in camp have gone to Flacco and Pickett.

While Sanders’ practice opportunities have been limited, organizational figures, including Haslam, have commented positively on his professionalism.

“He’s come in the building, worked hard, kept his head down and done what he’s supposed to do,” Haslam explained.

Additionally, Sanders has reportedly undertaken individual training and quarterback-specific instruction in an effort to improve his competitive standing.

Notably, Sanders requested that his father not attend Browns training camp. According to Deion Sanders, his son expressed a desire to focus without external distractions during the evaluation period. Sanders reportedly told his father that he was not yet where he needed to be competitively and preferred to demonstrate progress on the field.

Fans’ view on Haslam’s remarks

Haslam’s comments have been interpreted by some analysts and fans as an effort to distance himself from potential criticism should Sanders fail to develop into a viable NFL quarterback.

Such interpretations gained traction on social media, where observers speculated that the owner’s remarks served to shift accountability to the general manager in the event of an unfavorable outcome.

Nevertheless, General Manager Andrew Berry has indicated the team is open to retaining four quarterbacks on the regular-season roster, suggesting that the competition remains ongoing.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski also stated that while a starting quarterback has been tentatively identified internally, final decisions will be made based on performance during training camp and preseason games.

Sanders’ future with the Browns will likely be determined by his ability to capitalize on preseason opportunities and demonstrate readiness to contribute at the professional level. The organization has signaled a willingness to evaluate all options, maintaining flexibility in final roster decisions ahead of the regular season.

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